Motion control couplings: Single sourcing vs sourcing from multiple manufacturers

This supplier diversity is a benefit during the design phase. However, it can present supply chain problems to OEMs once machines reach production volume – including inconsistent quality, poor service, minimal global support, long lead times, and constantly changing
delivery dates. These problems are exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic and have caused companies to reevaluate their supply chain.

Switching to a single source for couplings presents different challenges, but many OEMs see supply chain improvements when switching
– without compromising system performance. Most coupling manufacturers, even big ones, choose to specialise in one or two types of couplings. While they may offer a wider range of “standard” styles within the one or two types, these highly engineered
solutions must be offered to accommodate for performance deficiencies that are solved by standard couplings not in their offering. For example, a manufacturer of beam couplings may have an expansive range of stainless steel options to offer higher torque
and torsional stiffness than their aluminium options. Stainless steel beam couplings have high inertia, can limit system performance, and can be significantly more expensive than jaw or disc couplings offered by other manufacturers. 

Read the full article in the October issue of DPA