What Is an MH Coupling and How Does It Compare to Other Types?

by | Aug 13, 2026 | Flange Coupling Guides

The MH coupling occupies a specific and useful position in the flexible coupling catalogue — between the jaw coupling (lighter, simpler, lower torque) and the pin-and-bushing LT series (heavier, higher torque, more pins). Its flanged hub design with a central elastomeric element provides vibration damping, no-lubrication maintenance, and a compact axial profile that suits conveyor, mixer, and packaging machine drives where the physical space for a larger tyre or flange coupling is not available. This guide explains how the MH coupling works, how it compares to the NM coupling and other elastomeric coupling types, and where it is the natural specification choice across Australian industrial applications.

MH coupling flexible elastomeric hub motor pump drive application

How an MH Coupling Works

An MH coupling consists of two machined metal hubs with mating flanged faces, and an elastomeric element compressed between them in the coupling’s axial direction. Unlike a jaw coupling where the spider element sits between interlocking jaw teeth, the MH element sits in a central cavity formed by the two hub faces when they are brought together. Torque is transmitted from one hub to the other through shear and compression of this central element as the two flanges rotate relative to each other under load.

This design produces a very compact axial coupling length compared to a tyre-type flexible coupling, because the elastomeric element is sandwiched axially between the two hub flanges rather than wrapped around the outside of the hubs. The compact profile makes MH couplings particularly useful in space-constrained drive systems where a longer tyre coupling would not fit within the available DBSE.

MH vs NM Coupling — Key Differences

Feature MH Coupling NM Coupling
Torque Range 30 Nm – 3,500 Nm 30 Nm – 4,500 Nm
Bore Range 14 mm – 90 mm 14 mm – 100 mm
Element Position Central axial element between hub flanges Outer jaw elements between interlocking hub jaws
Axial Profile Compact — element does not extend beyond hub OD Standard — jaw elements extend beyond hub body
Misalignment Tolerance Angular: 1.0°, Parallel: 0.4 mm Angular: 1.0°, Parallel: 0.5 mm
Element Replacement Hub separation required to access central element Hub separation required — similar to MH
Space Constraint Suitability Better — compact axial profile Standard
Best Application Space-constrained drives; conveyor, mixer, packaging General motor-pump and conveyor drives
MH coupling elastomeric element hub flanged comparison NM

MH Coupling vs Jaw Coupling vs F-Type Tyre — Three-Way Comparison

Criterion MH Coupling Jaw Coupling (L-series) F-Type Tyre Coupling
Max Torque (same bore) Medium Lower Higher (larger overall size)
Axial Length Compact Standard Larger (tyre element outside hubs)
Misalignment Tolerance 1.0°, 0.4 mm 1.0°, 0.5 mm 4.0°, 3.0 mm
Vibration Damping Good Good Best (largest element volume)
Element Replacement Hub separation needed Hub separation needed Hub separation + tyre removal
Space-Critical Drives Best choice Standard Largest footprint
Typical Application Conveyors, packaging, mixers in tight spaces Light motor-pump, HVAC Pump, fan, compressor — general industrial

Where MH Couplings Are Specified in Australian Industry

Packaging and Material Handling

Packaging line conveyors, filling machine drives, and label applicator connections use MH couplings where the compact profile fits within the tight mechanical envelope of the machine frame. The element’s vibration damping also protects precision filling and weighing mechanisms from motor vibration.

Food Processing and Beverage

Mixer and blender drives in food processing where a compact, food-grade elastomeric element is required. MH coupling with FDA-compliant PU element in a smooth hub profile suits hygienic requirements.

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Material Handling Equipment

Roller conveyor drives, sortation equipment, and palletiser drives use MH couplings where multiple drives are closely spaced and a larger coupling would conflict with adjacent equipment. The compact axial profile saves critical space between conveyor roller centres.

General Manufacturing

Motor-to-gearbox connections on press brakes, CNC coordinate tables, and light industrial machine tools where the bore range and torque level match the MH series and a tyre coupling would be physically oversized for the available space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MH coupling the same as a jaw coupling?+
An MH coupling and a jaw coupling share the same fundamental operating principle — both transmit torque through compression of an elastomeric element between hub drive surfaces — but they differ in hub geometry and element design. A jaw coupling uses interlocking hub jaws with a six-lobed elastomeric spider between them. An MH coupling uses a flanged hub pair with elastomeric pins (or a pin-and-bushing element) transmitting torque through compression between the hub flanges. The MH design typically provides a flatter, more compact hub profile that suits specific space constraints, and some MH designs provide a higher peak torque capacity at equivalent bore sizes through a larger element contact area.
What does MH stand for in an MH coupling?+
MH stands for Metal Hub — referring to the all-metal hub construction with elastomeric insert, distinguishing the design from fully elastomeric or all-metallic coupling types. The MH coupling series designation is used across multiple manufacturers for pin-and-bushing flexible coupling designs with metal hubs and replaceable elastomeric elements. The Ever Power MH coupling range covers bore sizes from 14 mm to 90 mm and torque ratings from 30 Nm to 3,500 Nm.
What elastomeric element options are available for MH couplings?+
MH couplings are available with polyurethane (PU) elastomeric elements in standard 92A Shore hardness as the default grade, with 80A Shore for applications requiring maximum vibration damping, and 98A Shore for higher torsional stiffness. EPDM elements are available for outdoor, UV-exposed, or chemically aggressive environments. Food-grade polyurethane is available for food processing applications where elastomeric contamination risk must be eliminated. Specify the elastomeric grade at time of order — the element is interchangeable for field replacement without hub removal.
How often should the elastomeric element in an MH coupling be replaced?+
Under correct operating conditions — accurate shaft alignment, correct torque rating, appropriate element grade, and operating temperature within specification — MH coupling elements last 20,000 to 40,000 operating hours. Annual visual inspection is the recommended standard. Replace at the first sign of surface cracking, deformation, or rubber debris. For high-duty applications (more than 16 hours per day continuous), a 2-year scheduled replacement provides a maintenance boundary that avoids running to failure.
Can I use an MH coupling in a food processing plant?+
Yes, provided the elastomeric element is specified in food-grade polyurethane or EPDM, and the hub design does not create crevices that trap product. MH couplings with a smooth flange profile and sealed hub gap are suitable for food processing drives where the coupling is not directly exposed to product flow. Specify 316 stainless steel fasteners and a smooth-profile hub design for any food processing application where washdown cleaning is required. Contact [email protected] with your application details for a food-grade MH coupling specification.

Need Expert Coupling Advice?

Our engineering team in Condell Park NSW is ready to help — free of charge.

Ever Power Flange Couplings Australia Ltd.27 Harley Crescent, Condell Park NSW 2201  | +61 29708 3322  | [email protected]