Oldham Type Coupling

The Oldham Type Coupling is a three-piece flexible shaft couplings used in mechanical power transmission assemblies to link driving and driven shafts. Oldham couplings are a relatively old concept that consists of similar left and right hand slotted elements sandwiched by a slider block. Unlike certain couplings, the Oldham style is designed primarily for machines with misaligned parallel shafts. For stepper-motor driven positioning phases, Oldham couplings are most common. The flexible part can effectively withstand shocks caused by repeated start/stops and load reversals. To adjust for axial expansion, the element can be mounted with some clearance between the hubs.