10 best flexible beam couplings

Flexible beam couplings are mechanical components used in various industries and applications, primarily for connecting two shafts or pipes while allowing for angular misalignment, axial motion, and some degree of torsional flexibility. These couplings are commonly found in the fields of mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and plumbing. Here's what you need to know about flexible beam couplings:

  1. Purpose: Flexible beam couplings are designed to transmit torque and rotational motion from one shaft or pipe to another, while accommodating misalignment between them.They also provide some level of damping to reduce vibration and shock transfer.

  2. Construction: These couplings are typically made of materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, which provide strength and durability. They consist of one or more flexible beams that connect the two shafts. The beams can be single-piece or multi-beam designs.

  3. Types: There are several types of flexible beam couplings, including:

    • Single-Beam Couplings: These have a single flexible beam connecting two hubs. They are compact and suitable for applications with minor misalignment.

    • Multi-Beam Couplings: Multi-beam couplings have multiple parallel beams, which can provide higher torsional flexibility and better compensation for misalignment.

    • Bellows Couplings: Bellows couplings use a corrugated metal bellows design for increased flexibility. They are excellent at compensating for axial and angular misalignment.

    • Oldham Couplings: Oldham couplings consist of three parts: two hubs and a center block with slots. They allow for axial motion and some angular misalignment.

  4. Applications:

    • Industrial Machinery: Flexible beam couplings are commonly used in various industrial machines, including CNC machines, printing presses, and robotics, to connect drive shafts and maintain alignment.

    • Pipe Systems: In plumbing and fluid handling systems, these couplings can connect pipes and accommodate slight movements and vibrations while maintaining a sealed connection.

    • Automation: Flexible couplings play a crucial role in automated systems, ensuring that power is efficiently transmitted between components despite minor misalignments.

    • Motion Control Systems: They are used in motion control applications, such as stepper motor setups, to ensure precise motion transmission while allowing for some flexibility.

  5. Advantages:

    • Misalignment Tolerance: Flexible beam couplings can compensate for angular and axial misalignment, reducing wear and extending the life of connected components.

    • Vibration Damping: They can help dampen vibrations and shock loads, improving the performance and reliability of machinery.

    • Maintenance Reduction: By accommodating misalignment, these couplings can reduce the need for frequent adjustments and maintenance.

  6. Limitations:

    • Torsional Stiffness: While they provide flexibility, some flexible beam couplings may have limited torsional stiffness, which can affect precision in certain applications.

    • Torque Capacity: The torque capacity of flexible couplings varies depending on their design and materials, so it's essential to select the right type for the intended application.

In summary, flexible beam couplings are versatile mechanical components used to connect and transmit motion between shafts or pipes while accommodating angular misalignment, axial motion, and providing some degree of torsional flexibility. They find applications in various industries, including manufacturing, plumbing, automation, and motion control. Selecting the appropriate type of coupling is crucial to ensure optimal performance in a specific application.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best flexible beam couplings on the market
  

Xnrtop 8mm to 8mm Shaft Coupling 25mm Length 18mm Diameter Stepper Motor Coupler Aluminum Alloy Joint Connector for 3D Printer CNC Machine DIY Encoder(Pack of 2）

Xnrtop

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description: 8mm to 8mm shaft usage diameter, 25mm length, 18mm diameter, set screw type, beam coupling. Zero backlash. One-piece metallic spring coupling. For little torque shaft connect. Absorption of parallel, angular misalignments and shaft end-play by spring action. Widely used in drive systems for encoders, instrumentation,lead screws, small pumps, feed rollers and anywhere light to medium duty, torsionally flexible coupling is required. Specification: Feature: Set screw (coiling clamping) Size: 25x18mm/ 0.98x0.71inch( L*D) Material: Aluminum alloy Main Color: Silver tone Weight: 26g Package Content: 2 x Shaft coupling

  • Shaft Usage: 8mm to 8mm / 0.31 to 0.31 inch
  • Material: Aluminum alloy; Size: 25x18mm/ 0.98x0.71 inch( L*D)
  • Feature: Set screws (Coiling Clamping); Main Color: Silver tone
  • Flexibility of coupling shaft removes stress between the motor and driving components.
  • The shaft couplers are widely applied to small CNC machines encoding and 3D printers Z shaft coupling, simplifies the debugging difficulty.

Aopin Flexible Beam Couplings 5mm to 8mm Shaft for 3D Printer, Length 25mm / 1" Coupler Motor Connector Casing Joint, Great Apply for Car Model Shaft, CNC Machine, Motor Guide, DIY Encoder 2 Pcs

Aopin-Hardware

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Product description

NOTE

Couplings can be divided into two categories: rigid couplings and flexible couplings. Please select the corresponding coupling according to your needs.

