A gear coupling is a type of flexible coupling designed to connect two shafts together at their ends in order to transmit power, to transfer rotational motion from one shaft to another. They are available in a wide range of sizes and are capable of transmitting high torque at high speeds.
Each coupling consists of two hubs with external gear teeth; the hubs are joined by flanged sleeves with internal gear teeth, and the flanges are bolted together. There are three types of tooth designs used in gear couplings: straight teeth, crowned with constant radius, and crowned with variable radius. The coupling is typically enclosed.
The coupling parts include gaskets and O-rings to prevent the leakage of the lubricant filled inside the coupling. General-purpose gear couplings are usually made of carbon steel. Due to their design, these torsionally rigid couplings can withstand some shock load, but they cannot dampen well in case of significant amounts.
