What is a spider coupling, also called jaw coupling or spider jaw coupling, is type of flexible shaft coupling used in mechanical power transmission to connect two rotating shafts while allowing for some misalignment and dampening vibration. Spider coupling consists of three parts, two metal hubs with jaws that have three or more teeth, one hub attached to driving shaft and other to driven shaft, and elastomeric insert called spider that sits between jaws, made of rubber or polyurethane, often shaped like star with legs that fit between jaws. Spider insert absorbs shock, reduces vibration, and allows for angular, parallel, and axial misalignment between shafts, protecting machinery from damage. Spider couplings are widely used in pumps, compressors, mixers, and general machinery because they are simple, low cost, and easy to maintain, and spider insert can be replaced without moving hubs. Different spider materials provide different hardness and chemical resistance, such as Buna, urethane, and Hytrel. Spider coupling is also called Lovejoy coupling after popular brand, and is fail safe to some degree, if spider fails, jaws still interlock to transmit power at reduced capacity.
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