We provide various kinds of Flexible coupling for choosing.Please check the correct size before purchase.

Reminder: The product contains small parts, please keep away from children and pets.



Detail:

1. The ability to compensate for the misalignment of the two axes is strong. Compared with other coupling, the angular displacement can be larger-times, the reaction force is small during the radial displacement, the flexibility is large use our shaft flexible beam couplings.

2. It is suitable for working in high temperature (-80+300) and harsh environment, and can move safely under shock and vibration conditions.

3. High transmission efficiency, up to 99.86%. Especially suitable for medium, high speed and high power transmission.

4. Simple structure, light weight, convenient assembly and disassembly, and no need for lubrication.

5. It can accurately transmit the speed without slip, and can be used for the transmission of precision machinery.

  • 【Flexible Couplings Beam Shaft Size】: 5mm to 8mm / 0.20" to 0.31". Coupling With M4 Fastening Screws. Outer Diameter: 19mm / 0.75", Length 25mm / 1".
  • 【Wide Range of Use】: Beam Coupler Are Used In Servo Motor Systems, 3D Printer, Cnc Machine, Diy Encoderspindle Transmissions, Stepping Motors, Lifting Platforms, Machine Tool Transmissions, Stepping Motors, Encoders, Screw Drives, Machine Platforms Or Gearboxes, Etc. The Purpose Is To Firmly Connect The Driving Shaft And The Driven Shaft To Rotate Together And Transmit Motion And Torque. Great Suitable For Short Support Shaft, Bushing Model, Miniature Shaft, Model Airplane/ Boat / Car.
  • 【5mm to 8mm Flexible Couplings Material】: High-Quality Aluminum Alloy Material, The Surface Is Treated By Anodizing, With Superior Corrosion Resistance.Color: Silver, Suitable For Working In High Temperature (-80℃ / +300℃) And Harsh Environments, Even If There Is Vibration And Shock , It Is Still Safe To Move.
  • 【Compensate For Axial And Radial Offset】: Shock Mitigation, Vibration Absorption, High Transmission Efficiency, Noise Reduction, And Low Wear. When The Rated Torque Is Exceeded, The Coupling Can Protect The Safety Of The Linkage.
  • 【Package】: 2 Pcs Flexible Beam Couplings. Aopin Recommends Using M2 Hex Wrench!

Aopin Flexible Beam Couplings 8mm to 8mm Shaft for 3D Printer, Length 25mm / 1" Coupler Motor Connector Casing Joint, Great Apply for Car Model Shaft, CNC Machine, Motor Guide, DIY Encoder 4 Pcs

Aopin-Hardware

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Product description

NOTE

Couplings can be divided into two categories: rigid couplings and flexible couplings. Please select the corresponding coupling according to your needs.

We provide various kinds of Flexible coupling for choosing.Please check the correct size before purchase.

Reminder: The product contains small parts, please keep away from children and pets.



Detail:

1. The ability to compensate for the misalignment of the two axes is strong. Compared with other coupling, the angular displacement can be larger-times, the reaction force is small during the radial displacement, the flexibility is large use our shaft flexible beam couplings.

2. It is suitable for working in high temperature (-80+300) and harsh environment, and can move safely under shock and vibration conditions.

3. High transmission efficiency, up to 99.86%. Especially suitable for medium, high speed and high power transmission.

4. Simple structure, light weight, convenient assembly and disassembly, and no need for lubrication.

5. It can accurately transmit the speed without slip, and can be used for the transmission of precision machinery.

  • 【Flexible Couplings Beam Shaft Size】: 8mm to 8mm / 0.31" to 0.31". Coupling With M4 Fastening Screws. Outer Diameter: 19mm / 0.75", Length 25mm / 1".
  • 【Wide Range of Use】: Beam Coupler Are Used In Servo Motor Systems, 3D Printer, Cnc Machine, Diy Encoderspindle Transmissions, Stepping Motors, Lifting Platforms, Machine Tool Transmissions, Stepping Motors, Encoders, Screw Drives, Machine Platforms Or Gearboxes, Etc. The Purpose Is To Firmly Connect The Driving Shaft And The Driven Shaft To Rotate Together And Transmit Motion And Torque. Great Suitable For Short Support Shaft, Bushing Model, Miniature Shaft, Model Airplane/ Boat / Car.
  • 【8mm to 8mm Flexible Couplings Material】: High-Quality Aluminum Alloy Material, The Surface Is Treated By Anodizing, With Superior Corrosion Resistance.Color: Silver, Suitable For Working In High Temperature (-80℃ / +300℃) And Harsh Environments, Even If There Is Vibration And Shock , It Is Still Safe To Move.
  • 【Compensate For Axial And Radial Offset】: Shock Mitigation, Vibration Absorption, High Transmission Efficiency, Noise Reduction, And Low Wear. When The Rated Torque Is Exceeded, The Coupling Can Protect The Safety Of The Linkage.
  • 【Package】: 4 Pcs Flexible Beam Couplings. Aopin Recommends Using M2 Hex Wrench!

