Description
The SWP-A is the long flex flanged-hub configuration of the SWP universal joint coupling family — designed for high-torque drives with substantial shaft-centre distances. The flanged hubs bolt onto existing shaft stubs without site welding, while the extended telescoping intermediate shaft accommodates axial movement between driver and driven machine. This high torque coupling handles 16 kN·m at SWP160A up to 2,500 kN·m at SWP1000A, covering large rolling mill spindles, marine propeller shafts, and chassis dynamometer driveline applications.
SWP-A Specifications and Dimensional Range
The SWP-A range covers gyration diameters from 160 mm to 1,000 mm. Maximum flex angle is 10 degrees per joint, with the double-joint constant-velocity configuration available for precision-spindle service. Torque ratings scale from 16 kN·m on the smallest size to 2,500 kN·m on the largest, accommodating the heaviest industrial drive applications in Australian metallurgy and marine sectors.
| Model | Gyration Ø D (mm) | Nominal Torque Tn (kN·m) | Fatigue Tn Tf (kN·m) | Flex Angle β (°) | Bore D₂ (mm) | Lmin (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWP160A | 160 | 16 | 8.0 | ≤10° | 20–95 | 590 |
| SWP180A | 180 | 20 | 10 | ≤10° | 30–105 | 660 |
| SWP225A | 225 | 63 | 31.5 | ≤10° | 40–125 | 780 |
| SWP250A | 250 | 90 | 45 | ≤10° | 50–140 | 850 |
| SWP285A | 285 | 160 | 80 | ≤10° | 60–155 | 950 |
| SWP315A | 315 | 250 | 125 | ≤10° | 65–160 | 1020 |
| SWP350A | 350 | 400 | 200 | ≤10° | 80–185 | 1100 |
| SWP390A | 390 | 560 | 280 | ≤10° | 90–200 | 1200 |
| SWP450A | 450 | 800 | 400 | ≤10° | 100–230 | 1320 |
| SWP500A | 500 | 1,000 | 500 | ≤10° | 120–260 | 1450 |
| SWP550A | 550 | 1,250 | 625 | ≤10° | 130–280 | 1580 |
| SWP600A | 600 | 1,600 | 800 | ≤10° | 160–300 | 1700 |
| SWP700A | 700 | 2,500 | 1,250 | ≤10° | 200–350 | 1900 |
Flanged hub interface dimensions follow standard industrial conventions for large-diameter universal joint couplings. The extended intermediate shaft provides 100 to 150 mm of axial travel depending on size class, accommodating thermal growth and load-induced shaft movement on the long shaft-centre installations typical of large rolling mills and marine propulsion drivelines.
SWP-A Long Flex Type Universal Joint Coupling – flanged hub, extended intermediate shaft. Ever Power Flange Couplings Australia Ltd.
What Distinguishes the SWP-A from Other Universal Joint Types
The SWP-A combines two specific engineering choices: long flex intermediate shaft and flanged hub connection. The long flex provides extended axial travel for installations with significant shaft-centre distance variation during operation — thermal growth of rolling mill main drives, hull flex on long marine propulsion driveshafts, and chassis movement on large dynamometer test rigs. The flanged hub allows field-removable installation without site welding requirements.
Within the SWP universal joint family, the SWP-A is the engineering default for high-torque applications above approximately 50 kN·m where the application requires both long flex and flanged hub characteristics. Smaller torque applications typically specify SWP-B (short flex flanged) for the same flanged-hub benefit at lower torque ratings. Welded-shaft applications use the SWC family equivalents.
Long Flex Travel Range Explained
The ‘long flex’ designation refers to the extended length of the telescoping splined intermediate shaft. Where short-flex SWP-B variants provide approximately 50 to 80 mm of axial travel, the SWP-A long-flex shafts provide 100 to 150 mm. This extended range matters when the calculated thermal growth, load-induced shaft movement, and foundation settlement total approach or exceed the short-flex envelope. Specifying long flex provides headroom against operational dimensional variation throughout the equipment lifetime.
Construction and Material Specification
Material specification matches the SWC family: 35CrMo alloy steel forging for yokes, intermediate shaft, and trunnion crosses; full quench-and-temper heat treatment; induction-hardened journals and spline teeth to HRC 58-64. The flanged hub face is machined to ISO surface finish standards for proper bolt preload distribution.
Sealed needle roller bearings are pre-lubricated at assembly. Flange bolts are high-tensile structural fasteners (Property Class 10.9 or 12.9 depending on size class). For marine applications, marine-grade surface treatments and synthetic grease bearing lubricants are available as marine-specification options.
100 to 150 mm of axial travel accommodates substantial shaft-centre distance variation during operation. Suitable for installations with thermal growth, hull flex, or foundation settlement movement.
Field-removable installation without welding. Bolts onto existing flanged shaft stubs through standard industrial flange interface. Marine grade surface treatments available.
Covers the heaviest industrial drive applications including large rolling mill main drives, marine propulsion driveline couplings, and chassis dynamometer test rigs.
Same material and heat treatment as the SWC universal coupling family. Trunnion cross interchangeability simplifies spare parts inventory across the SWC and SWP ranges at equivalent gyration diameters.
Pre-lubricated at assembly with operating-temperature-appropriate grease. Marine synthetic grease available for marine specifications. Lifetime sealing through design service life.
