An Oldham coupling is a compact mechanical connector used to transmit torque between parallel shafts while accommodating significant lateral misalignment. Its unique three-piece design—two end hubs and a central floating disc—enables smooth, constant-velocity torque transfer without backlash, making it ideal for precision machinery in industries such as printing, packaging, and semiconductor manufacturing.
How Oldham Couplings Work
The coupling consists of three components: two outer hubs connected to the shafts and a central floating disc. Each hub has a slot, while the center disc has perpendicular tongues that fit into the hub slots. As the shafts rotate, these tongues slide within their respective slots, allowing the disc to move laterally and absorb parallel shaft misalignment.
Key Features
- High Misalignment Compensation: Can handle substantial parallel shaft offset without stress.
- Zero Backlash: Ensures precise, backlash-free motion.
- Compact and Simple: Easy to assemble, maintain, and integrate into machines.
- Replaceable Wear Element: The center disc protects other components and can be periodically replaced.
Applications of Oldham Couplings
Oldham couplings are widely used in industries requiring precise and reliable power transmission. Typical applications include:
- Automation and robotics
- Printing and packaging machines
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Scroll compressors to prevent orbiting scroll rotation
Technical Advantages
Oldham couplings provide several technical benefits that make them indispensable in precision machinery:
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Lateral Misalignment Tolerance |
Reduces stress on shafts and bearings, extending machinery life |
| Backlash-Free Motion |
Supports precise positioning and accurate control |
| Replaceable Center Disc |
Cost-effective maintenance and longevity of the coupling |
| Compact Design |
Easy integration into constrained mechanical assemblies |
About Jiangsu Rokang Heavy Industry Technology Co., Ltd.
Jiangsu Rokang Heavy Industry Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of Oldham couplings and other precision couplings in China. With fixed assets exceeding 80 million yuan, the company has a professional team skilled in mechanical design, precision manufacturing, heat treatment, welding, and more. Equipped with a complete set of processing facilities and advanced quality inspection systems—including measurement, physical and chemical, and dynamic testing—Rokang offers comprehensive mechanical processing capabilities.
For many years, Rokang has focused on the research, development, and production of ball cage type constant velocity universal couplings, cross shaft type universal couplings, drum gear couplings, and custom Oldham couplings. The company collaborates closely with military and local research institutes, as well as the Power Engineering Department of the PLA Naval Academy, advancing into precision, heavy-load, and high-speed applications.
Rokang’s products have successfully replaced foreign brands with internationally advanced performance standards. They are widely used in lifting and transportation, metallurgical machinery, engineering and mining equipment, petrochemical and textile machinery, military vehicles, railway locomotives, and more. The company exports its products to Europe, America, Russia, the Middle East, India, and other regions.
In recent years, Rokang has developed innovations such as ball cage constant velocity couplings for screw pumps, ball spline couplings, coaxial double-speed couplings, and double-way ball cage couplings, addressing modern user challenges. The company operates under the principles of quality first, honest management, and customer priority, providing excellent products, competitive pricing, and dedicated service to clients worldwide.
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