OEP Couplings Type BC, Block Couplings

The block coupling is very old design, but is simply a variation of the Oldham coupling with the grooves in the hub, instead of the mid. The square mid rides in these wide grooves.

The OEP Couplings' type BC, block coupling is large enough to contain an internal grease reservoir, which makes this coupling particularly useful for dirty or harsh operating conditions. Block couplings do not have a sacrificial midsection that serves as a mechanical fuse under overload, but do offer all of the other advantages of a conventional Oldham coupling, including large radial and axial misalignment, low reactive forces homokinetic transmission, zero backlash, and high torsional stiffness.

OEP Couplings is one of the few manufacturers that still offers the block coupling, as it has been replaced by the easier-to-produce, conventional Oldham coupling. OEP Couplings' type BC block coupling is a precision-CNC-machined unit produced with tight tolerances, optimal surface finishes, the latest surface treatments, and a geometry that maximizes peak torque. Hubs are machined from high-strength alloys such as 7075 and 17-4.

Material options for the hubs include low-friction coated aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. Material options for the midsection include Delrin© (for low-friction, long wear, general use); PEEK (for high-temperature applications); and low-friction-coated Urethane (for torsional dampening characteristics similar to those of a jaw coupling, but with very large radial and angular misalignment accommodation). Shaft attachment options include set screw and clamping mechanism; bore options include plain through-bore, plain blind-bore, and through-bore with keyway, in bores from 2mm (0.079 inches) up to 30mm (1.181 inches), in all standard metric and inch bores.