The German couplings specialist KTR has developed a spider material for jaw couplings that, it believes, will set a new standard by offering enhanced performance at a similar price to conventional spider materials. The T-Pur material is the result of three years of development work with experts from the nylon industry.

Standard elastomer spider materials show limitations in demanding applications, while special materials for rugged conditions are more expensive and can suffer from limited damping and displacement performance.

The new material has enhanced temperature and fatigue strength characteristics, without incurring a price penalty. The spiders can be used in temperatures from –50 to +120C (compared to –30 to +90C for standard elastomers), and they are expected to achieve longer service lives, thus cutting maintenance costs.

The new spiders (above), designed for use in KTR’s Rotex jaw couplings, are expected to be particularly attractive for drives operated with variable speeds, for reversing operations, and for applications involving high ambient temperatures. They will become the standard spiders for Rotex couplings in sizes 15–90. From size 100 upwards, KTR will supply double tooth elements made from the new material, which is available in a range of elasticities with differing hardnesses.