Setscrew Type Oldham Coupling

EP6 Series Setscrew Oldham Coupling — aluminium alloy body, zero backlash, high torsional stiffness. Rated torque 0.7–80 N·m, max speed 9,000 rpm, radial misalignment up to 3.8 mm, angular tolerance 3°. 8 sizes (EP6-16 to EP6-70), metric and inch bores available. Stocked and shipped globally by EP.

MOQ: 50 pcs. Minimum order value USD 1,500; mixed orders and trial quantities welcome.

Setscrew Type Oldham Coupling: engineering overview

This page reorganizes the technical information for Setscrew Type Oldham Coupling around the decisions a buyer or engineer normally has to make: duty, shaft interface, alignment, installation envelope, inspection and model selection. All model values are retained in the reference blocks below.

An Oldham coupling normally consists of two hubs with perpendicular drive slots and a center disc that engages both hubs. As the shafts rotate, the center member slides in the mating grooves, allowing parallel offset to be accommodated while torque is transmitted between the two hubs.

EP6 Series Setscrew Type Oldham Coupling — aluminium alloy body, zero backlash precision flexible coupling

Key Features & Design Characteristics

⚙

Parallel offset compensation

The three-piece Oldham arrangement is commonly used to accommodate parallel shaft offset.

✓

Compact three-part design

Two hubs and a center disc form a simple torque-transmission structure with easy visual inspection.

⇄

Low rotating mass

The compact architecture is useful in smaller motion and positioning systems.

Serviceable center element

The center disc can be inspected and replaced without replacing both metal hubs when the surrounding design permits.

How this version is configured

The design is especially useful where parallel misalignment is more significant than with many other compact coupling types. The center disc is a wearing and sliding component, so operating speed, surface condition, material pair, lubrication practice where applicable and the magnitude of offset all affect service life and generated heat.

  • The configuration should be matched to the exact shaft connection, available space and duty shown in the model data below.

Selection sequence for a real machine

Confirm torque, speed, bore sizes, shaft fit, outside diameter, hub length and the parallel-offset requirement. The center-member material should suit the required wear resistance, damping and operating environment. Where setscrews or keys are used, verify that the shaft connection can transmit the required torque without slipping.

  1. Define continuous torque, starting torque and any short-duration peak load instead of selecting from motor power alone.
  2. Confirm rotational speed and check whether balance, centrifugal loading or critical-speed limits affect the chosen size.
  3. Match every shaft interface: bore diameter, key or locking method, hub length, flange pilot, bolt pattern and available assembly clearance.
  4. Review angular, axial and parallel displacement separately. A coupling that tolerates one form of movement may have a much lower limit for another.
  5. Check the surrounding equipment for guards, brakes, bearings, seals and maintenance access before freezing the final outside diameter and overall length.
  6. Use the exact model matrix for the final dimensional decision; do not interpolate a bore, torque or speed value that is not listed.

Technical Specifications & Dimensions

Use the tables below as the dimensional and model reference. Confirm bore, shaft fit, speed, torque and installation envelope before final selection.

EP6 Series Setscrew Oldham Coupling dimensional drawing — D, L, F, L1, M dimensions and ordering code reference
Model Bore d1, d2 (mm) OD (mm) L (mm) F (mm) L1 (mm) M (Setscrew) Wrench Torque (N·m)
EP6-16 4, 5, 6 16 18 3.5 7 M3 0.7
EP6-20 6, 6.35, 8 20 23 4.5 9 M4 1.7
EP6-25 6.35, 8, 9.525, 10 25 28 5.5 11 M5 4.0
EP6-32 8, 9, 9.525, 10, 11, 12, 14 32 33 6.5 13 M6 7.0
EP6-40 12, 14, 15, 16 40 35 7.0 14 M6 7.0
EP6-50 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 50 38 8.5 17 M8 15
EP6-63 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 63 47 10.5 21 M10 30
EP6-70 24, 25, 28, 30, 32, 35 70 59 12.5 26 M10 32
Model Rated Torque (N·m) Max Torque (N·m) Max Speed (rpm) Moment of Inertia (kg·m²) Static Torsional Stiffness (N·m/rad) Radial Misalignment (mm) Angular Misalignment (°) Mass (g)
EP6-16 0.7 1.4 9,000 3.0 x 10⁻⁷ 29 1.0 3.0 6
EP6-20 1.6 3.2 7,400 9.0 x 10⁻⁷ 58 1.4 3.0 14
EP6-25 3.0 6 5,800 2.8 x 10⁻⁶ 125 1.9 3.0 24
EP6-32 5.5 11 4,700 8.9 x 10⁻⁵ 260 2.4 3.0 46
EP6-40 9.0 18 3,600 2.1 x 10⁻⁴ 505 2.8 3.0 80
EP6-50 19.0 38 3,000 6.0 x 10⁻⁵ 780 3.3 3.0 144
EP6-63 33 66 2,400 2.1 x 10⁻⁴ 1,200 3.8 3.0 318
EP6-70 80 160 2,300 1.7 x 10⁻⁴ 1,600 3.8 3.0 456
Parameter EP6 Oldham (Setscrew) Jaw Coupling Bellows Coupling Disc Coupling
Parallel Offset Compensation Excellent (up to 3.8 mm) Limited (0.1–0.5 mm) Low (0.1–0.3 mm) Very Low (<0.1 mm)
Angular Misalignment Tolerance 3.0° (all sizes) Moderate (1°–2°) Good (1°–3°) Low (0.5°–1°)
Backlash Zero Low–Moderate Near Zero Near Zero
Electrical Insulation Yes (polymer disc) Yes (spider) No No
Torsional Stiffness High (29–1,600 N·m/rad) Low–Moderate (spider material) Very High Very High
Max Speed Up to 9,000 rpm Up to 6,000 rpm Up to 10,000+ rpm Up to 10,000+ rpm
Installation Simple — hex key setscrew Simple — spider accessible Moderate More complex
Relative Cost Low–Moderate Low High High

Standards and designation references found in the source data

Where a standard or designation is shown below, treat it as a reference tied to the original product data and verify the applicable revision when placing an order.

