R+W America’s new ECOLIGHT-TX1 series of molded thermoplastic insert couplings offer a reduced mass and moment of inertia, accompanied by a high level of chemical compatibility and tolerance for heat. The TX couplings are suitable for pump drives and other power transmission applications. According to the company’s press release, the plastic-to-metal interface between the coupling hub and the shafting allows for quieter operation than with metallic couplings. The material of the hubs is a glass-fiber reinforced polyamide developed for rigidity and corrosion resistance. Accelerated life testing involved 40 million load reversals at the coupling’s rated torque. No change to the integrity of the coupling keyway was discovered, as the steel key itself was the more brittle and compliant of the two materials. R+W America says the thermal stability of the material is also critical, as an H7 shaft fit tolerance for the hub must be maintained regardless of the environments in which the couplings will be used. R+W TX couplings have an elastomer element that is press fit between the two precision molded coupling halves giving it zero backlash and guaranteed concentricity. The elastomer insert is available in several shore hardness values allowing the designer to choose how great of a damping effect is required. The TX1 series coupling is designed for a pure keyway connection and is molded or bored to customer shaft specifications. Shaft mounting is achieved via a keyway and a set screw. Sizes are available for torque capacities ranging from 2Nm (17.7 lbs/in) to 660Nm (5841 lbs/in) and bore diameters from 8 to 45mm and .375 to 1.75 inch with standard or metric keyways.