Double-joint constant-velocity configuration available for precision spindle applications. Eliminates second-order velocity ripple at operating angles up to 5 degrees per joint.
Industrial Applications Across Heavy Industry
SWP-A applications focus on high-torque drives where the combination of long axial travel and flanged hub connection is required. Large rolling mill main drive spindles, marine propulsion drivelines, chassis dynamometer test rigs, and heavy agricultural PTO drives all match this profile.
Large Rolling Mill Main Drive Spindles
Hot strip mill, plate mill, and structural rolling mill main drive spindles specify SWP-A flanged-hub long-flex couplings between the main drive gearbox and the work roll. The 10-degree flex angle accommodates work roll height adjustments during pass-line changes. The long flex axial travel handles the thermal growth of the mill housing during continuous rolling campaigns. Flanged hub connection supports planned roll change maintenance routines.
Marine Propulsion and Heavy Test Equipment
Commercial vessel propulsion drivelines specify SWP-A couplings between main engine and reduction gearbox, particularly on container vessels and bulk carriers with extended propulsion driveline geometry. Heavy chassis dynamometer test rigs and engine test cell drivelines similarly use SWP-A couplings for the combination of high torque rating, long flex axial travel, and field-removable flanged installation that vehicle and engine test laboratories require for instrumentation access.
SWP-A yoke and telescoping intermediate shaft – designed for marine propulsion and rolling mill spindles.
Selecting the Correct SWP-A Size for Your Drive
Universal joint coupling sizing starts with nominal torque under continuous operation. Apply the appropriate service factor for the duty class — 1.0 for steady-state drives, 1.5 for moderate shock, up to 2.5 for rolling mill spindle service. The resulting design torque must not exceed the SWP-A nominal torque Tn for the selected size.
Verify the gyration diameter fits the installation envelope, the operating flex angle stays within 10-degree per-joint rating, and the bore range D₂ accommodates the driven shaft diameters. For marine applications, specify classification society approval requirements and marine-grade surface treatments at order generation.
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Best Practice
Installation follows the flange-type universal coupling workflow. The extended intermediate shaft is heavier than short-flex variants and requires appropriate lifting support during positioning. For marine applications, follow the classification-society-approved installation procedure including witness inspection at bolt torque application.
Confirm existing shaft flange dimensions match SWP-A hub specifications. Clean flange faces. Verify foundation rigidity matches the design loading. For marine applications, witness inspection may be required.
The long-flex variant is heavier than short-flex equivalents. Use proper lifting equipment positioned at both yoke ends. Engage the pilot register of each hub with the corresponding shaft flange.
Before completing bolt torque, verify the telescoping splined shaft moves through its full axial travel range without binding. Confirm the installed length sits between Lmin and Lmax with headroom for thermal growth.
Install all flange bolts in cross pattern. Torque to 30, 60, 100 percent of final value with calibrated wrench. For marine specifications, classification society witness inspection at this stage.
Confirm the operating flex angle through each joint sits within 10-degree per-joint rating with safety headroom. Adjust equipment positioning if needed.
Run at progressively increasing speed. Monitor vibration and bearing temperature for first 50 hours. Recheck bolt torque at first scheduled maintenance interval.
OEM Cross-Reference and Order Specification
Cross-reference is available for Voith Turbo SWP-equivalent universal joint couplings, Rexnord large universal couplings, SKF flanged industrial couplings, and GKN industrial driveline products. Provide OEM model code, gyration diameter, nominal torque rating, installed length, and flange interface dimensions for direct equivalent confirmation.
For marine applications, classification society approval documentation (DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, Bureau Veritas, ClassNK) is available on request. Provide vessel classification details and approval requirements at order so the appropriate documentation package is supplied with the shipment.
Why Choose Ever Power Australia
Ever Power Flange Couplings Australia Ltd. supplies the SWP-A long-flex flanged-hub universal joint coupling range from our Sydney warehouse with commonly specified sizes held in stock. Marine surface treatments, classification society documentation, custom intermediate shaft lengths, and OEM cross-reference work are all standard services from our in-house engineering team — no additional consulting fees, no engineering charges.
Ever Power manufacturing facility — ISO 9001 certified, 12,000 m², 108 dedicated coupling machines, 20+ years of production experience.
Every order placed with our Sydney team is backed by full material traceability, dimensional inspection certificates on request, and direct access to the engineers who specified, machined, and packed your coupling. We do not subcontract technical support — when you phone +61 2 9708 3322 during NSW business hours, you reach the people who actually know the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers from our Sydney technical team. Contact us for application-specific guidance.
1. When should I specify SWP-A rather than SWP-B? +
2. What is the constant-velocity double-joint configuration? +
3. Are marine classification society approvals available? +
4. Can I retrofit an SWP-A in place of a worn OEM cardan shaft? +
5. How quickly can I receive an SWP-A from your Sydney warehouse? +
Request a Quote — Sydney NSW Stock
Tell us your motor power, shaft diameter, and operating environment. Our New South Wales coupling team confirms availability and pricing within one business day, with same-day dispatch on standard sizes from Condell Park.
Ever Power Flange Couplings Australia Ltd. · 27 Harley Crescent, Condell Park NSW 2200 · [email protected]
