Oldham Sliding Disc Couplings
Oldham sliding disc couplings provide reliable torque transmission while compensating for radial shaft misalignment without introducing backlash into the drive system. Designed for precision motion-control applications, these couplings use a center-sliding disc to accommodate parallel-shaft offset while maintaining accurate rotational positioning. The result is smooth power transmission, reduced bearing loads, and improved machine reliability in applications where perfect shaft alignment cannot be maintained.
Ondrives.US manufactures zero-backlash Oldham coupling solutions for OEMs, machine builders, and automation engineers who require precision, repeatability, and dependable performance. Available in both inch and metric configurations, our Oldham couplings can also be customized to meet unique application requirements, making them ideal for both standard equipment and custom machine designs.
Ondrives.US's sliding disc couplers are ideal for stepper drives, positioning slides, pumps, and actuators, among other applications. Ondrives.US sliding disc couplers can be customized to meet your needs better. Download our product specifications PDF, or request a quote today.
When to Choose an Oldham Sliding Disc Coupling
Every shaft coupling is designed to solve a specific alignment challenge. An Oldham coupling is typically selected when parallel (radial) shaft misalignment is the primary concern, while maintaining zero backlash is critical.Unlike beam or bellows couplings, which primarily accommodate angular or axial movement through material flexure, Oldham sliding disc couplings use a floating center disc that slides between two precision-machined hubs. This allows the coupling to compensate for greater radial offset while continuing to transmit torque accurately.
Engineers commonly choose an Oldham coupling when they need:
- Zero backlash positioning
- Compensation for radial shaft offset
- Reduced bearing and shaft loading
- Smooth torque transmission
- Easy replacement of wear components
- Long service life in precision machinery
Common Industries & Applications
Oldham couplings are widely used in precision equipment where accurate motion control and repeatable positioning are essential. In these environments, even minor shaft misalignment can reduce positioning accuracy or prematurely wear bearings and drive components. A radial misalignment coupling helps compensate for these conditions while preserving precise rotational performance.Industries Served
Engineering Resources
- White papers and technical notes
- Product brochures and catalogs
- 3D CAD models
- Competitor cross-reference
- Certifications and standards
- California Proposition 65
- Terms and conditions
Mechanical Fuse Protection
One of the most valuable features of an Oldham coupling is its ability to function as a mechanical fuse.The replaceable center disc is intentionally designed to break before more expensive drivetrain components become damaged during overload conditions. Rather than transmitting excessive forces into motors, gearboxes, bearings, or lead screws, the center disc can help protect the system by acting as a sacrificial component.
This design provides several advantages:
- Helps protect expensive motion control equipment
- Reduces damage during unexpected overloads
- Lowers repair costs
- Minimizes machine downtime
- Allows quick replacement of the center disc without replacing the complete coupling
Performance Specifications
Typical performance information includes:- Zero backlash operation
- Torque capacity
- Maximum operating speed
- Radial misalignment capability
- Angular misalignment allowance
- Axial movement compensation
- Operating temperature range
Physical Specifications
Include information such as:- Outside diameters
- Overall lengths
- Hub dimensions
- Bore size availability
- Inch and metric dimensions
- Clamp or setscrew configurations
- Weight (if applicable)
Materials & Construction Options
Available options may include:- Aluminum hubs
- Stainless steel hubs
- Acetal center discs
- 25% stronger discs available
- Engineered polymer center discs
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Inch and metric bore options
- Standard and custom keyways
- Special bore machining
- Surface treatments and modifications
Standard & Custom Manufacturing Capabilities
Ondrives.US manufactures both standard catalog products and engineered coupling solutions for specialized applications. In addition to our standard product offering, many Oldham sliding disc couplings can be modified to match unique equipment requirements.Available customization options include:
- Standard and custom bore sizes
- Inch and metric shaft compatibility
- Keyways and drive flats
- Clamp hub modifications
- Setscrew configurations
- Special materials
- Application-specific engineering support
Why Choose Ondrives.US?
Choosing the right coupling involves more than comparing specifications. It requires selecting a manufacturer capable of supporting both current production requirements and future engineering challenges.When you work with Ondrives.US, you benefit from:
- Direct manufacturer expertise
- Precision-engineered motion control components
- Inch and metric product availability
- Standard and custom bore configurations
- Application-specific modifications
- Engineering consultation and product selection assistance
- High-quality manufacturing standards
- Reliable lead times for OEM production
Contact Us for Zero-Backlash Oldham Disc Couplings Today
Whether you need a standard zero backlash Oldham coupling, a custom-engineered solution, or assistance selecting the right radial misalignment coupling for your application, Ondrives.US can help. Contact our engineering team today to discuss your project requirements or request a quote for a precision Oldham sliding disc coupling tailored to your equipment.
