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21st April 2023

Overhung Load Adaptors: How They Increase Efficiency


Overhung load adaptors, also known as sprocket adaptors, are a critical component of industrial machinery that allows a sprocket or sheave to be mounted onto a shaft that extends beyond the bearing on one side. By providing an additional support point for the shaft, overhung load adaptors offer several benefits, including increased equipment performance and efficiency. This blog post will explore how overhung load adaptors work and how they can help improve the performance and efficiency of your machinery.

How they work

Overhung load adaptors work by providing an additional support point for a shaft that extends beyond the bearing on one side. This additional support reduces the amount of load on the bearing and prevents the shaft from deflecting or bending, which can cause premature failure of the bearing and other components.

The benefits of overhung load adaptors

Overhung load adaptors offer several benefits, including increased equipment performance and efficiency. Here are some of the main benefits:

  1. Reduced bearing load: By providing an additional support point for the shaft, overhung load adaptors reduce the load on the bearing, which can help extend the life of the bearing and prevent premature failure.
  2. Reduced shaft deflection: Overhung load adaptors help to reduce shaft deflection or bending, which can cause misalignment of the sprocket or sheave and reduce the efficiency of the power transmission system.
  3. Increased power transmission capacity: Overhung load adaptors can increase the power transmission capacity of the system by allowing a larger sprocket or sheave to be used. This can help to improve the efficiency and performance of the machine.
  4. Simplified maintenance: By reducing the load on the bearing, overhung load adaptors can help to simplify maintenance and reduce downtime.
  5. Versatile design: Overhung load adaptors can be designed to accommodate a wide range of shaft sizes, sprocket or sheave sizes, and mounting configurations, making them a versatile component for a variety of industrial applications.

In summary, overhung load adaptors are a critical component of industrial machinery that can help to increase equipment performance and efficiency by reducing bearing load, reducing shaft deflection, increasing power transmission capacity, simplifying maintenance, and providing a versatile design. 

How we can help 

At Robert Cupitt, we are a leading stockist and distributor of specialist power transmission components, including overhung load adaptors. We offer a wide range of overhung load adaptors from leading manufacturers and our knowledgeable staff can assist with your application and help you select the right adaptor for your specific needs. 

We also offer a range of other specialist power transmission components, including calliper disc brakes, right-angle gear drives, variable speed drives, and torque limiters. Click here to take a look at our products. Whatever your requirement, Robert Cupitt’s knowledgeable staff are here to assist with your application. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs and queries further. 

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