Rigid Couplings Market: Introduction
- Rigid couplings are made of high-strength steel and are used to connect two shafts with precise alignment. The axial and relative motion of shafts of the driver and the driven unit is restricted by rigid couplings. The two connected shafts by the rigid coupling operate as a single shaft. Rigid couplings are utilized in vertical applications such as vertical pumps. Rigid couplings transmit more power as compared to flexible couplings of comparable size. Rigid couplings are not used in high horsepower applications. Based on the purpose of use, the three major types of rigid couplings are flanged, split, and compression coupling.
- Flanged couplings are utilized in applications where free access to both shafts is required. Split couplings are majorly employed where access on one side is limited, while the other side has free access. These couplings require the use of keys and keyways. Compression couplings are used when keys and keyways cannot be used like brass shafts.
Key Drivers of Global Rigid Couplings Market
- An increase in demand for high-performance rigid couplings in several end-use industries, such as oil & gas, automotive, power generation, and mining, is driving the rigid couplings market.
- The shift in focus of oil & gas manufacturers toward safety and efficiency is a major factor driving the demand for rigid couplings, as these couplings help lower the resistance on precisely aligned shafts
- Expansion of mechanical and heavy machinery industries is also fueling the rigid couplings market as rigid couplings are utilized to couple different shafts present in heavy machinery
- Functionality and features of rigid couplings such as best torque transmission capabilities, zero windup, and suitability for shaft support and push-pull applications, and low cost are key factors further boosting the market
- Rise in investment in innovation and development of 3D manufactured rigid couplings, magnetic couplings, and high horsepower vibration resistance is also propelling the rigid couplings market
Restraints of Global Rigid Couplings market
- A major restraint of the rigid coupling market is the limited application and properties of these couplings. They cannot tolerate any misalignment in the axes of the shaft even if they can transmit more power than flexible couplings. This shaft misalignment affects the life and performance of the couplings.
- Low production and restrictions in logistics of automotive and other industries caused by COVID-19 guidelines have also hampered the market
Asia Pacific to Hold Major Share of Global Rigid Couplings Market
- Rising per capita income and development and production of automotive and heavy machinery are key drivers of the rigid couplings market in the Asia Pacific. Rise in population in countries such as China and India is boosting the demand for rigid couplings in the automobile industry.
- Rapid innovation, technological advancements, and the strong presence of automobile and electrical equipment manufacturers in North America and Europe are major factors fuelling the rigid couplings market in these regions
Key manufacturers active in the global rigid couplings market include:
- Barmex
- Regal PTS (KopFlex)
- Altra Industrial Motion
- Oren Elliott Products
- Timken
- Rexnord
- Ruland
- Chinabase Machinery
- Climax Metal Products
- JAKOB Antriebstechnik
- Vulkan
- NBK
Companies like ABS have approved the 3D printed couplings and other parts after testing on the oil tanker.
Global Rigid Couplings Market: Research Scope
Global Rigid Couplings Market, by Type
- Flanged
- Split
- Compression
Global Rigid Couplings Market, by Torque
Global Rigid Couplings Market, by Application
- Conveyors
- Oil processing applications
- Automobile
- Electrical machines
- Small wind turbines
Global Rigid Couplings Market, by End-use Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Power Generation
- Agricultural
- Mining and Metals Industry
- Automotive
- Industrial Machinery
Global Rigid Couplings Market, by Distribution Channel
- Direct Sales
- Indirect Sales
Global Rigid Couplings Market, by Region
- North America
- The U.S.
- Canada
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- U.K.
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East and Africa
- South America
- Brazil
- Rest of South America