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Ameridrives Modified Amerigear Couplings for European Steel Rod Mill
A steel mill in the Midwestern U.S. needed replacement gear couplings for its rod mill.
The mill was built in Europe and utilizes more than 50 couplings that have non-standard
bolt circle diameters (BCDs). The mill operators were having difficulty sourcing replacement
and spare couplings in the U.S. since the European gear couplings do not meet AGMA
standard exposed or shrouded bolting patterns. Ordering spares from the European OEM
was costly and required long lead times.
In response to the problem, Ameridrives designed a version of its popular Amerigear
coupling with a modified flange that can be drilled to match multiple European
manufacturer’s BCDs. Since the new couplings utilize a standard (in stock) Amerigear
sleeve and barrel size, Ameridrives can hold the same short lead times as its standard
AGMA couplings with only a modest upcharge.
The modified Amerigear couplings allow a customer to replace just a worn flex half as
opposed to a complete coupling. The Amerigear design, proven in the metal mill industry
for decades, offers higher misalignment, torque, and max bore ratings than European
equivalent couplings.
Fully-crowned gear teeth provide operational benefits including maximum load carrying
capacity with minimum size, maximum reliability and long life. Optimum separation of
gear meshes permits high parallel offset capacity. Units feature accurately machined
medium carbon steel hubs and sleeves. Positive-type O-ring seals keep lubricant in and
contaminants out. Seals are enshrouded to prevent damage.
Highlights
- Modified gear couplings
can be drilled to match
existing installed flange
BCDs from multiple
European manufacturers
- Use of standard (in stock)
Amerigear sleeve and
barrel sizes allow for very
short lead times
- Economical solution
- Fully-crowned gear teeth
provide maximum load
carrying capacity with
minimum size