Description
WH1 WH Type Oldham Coupling – 10–14mm Bore Shock-Absorbing Sliding-Block Flexible Drive Coupling
The WH1 WH Type Oldham coupling is a sliding-block flexible drive coupling designed for applications transmitting 16 N·m at up to 10000 rpm where a certain degree of shaft relative offset compensation, shock absorption, and vibration damping capability are all simultaneously required. With a 40 mm outer diameter and bore range of 10–14 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. At the smallest end of the WH series, the WH1 is optimised for high-speed miniature drive connections. Its 10000 rpm maximum speed — the highest in the WH range — makes it suitable for stepper motor, servo motor, and instrumentation drive shaft connections where compact dimensions, vibration isolation, and minimal added inertia are the governing design criteria.
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 WH1, with bore length dimensions of 25–32 mm (Y-type) and 22–27 mm (J-type). The full WH series documentation and selection guidance is available on our product catalog page.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | WH1 |
| Type | WH Type Oldham (Sliding-Block) Coupling |
| Bore Range (d) | 10–14 mm |
| Outer Diameter (D) | 40 mm |
| Inner Hub Diameter (D₁) | 30 mm |
| Slider Block Width (B) | 52 mm |
| Tongue Depth (C) | 17 mm |
| Y-Type Bore Length (L) | 25–32 mm |
| J-Type Bore Length (L) | 22–27 mm |
| Nominal Torque (Tn) | 16 N·m |
| Maximum Speed [n] | 10000 rpm |
| Working Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Mass | 0.6 kg |
Dimension Reference
Hub and Slider Block Assembly
The WH1’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 WH1 are sized to provide adequate compressive contact area for reliable 16 N·m torque transmission while maintaining the sliding clearance needed for radial compensation movement during rotation. The tongue depth dimension C = 17 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
- Small instrument and automation drive connections — servo and stepper motor output shaft connections with misalignment compensation and vibration isolation
- Printing and packaging machine drives — torque transient absorption during acceleration/deceleration cycles
- Medical and laboratory instrument drives — vibration damping for sensitive measurement equipment
- Conveyor feed drive connections — small format conveyor head drum connections with frame assembly offset
For application enquiries and volume supply, please visit our contact page.
Customer Reviews and Case Studies
★★★★★
Germany — Small Motor Drive OEM
We use the WH1 Oldham coupling on low-torque instrument drive connections in our sensor positioning equipment. The coupling’s shock absorption smooths our stepper motor’s micro-step drive, and the 10,000 rpm maximum speed covers our highest-speed axis connections.
— Design Engineer, Stuttgart
★★★★★
Japan — Medical Device Manufacturing
Specified for positioning drive connections in a diagnostic imaging device. The WH1’s vibration damping reduces transmitted vibration from the drive motor to the imaging sensor mount, improving image quality at our operating speed range.
— Instrument Engineer, Nagoya
★★★★☆
United States — Laboratory Automation OEM
Used in autosampler drive connections. The WH1’s misalignment compensation reduces the precision requirement for our motor mounting — important in compact instrument designs where alignment tooling is impractical.
— Mechanical Engineer, San Diego
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 WH1 WH Type Oldham Coupling
Ever Power manufactures the WH1 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.
