tandwielkoppelingen

Tandwielkoppelingen, also known as gear couplings, are mechanical devices used to connect two rotating shafts while transmitting torque and accommodating misalignment. The coupling consists of two hubs, each equipped with internal gear teeth that engage with a central gear, referred to as the spacer or insert. When the hubs rotate, the teeth interlock, allowing torque transfer while the flexible insert absorbs angular, axial and radial misalignment.

The concept dates back to the early 20th century, when industrial machinery demanded reliable power transmission between misaligned shafts. Early designs employed metal inserts with straight or helical teeth; later developments introduced elastomeric and composite inserts to improve damping and reduce vibration. Modern tandwielkoppelingen comply with international standards such as ISO 14691 and DIN 3992, which specify dimensions, tolerances, and testing procedures.

There are several main types of gear couplings. The most common are straight‑tooth couplings, which use parallel gear teeth and are suitable for moderate torque and misalignment. Helical‑tooth couplings provide smoother engagement and higher load capacity due to the angled teeth. For high‑speed applications, flexible inserts made of polyurethane, nylon or aramid fibers are used to minimize backlash and noise. Some couplings feature a split‑hub design that facilitates installation without disassembling the connected equipment.

Tandwielkoppelingen are employed in a wide range of sectors, including power generation, petrochemical processing, marine propulsion, and material handling. Their ability to handle high torque, compensate for shaft misalignment, and provide shock absorption makes them a preferred choice where reliability and maintenance reduction are critical. Proper selection depends on factors such as transmitted torque, speed, misalignment limits, environmental conditions and required service life. Regular inspection of gear teeth wear, insert condition and lubrication ensures optimal performance and longevity.