Description
WH6 WH Type Oldham Coupling – 30–45mm Bore Shock-Absorbing Sliding-Block Flexible Drive Coupling
The WH6 WH Type Oldham coupling is a sliding-block flexible drive coupling designed for applications transmitting 500 N·m at up to 3800 rpm where a certain degree of shaft relative offset compensation, shock absorption, and vibration damping capability are all simultaneously required. With a 120 mm outer diameter and bore range of 30–45 mm, it suits the full range of industrial shaft connections in this torque class — from compact instrument drives at the WH1 end of the series to large pump and processing equipment drives at the WH10 level. The coupling’s working temperature range of -20°C to +70°C covers standard industrial and outdoor service environments. The WH6 steps into the upper medium-duty range with 500 N·m rated torque for 30–45 mm shaft connections. This bore range covers IEC frame 132 and 160 motor output shafts — the most common frame sizes for pump, fan, and compressor drives in the 7.5–22 kW power class.
The WH Type coupling is a three-component sliding-block Oldham design: two identical metal hubs, each mounted on one shaft, and a central polymer slider block that simultaneously engages the tongue-groove features on each hub face. Torque is transmitted through the sliding contact between the polymer block tongues and the metal hub grooves. Relative radial displacement between the two shafts is absorbed by translational sliding of the block within the hub grooves during rotation. The polymer block material provides inherent shock absorption by deflecting elastically under peak torque loads, attenuating transient torque spikes before they are transmitted to the connected shaft and its bearings. This shock absorption characteristic distinguishes the WH Type from rigid Oldham couplings and makes it particularly valuable in drive applications with variable or intermittent loading.
Y-type (standard length) and J-type (short hub) bore configurations are both available for the WH6, with bore length dimensions of 82–112 mm (Y-type) and 60–84 mm (J-type). The full WH series documentation and selection guidance is available on our product catalog page.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | WH6 |
| Type | WH Type Oldham (Sliding-Block) Coupling |
| Bore Range (d) | 30–45 mm |
| Outer Diameter (D) | 120 mm |
| Inner Hub Diameter (D₁) | 80 mm |
| Slider Block Width (B) | 90 mm |
| Tongue Depth (C) | 37 mm |
| Y-Type Bore Length (L) | 82–112 mm |
| J-Type Bore Length (L) | 60–84 mm |
| Nominal Torque (Tn) | 500 N·m |
| Maximum Speed [n] | 3800 rpm |
| Working Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Mass | 9.5 kg |
Dimension Reference
Hub and Slider Block Assembly
The WH6’s intermediate slider block is the functional core of the coupling. Machined from engineering polymer to precise tongue and groove dimensions, the block simultaneously engages the drive faces on both hub ends. The tongue width and groove dimensions on the WH6 are sized to provide adequate compressive contact area for reliable 500 N·m torque transmission while maintaining the sliding clearance needed for radial compensation movement during rotation. The tongue depth dimension C = 37 mm determines the shear plane geometry of the engagement and is a key parameter in the coupling’s shock absorption capacity.
Shock Absorption
The polymer slider block deflects elastically under peak torque loads, attenuating drive transients and protecting both motor and driven equipment bearings from shock loading. This is the primary functional differentiator of the WH Type over rigid Oldham couplings.
Shaft Offset Compensation
Radial shaft offset between the two connected shaft centrelines is absorbed by the sliding mechanism, preventing transmission of radial forces to motor or driven equipment bearings — reducing bearing overload and extending equipment service life.
Vibration Damping
The polymer block’s internal damping dissipates vibrational energy transmitted through the drive shaft, reducing vibration levels in both the motor and driven equipment — beneficial in applications where vibration affects product quality or equipment fatigue life.
Y and J Bore Options
Both standard-length Y-type and short-hub J-type bore configurations are available, accommodating applications with different axial space constraints between bearing supports.
Manufacturing
Typical Applications
- Industrial fan and blower drive shaft connections — motor offset compensation and startup torque absorption
- Pump drive connections — centrifugal and self-priming pump motor couplings with baseplate offset accommodation
- Agricultural machinery drives — field equipment variable load and shock absorption requirements
- Marine auxiliary equipment drives — hull flexure compensation and vibration damping in marine installations
For application enquiries and volume supply, please visit our contact page.
Customer Reviews and Case Studies
★★★★★
Norway — Marine Auxiliary Equipment
The WH6 Oldham coupling connects auxiliary pump drive motors on our offshore supply vessels. The coupling absorbs hull vibration from the vessel’s main engine and accommodates the shaft offset that results from vessel structural flexure.
— Marine Equipment Engineer, Bergen
★★★★★
Spain — Construction Equipment
Used on small concrete pump auxiliary drive connections. The WH6 handles the 500 N·m torque and the shock loading of concrete pump startup reliably, and the vibration damping reduces drive component fatigue.
— Mechanical Engineer, Madrid
★★★★☆
Canada — HVAC Equipment OEM
Fitted on commercial pump drive connections in our HVAC system product range. The WH6 couples the motor to pump shaft reliably and accommodates the mounting offset inherent in our skid-mounted pump and motor assembly.
— Applications Engineer, Calgary
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary characteristics of the WH Type Oldham coupling?
The WH Type coupling is a sliding-block Oldham coupling designed for applications transmitting smaller torques. It offers three key operating characteristics: (1) a certain degree of relative shaft offset compensation between the two shafts; (2) shock absorption to attenuate drive torque transients and protect connected machinery; (3) vibration and cushioning properties to reduce transmitted vibration between connected rotating equipment.
What is the working temperature range of the WH Type coupling?
The WH Type coupling is rated for a working temperature range of -20°C to +70°C. This covers most standard industrial and outdoor applications. For environments outside this range, consult Ever Power for appropriate material and design guidance.
What is the transmission torque range of the WH Type coupling series?
The WH Type series covers a transmission torque range of 16 N·m (WH1) to 5,000 N·m (WH10). This covers applications from small instrument drives and conveyor connections through to large industrial pump and compressor drives at the upper end of the range.
Does the WH Type coupling provide the same misalignment compensation as the SL Type?
The WH Type coupling provides a certain degree of shaft offset compensation but is primarily characterised by its shock absorption and cushioning properties rather than maximum misalignment compensation. Where maximum radial displacement compensation is the primary requirement, the SL Type coupling with its larger compensation values may be more appropriate.
What materials are used in the WH Type coupling?
The hub bodies are manufactured from cast iron or steel. The intermediate sliding block is made from an engineering polymer selected for its combination of low friction coefficient, adequate compressive strength, and self-lubricating properties. The polymer block provides the shock absorption and cushioning characteristics of the coupling.
Enquire About the WH6 WH Type Oldham Coupling
Ever Power manufactures the WH6 and the complete WH Type coupling range — 10 models from WH1 to WH10 covering 16 N·m to 5,000 N·m — direct from our factory. Specify your bore diameter, bore type (Y or J), operating torque, and speed for a prompt technical and commercial response.
