The Falk Style Flexible Coupling for Power Transmission

First Quality ~ First Time

Apparatus Repair & Engineering, Inc.

A.R.&E. is the Premier Electric Motor Sales, Service, and Repair facility in the quad-state region of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia. This business began in 1927, and we are proud to continue the efforts of the founding partners who have served the local Commercial and Industrial markets over these many years. Times have changed in the many years since the inception of this business, and A.R.&E. is growing and changing with the times. Today the use of AI, computers, and factory automation is necessary for businesses to remain competitive in the global market, and A.R.&E. is here to assist with those challenges. And we promise our work will be... First Quality ~ First Time.

Open for Business

A.R.&E is Open For Business! Monday through Friday, 8:00AM until 5:00PM, and 24/7 for emergencies. Call us at (301) 739-8285

NEW Location

We're OPEN for business but at a DIFFERENT location. Come to 17500 York Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (the Halfway Area) for the same excellent service you've been used to receiving.

Did I Mention We're Open?

Apparatus Repair & Engineering is Open for Business... 8 to 5, Monday through Friday and 'round the clock service for emergencies. (301) 739-8285 gets you all the help you need.

Coronavirus - Covid-19

What the virus looks like under atomic magnification. (Photo courtesy CDC.gov)

Turning the Corner in Asia

Looks like China and South Korea have turned the corner on NEW cases of the virus. That's what Social Distancing will do for us, too. Let's all get with the program.

Latest Worldwide Stats

This chart is the top 10, of 204, countries listed in the world by ranking of total infections. You can click this slide photo to be taken to the full list on the web. While it's not appealing to be #1 on this list, other columns show that our stats are certainly not as bad as some, when you consider our population compared to others.

Did You Hear? We're Open For Business!

Social distancing and use of hand sanitizer is key to protection. (Photo courtesy CDC.gov / Amanda Mills

Social Distancing

This is not some "pie in the sky" theory! This really works! Look at the results in China and South Korea. But EVERYONE has to participate. Beach goers bring the virus BACK to the folks that are fighting in the trenches and ruin everything we're trying to do. Get with the program, folks!

Social Distancing

This is not some "pie in the sky" theory! This really works! Look at the results in China and South Korea. But EVERYONE has to participate. Beach goers bring the virus BACK to the folks that are fighting in the trenches and ruin everything we're trying to do. Get with the program, folks!

There's Hope!

We're in this together isn't just a slogan... it's a fact! We'll get through it but we've all got to do our part. Have Faith, and remember that "We're in this Together".

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Grid Couplings

Grid Coupling

"Grid Couplings" consist of 2 radially slotted hubs that mesh with a serpentine strip of spring steel the grid provides torsional damping and flexibility of an elastomer but the strength of steel. "Grid Couplings" transmit torque and accommodate angular, parallel and axial misalignment from one hub to the other through the rocking and sliding of a tapered grid in the mating hub slots. The grid cross section is generally tapered for better hub contact and easier assembly.  As there is movement between contacting hub and grid metal parts, lubrication is required. Portions of the following information on the "Grid Coupling" has been transcribed from Lovejoy's website, "Coupling Answers.com". Check it out when you get a chance.

"Grid Couplings" are a popular coupling option where both high torque levels and dampening requirements exist. Unlike gear and disc couplings (alternative metallic coupling types capable of transmitting a significant amount of torque), "Grid Couplings" have a unique ability to reduce vibration significantly, and cushion shock loads to safeguard driving and driven power transmission equipment.

A "Grid Coupling" is comprised of two hubs, a grid spring element, and split cover kit (which includes two cover halves, gaskets, seals, and hardware). Like gear couplings, "Grid Couplings" are a metal on metal flexing design, and it is critical that the coupling be packed properly with the manufacturer's recommended coupling grease. The grid spring element absorbs impact energy by spreading it out over time, and thus reduces the magnitude of the peak loads. This is possible because of the progressive contact that occurs between the curved profile of the hub teeth and the flexible grid. As the load increases, more of the tooth comes into contact with the flexible grid spring element.

"Grid Couplings" are available with either a horizontal or vertical split cover design. Horizontal covers are generally viewed as easier to install, while vertical covers enable a "Grid Coupling" to be run at a higher maximum speed. This type of coupling is a versatile, proven technology with interchangeable components readily available from numerous major coupling manufacturers. "Grid Couplings" have a high power density (transmit a high amount of torque relative to their size), and are relatively straightforward and simple to install. They also have good resistance to environmental conditions, and available in both inch and metric bores.

One of the biggest, if not THE biggest, limitation of "Grid Couplings" is their limited ability to accommodate misalignment. While great at dampening vibration, they are not designed to handle parallel shaft misalignment and only designed to handle about a half a degree of angular misalignment. So, again, A.R.&E.'s recommendation will be to have the equipment Laser Aligned during installation to minimized any misalignment and assure maximum coupling life. Additionally, "Grid Couplings" are NOT "maintenance-free" because they require lubrication (grease), which must be periodically checked and topped off if required. Care must also be taken to ensure that lubrication does not leak on to the ground and create an environmental concern.

So depending on your actual application, A.R.&E. can assist you in the proper selection of a "Grid Couplings", if that's best, and supply it for you when you're ready to purchase.