Shaft couplings are used in machinery for several purposes. The most common of which are the following.[1]
To provide for the connection of shafts of units that are manufactured separately such as a motor and generator and to provide for disconnection for repairs or alterations.
To provide for misalignment of the shafts or to introduce mechanical flexibility.
To reduce the transmission of shock loads from one shaft to another.
To introduce protection against overloads.
To alter the vibration characteristics of rotating units.
To connect driving and the driven part
To transfer power one end to another end.(ex: motor transfer power to pump through coupling)
Types[edit]