Ruland PCR20-8-6-SS Clamping Beam Coupling, Stainless Steel, Inch, 1/2" Bore A Diameter, 3/8" Bore B Diameter, 1-1/4" OD, 1-1/2" Length, 52 lb-in Nominal Torque

Ruland Manufacturing

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Four beam coupling for use in angular, parallel, and axial misalignment scenarios requiring zero backlash and torsional stiffness
  • Stainless steel for torsional stiffness and resistance to corrosion
  • Clamp mounting style installation helps increase positioning accuracy
  • Single-piece coupling for longer service life than couplings with moving parts
  • Operating temperatures range from -40 to 350 degrees F

Beam Coupling Flexible Coupling 5mm to 5mm Shaft Coupler for 3D Printer and CNC Machine-Length 25mm Diameter 19mm 10PCS

pangqi

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Flexible shaft couplers used for small CNC machines and 3D printers

Package:10 PCS shaft couplers;1 PCS M3 wrench

  • Dimensions:5x5x25(mm) Diameter:19mm Length:25mm
  • Material:Aluminum Alloy
  • Used in 3D Printers and small CNC machines.
  • High polished surface,wear-resistant and easy to install.
  • Package:10 PCS Coupler;1 PCS M3 Wrench

uxcell 2 Pcs Motor Shaft Dia 8mm to 10mm Joint Helical Beam Coupler Coupling D19L25

Uxcell

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Absorption of parallel, angular misalignments and shaft end-play by spring action.

Widely used in drive systems for encoders, instrumentation, lead screws, small pumps, feed rollers and anywhere a light to medium duty, torsionally  flexible coupling is required.

  • Product Name : Beam Coupling;Features : Screw Type(Coiling Clamping)
  • Shaft Usage : 8mm to 10mm / 0.31" to 0.39";Length : 25mm / 0.98"
  • Diameter : 19mm / 0.75";Material : Material
  • Aluminum Alloy : Aluminum Alloy;Color : Silver Tone
  • Weight : 27g;Package Content : 2 x Beam Coupling

Product features

UXCELL coupling series

Zero backlash. One-piece metallic spring coupling. For little torque shaft connect.

Absorption of parallel, angular misalignments and shaft end-play by spring action.

Widely used in drive systems for encoders, instrumentation,lead screws, small pumps, feed rollers and anywhere light to medium duty, torsionally flexible coupling is required.

Know the size you need

We provice various kinds of rigid flange coupling for choosing.Please check the correct size-d1,d2,L and D before purchase

DIY applications

Iron Plating, hardened by heat treatment, and then electroplated. Durable and insulation, make your shaft more stable, easy to install and replace.

CNC Machine

Flexible Coupling, suitable for model shaft connection, perfect accessories for RC Model motor, etc.

Robot Replacement

A special coupler, which can fix one shaft to a plane and install other parts on the shaft easily. Double connection points fasten the coupler tightly.

Sydien 2pcs 5mm to 8mm Joint Helical Beam Coupler Coupling Aluminum Alloy Flexible Coupling Connector for 3D Printer, CNC Machine, DIY Encoder

Sydien

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Product Name: Beam Coupling

Product Type: Clamp beam coupling

Shaft: 5mm x 8mm

Package Includes:2x Motor Shaft Coupler

This shaft coupler made of Aluminum alloy, Light weight and low inertia

it is widely used to connect servo motor, stepper motor, encoder, screw driving, machine platform, etc.

Widely used in Gear shaft, motor shaft, short support shaft, shaft pocket model, miniature axle, model plane, model ship, model cars.

10 Pieces 7mm Flexible Coupling Connector Motor Coupler for Motor 7mm Shaft Diameter (Total Length 30mm/1.18Inch)

Hamineler

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Product description



Specifications:

Material: brass

Color: golden

Hexagon coupler size:

inside diameter：0.275 ''/ 7 mm

Outer diameter：0.452 ''/ 11.5 mm

height：1.18 ''/ 30 mm

Hexagon width: 0.472 ''/ 12 mm

Screw holes: M4



Support for any of the motor shaft diameters of 7 mm.