ISO 9001
EP6 Setscrew Oldham Coupling side view — setscrew hub fixation detail and intermediate disc assembly

Shaft fit, alignment and assembly checks

Align the shafts within the model limits, set the correct hub spacing and make sure the center disc enters both hub slots freely without binding. The coupling should rotate smoothly by hand before start-up. Excessive preload on the center member is a sign that shaft position or spacing needs correction.

Measure the actual shaft diameters and keyways before machining or confirming a finished bore. A drawing should identify shaft tolerances, key dimensions, required hub position and any shoulder, locknut or axial-retention feature. Alignment readings should be taken after the machine is in its normal installed condition because base distortion, pipe strain, belt pull or thermal growth can move the shaft centers after an initial bench alignment.

After assembly, turn the drive through at least one full revolution by hand where practical. Check for interference with guards, brake hardware and adjacent structures, then verify fastener security. On equipment that changes temperature significantly between start-up and steady operation, compare cold and hot alignment expectations before setting final offsets.

EP industrial coupling product range — EP6 setscrew Oldham, WH Type, SL Type and other flexible couplings for industrial use

Operating behavior and service planning

Check the sliding faces and center member for wear, heat discoloration, deformation or debris. Increasing backlash or noise can indicate that the disc or grooves are worn. Replacement should restore the designed fit rather than compensating for wear by over-tightening hub fasteners.

A coupling should not be used as a permanent correction for poor machine alignment. If vibration, temperature or noise changes after commissioning, compare the current condition with the initial baseline. Check connected bearings and shafts at the same time, because many coupling symptoms originate from looseness, soft foot, imbalance or movement elsewhere in the drivetrain.

For planned maintenance, record the installed model, actual bore sizes, fastener details, lubricant or flexible-element grade where applicable, and the measured alignment at return to service. That information makes later inspection more useful and helps distinguish normal wear from a change in machine condition.

EP coupling manufacturing and quality inspection facility — precision machining of EP6 setscrew Oldham coupling hubs

Information to include with an RFQ or drawing review

  • Required model or the closest model already identified from the specification data.
  • Driving and driven shaft diameters, tolerances, keyways and available engagement length.
  • Continuous torque, peak torque, starts per hour and whether the drive reverses.
  • Normal and maximum rotational speed.
  • Expected angular, axial and parallel movement during operation.
  • Required overall length, shaft separation, flange or brake dimensions and surrounding clearance.
  • Operating temperature, contamination, washdown, corrosion or other environmental conditions.
  • Quantity, drawing revision and any material, coating, balance or inspection requirement.

Frequently asked engineering questions

Can I select this coupling only from the motor power?

No. Motor power is only a starting point. The selection should use actual torque, service factor, peak load, speed and the driven-machine characteristics.

Which dimension should be confirmed before ordering?

Confirm the shaft interface first, then the overall installation envelope. Bore, key or locking method, hub length, pilot or flange details and available removal clearance all affect whether a listed model will fit.

How much misalignment should be allowed in normal service?

Use the model-specific limit as a maximum capability, not as the target installation condition. Better initial alignment usually reduces cyclic load, heat and wear in both the coupling and connected bearings.

What information is needed for a custom bore or connection?

Provide a dimensioned shaft drawing or at minimum the shaft diameter and tolerance, keyway, engagement length, shoulder or axial-retention details and required hub position.

Should the coupling be inspected after commissioning?

Yes. A short follow-up inspection after the machine has run under real load can reveal fastener settlement, lubricant leakage, unexpected movement or alignment change before these develop into a larger problem.

How should I use the specification blocks on this page?

Treat the listed values as the model reference. Select a candidate from torque and speed, then verify every geometric field that affects your installation before issuing the final order drawing.

Applications

◆

Automation equipment

Used in compact motion systems where parallel offset and installation space must be managed.

⚙

Positioning mechanisms

Applicable to controlled motion assemblies that require a simple coupling between aligned shaft ends.

⇄

Small pumps & instruments

Suitable for lighter rotating equipment when torque and speed remain within the chosen model rating.

✓

Packaging machinery

Considered for compact machine modules where maintenance access and shaft positioning are important.

Oldham couplings are widely used in positioning mechanisms, machine tools, packaging equipment, instrumentation and other compact drives where controlled parallel offset must be accommodated.

The same coupling family can behave very differently in a smooth continuous drive and in a reversing, impact-loaded or frequently started drive. For that reason, application name alone is not enough for selection. Supply the operating torque, peak load, speed, shaft dimensions, expected movement, ambient conditions and required service access so the configuration can be checked against the complete duty.

Get a Quote

RP Techniek BV (EVER-POWER Netherlands Branch)

Mail:

sales@netherlandsdrive.com

Professional production Speed Reducer, Worm Gearbox, Sprocket, Rack, Gear, Roller Chain, V-Belt Pulley, Motor, PTO Drive Shaft, Chain CC600, Taper Bushes Manufacturer and Supplier.

Blogs Updated