NORD Gear
Couplings are a common failure point within drive systems. Keeping shafts aligned not only eliminates vibrations, but also prevents additional load and wear-and-tear on drive units. Unfortunately, this presents several challenges, and even the most seasoned technicians are required to adjust and shim, sometimes for hours, to get as close to perfect alignment as possible, knowing that even the slightest misalignment will ultimately shorten the lifecycle of the gear unit. The new hollow-socket shaft design for Nordbloc.1 single-reduction gear units (photo) features a shaft design that mounts directly to a pump without the need for couplings. This significantly reduces installation time and maintenance, greatly extends the operating life of the unit, and drastically reduces revenue loss as a result of unexpected downtime, says the manufacturer. — NORD Gear Corp., Waunakee, Wis.