Flexible Coupling Coupler Connector for connecting motor shaft and hex wheel tires, DC motors, robots, etc.



Package Included :

10 pcs shaft motor flexible coupling coupler

20 pcs Hexagon coupler Screws

4 pcs Allen Wrench

10 pcs stainless steel Screws

  • Material: brass
  • Any motor with a shaft diameter of 0.275''/ 7mm is supported.
  • Total length: 30mm/1.18 Inch
  • 10pcs High precision Flexible Coupling Connector, 20 fixing screws, 10 stainless steel screws, 4 Allen wrenches.
  • Copper shaft couplings are used in car tires, DC motors, robots, manual DIY production, etc.

Supply Giant 6I46 Flexible Pvc Coupling with Stainless Steel Clamps, 1-1/2, Black

Supply Giant

Based on 414 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Supply Giant Flexible Couplings have found wide acceptance among sewer and plumbing contractors and municipalities because of their quality and ease of installation. Supply Giant pipe couplings and adapters are used for all types of in-house and sewer connections: drain, waste, vent piping, house-to-main, repairs, cut- ins, conductor, roof drains and increasers-reducers. Manufacturing thousands of different flexible coupling types, Supply Giant has the right solution for most applications. Made of tough elastomeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the flexible couplings are strong, resilient and unaffected by soil conditions.

  • Flexible Coupling Compatible with cast iron, plastic, copper, lead, and steel piping
  • Flexible Connectors are Leak-Proof, Rot-Proof and Sealed Against Infiltration and Exfiltration,
  • May be used for non-pressure drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping systems and sewer systems indoors and outdoors
  • Conforms to ASTM C1173, CSA B602, Certified and UPC Approved, Rated for underground use
  • Each Rubber Fitting is marked with part number, size, and certifications
  • Size is made to fit a 1.5 pipe, the ID of the pipe is 1.8 and can be tightened with the clapms to fit 1.5 inch pipe.

User questions & answers

Question: what is the maximum pressure
Answer: Hello, the circumference of the pulley at the outside of teeth is about 26mm, thanks!
Question: I'm joining 2 flexible pvc 1.5" lines but i need a coupling longer than this. can you help
Answer: Hello, the pulley 100 tooth OD is about 94.72mm, thanks!
Question: can you join copper to PVC pipe with this
Answer: It is 2mm spacing, but it is designed for a GT2 profile belt. It is not compatible with all 2mm belts. You need to check the profile of the belts your printer uses.
Question: Can this connect 1-1/2" pvc to 1.80-1.81" threaded brass pipe? (connecting new tub drain to existing drain pipe
Answer: The Enter 5 original pulley is 20 Teeth 8mm Bore, GT2 Timing Belt 6mm Width. This pulley is 20 Teeth 5mm Bore, so the pulley can't match.

Supply Giant 6I47 Flexible Pvc Coupling with Stainless Steel Clamps, 2 inch, Black

Supply Giant

Based on 275 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Supply Giant Flexible Couplings have found wide acceptance among sewer and plumbing contractors and municipalities because of their quality and ease of installation. Supply Giant pipe couplings and adapters are used for all types of in-house and sewer connections: drain, waste, vent piping, house-to-main, repairs, cut- ins, conductor, roof drains and increasers-reducers. Manufacturing thousands of different flexible coupling types, Supply Giant has the right solution for most applications. Made of tough elastomeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the flexible couplings are strong, resilient and unaffected by soil conditions.

  • Flexible Coupling Compatible with cast iron, plastic, copper, lead, and steel piping
  • Flexible Connectors are Leak-Proof, Rot-Proof and Sealed Against Infiltration and Exfiltration,
  • May be used for non-pressure drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping systems and sewer systems indoors and outdoors
  • Conforms to ASTM C1173, CSA B602, Certified and UPC Approved, Rated for underground use
  • Each Rubber Fitting is marked with part number, size, and certifications

User questions & answers

Question: Will the tighteners rust if used outside
Answer: Yes, it comes with 2 set screws.
Question: Is there anything like this flexible 2"diam. coupling, but longer than just
Answer: Depends on the size of the sprocket. I managed to find the specs on the manufacturer's website. If the bore is not keyed, they can be drilled out to a bigger bore.
Question: Can this product with stand pressure of a 2in water main
Answer: I would think so, although you need to be mindful of warping
Question: Will this work for a 2.5” shop vac hose
Answer: No

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