Rubber elements for Couplings
One or more rubber elements are installed in some Couplings. These elements perform important tasks within these couplings. The valuable contribution of rubber elements should therefore not be underestimated. After all, effective and efficiently functioning couplings minimize the risk of failure in your machines. is your coupling compatible with rubber elements?
We can help you find the right rubber element for Couplings. You should then pay attention to the regular care and maintenance of the coupling elements. We therefore explain how you can avoid and recognize damage. We also provide you with tips to prevent damage from occurring in the first place.
At PMP, we know how important a suitable Coupling is for the smooth running of your system or machine. What’s more, damage always occurs at the most inopportune moments. That’s why we are available for you all year round and every day (24/7).
WHAT ARE RUBBER ELEMENTS USED FOR?
Rubber elements for Couplings have three important tasks.
Power transmission
The power transmission ensures that a force or torque is transferred between two different components. Our Couplings are used for dynamic power transmission. In contrast to static power transmission, the state of the components is changed. Coupling transfers the power of the engine to the transmission.
Compensation of radial misalignment, angular misalignment and axial misalignment
Radial, axial and angular positions must be taken into account, especially with a freely installed system; if the Coupling shafts are radially offset, precise torque transmission must be ensured. Angularly synchronous transmission must be ensured. If the Coupling is misaligned, this can lead to damage to the gearbox and the axial offset must also be compensated for. To prevent damage, any axial misalignment must be corrected, and we at PMP have our own devices and laser measuring equipment so that we can easily align the drivetrain.
Vibration damping
Vibrations can be caused by axle and angle misalignments. Unpleasant body noises can occur. Effective damping of vibrations can counteract increased component wear.
IN WHICH COUPLINGS ARE RUBBER ELEMENTS INSTALLED?
Rubber elements for couplings are not found in all couplings. However, they can be found in some couplings. These include the following couplings:
CENTAFLEX – A / ACV / AGM / AM
CENTAFLEX – D
CENTAFLEX – DS
CENTAFLEX – E
CENTAFLEX – R
CENTAFLEX – RV
CENTAMAX (all series)
CENTAX (all series)
CENTASTART
Rubber elements come in different shapes and sizes. We present the different variants of various series in our product catalogs. Please contact us and we will be happy to send you the relevant catalogs in German or English.
AVOID CLUTCH DAMAGE
It is important for you to know what damage can actually occur to a rubber element. In this context, you have probably already asked yourself whether this damage can be avoided at all.
Heat damage
Heat damage can occur if the temperatures are permanently outside the tolerance range (see photo). Additional covers or housings can cause heat build-up. This can cause the rubber element to harden prematurely. A ventilation grille can counteract heat build-up.
External influences: Oil, salt water, solar radiation
External influences such as oil, salt water or direct sunlight can also have a negative effect on the rubber elements. Protect the coupling elements from penetrating liquids and direct sunlight.
Check the settings of the Couplings
Rubber elements are designed to compensate for misalignments and dampen vibrations. Incorrect settings will damage the Couplings. Correct adjustment is therefore very important.
Suitable rubber element and rubber hardness
Please also note the use of the appropriate rubber element with the corresponding correct rubber hardness (Shore hardness). The rubber element and the rubber hardness must always be selected to suit the application. If one or even both are incorrectly selected, damage to the rubber element is inevitable. To prevent this from happening in the first place, we will be happy to advise you on the right element and calculate the correct rubber hardness for you.
RECOGNIZE CLUTCH DAMAGE
If the Coupling or the rubber element has already been damaged, it is important to be able to recognize this damage. Natural wear caused by many hours of operation can also damage the Coupling. But how can you recognize an old or broken rubber element? An old or broken rubber element loses its function over time. It becomes harder, rough (“elephant skin”), cracked and changes color.
Feature: Hardness of the rubber element
The degree of hardness of the rubber element can be determined using a measuring device (Shore tester) (see photo). Simply give us a call and we will of course carry out the measurement for you using our Shore tester. We compare the measured target and actual values. A deviation between the two indicates to us that the rubber element needs to be replaced. Of course, we will also provide you with expert support for the replacement.
Feature: Color of the rubber element
The color can be checked by visual inspection. This is because an old element changes color. As a result, the rubber element takes on a brownish color.
Heat damage – detect the hardness of the rubber element with a Shore tester
COUPLING BROKEN - WHAT TO DO?
Couplings can be repaired differently depending on the clutch series. That’s why we take care of the CENTAFLEX – DS, CENTASTART and CENTAX- V series couplings. All other series can be repaired by your own service personnel without much effort.
If you would like to repair your Coupling, please feel free to contact us. We will check how to proceed.
TIPS AND TRICKS: HOW TO MAKE THE RUBBER ELEMENT LAST LONGER
We would like to give you the best tips and tricks below. So that you can enjoy your Couplings in the long term.
Firstly: Always store your Coupling in a dry place.
Secondly, do not expose your Coupling to direct sunlight.
Thirdly, make sure that the Coupling is not more than five years old before installation.
Fourthly: Maintain the optimum storage temperature of 20 degrees C. Rubber elements for Couplings are important components of your Coupling. You should therefore maintain and check these elements regularly. After all, a damage-free rubber element ensures smooth operation. Accordingly, rubber elements that are not intact mean machine failures in the long term.
That’s why we at PMP are always happy to provide you with our expertise.
