MLP Type Plum Blossom Coupling with Brake Disc

MLP Type Plum Blossom Coupling with Brake Disc

The MLP Type Plum Blossom Coupling with Brake Disc integrates a disc-brake rotor directly with the jaw coupling assembly, enabling caliper-type disc braking in a single compact unit. Available in nine sizes — MLP6 through MLP14 — covering nominal torque 630–12,500 N·m and braking torque up to 40,050 N·m, with brake disc diameters 355–1,000 mm and a split outer hub that allows the polyurethane spider to be replaced without moving either machine shaft.

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What Is an MLP Plum Blossom Coupling with Brake Disc?

MLP type plum blossom jaw coupling brake disc rotor caliper flexible coupling

The MLP plum blossom coupling with brake disc is the disc-brake member of the GB/T5272-2002 jaw coupling family. Where LMZ-I and LMZ-II integrate drum (shoe) brakes, the MLP integrates a flat disc rotor — the working surface for a caliper-type disc brake. This design delivers smoother, more consistent braking torque, superior heat dissipation, and easier brake lining inspection compared to drum equivalents. It is the preferred choice for variable-frequency drives, precision hoists, and any application where braking repeatability and minimal thermal runaway risk are critical.

MLP Assembly Architecture

  • Inner hub (fixed to shaft) — carries the claw profile; cast iron. Keyed and setscrew-retained.
  • Outer hub section (split, removable) — bolts to the inner hub OD. Removed radially to access the spider without shaft movement.
  • Brake disc — flat annular rotor bolted to the outer hub section. Available diameters 355–1,000 mm; interchangeable without hub removal.
  • Driven hub — standard LM-type hub on the opposing shaft.
  • Polyurethane spider — shA or shD grade; replaced by removing the outer hub section radially, with no shaft movement required.

Disc Brake vs Drum Brake — Why MLP?

Feature MLP (Disc Brake) LMZ-I / LMZ-II (Drum Brake)
Braking consistency ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★☆ Good
Heat dissipation Superior (open disc) Moderate (enclosed drum)
Lining inspection Visual, no disassembly Cover removal needed
Brake fade at high duty Lower risk Higher risk at high cycle rate
Max coupling torque (standard) 12,500 N·m Up to 25,000 N·m (LMZ-I)
Suitable for VFD drives ✓ Yes — precise control ✓ Yes, but less precise

MLP Coupling Specifications & Dimensions

MLP plum blossom coupling brake disc dimension drawing L0 S L3 D1 D2 B D3 C shaft bore

Hub: cast iron · Spider: polyurethane −35 °C to +80 °C · L0 = total length · S = hub gap · L3 = hub length · C = disc centre distance (mm) · D0×T = disc outer diameter × thickness · * = bore compatible with Z/J hole types

Type Old Nom. Torque
N·m		 Braking Torque
N·m		 Max Speed
rpm		 Bore & Length S mm L3 mm D1 mm D2 mm B mm D3 mm R mm C mm D0×T mm
d1,d2 mm L1,L2 (Y/Z) L0 mm
MLP6 MLPK6 630 1,800 3,500 35, 38 82 231 67 71 145 85 22 65 2 70 355×20
40, 42 82 231 100 400×20
45, 48, 50, 55 112 291 95 450×30
MLP7 MLPK7 1,120 2,850 3,250 45, 48 112 291 67 71 170 110 28 80 2 95 400×30
50, 55 112 291 95 450×30
60, 63, 65 142 351 125 500×30
MLP8 MLPK8 1,800 4,950 3,000 50, 55 112 300 76 81 200 135 28 95 2.5 94 450×30
60, 63 142 360 — 400×30
65, 70 142 360 124 500×30
71, 75 142 360 — 560×30
MLP10 MLPK9 2,800 7,740 2,800 60, 63 142 364 80 86 230 160 35 116 2.5 124 500×30
65, 70, 71, 75 142 364 124 560×30
80, 85, 90, 95 172 424 154 630×30
MLP11 MLPK10 4,500 11,940 2,600 70, 71, 75 142 379 95 101 262 180 40 140 2.5 124 500×30
80, 85 172 439 154 560×30
90, 95 172 439 154 630×30
100, 110 212 519 194 710×30
MLP12 MLPK11 7,100 17,550 2,250 80, 85 172 455 111 117 300 200 40 150 3 154 630×30
90, 95 172 455 154 710×30
100, 110, 120 212 535 194 800×30
MLP13 MLPK12 11,200 29,100 2,000 90, 95 172 469 124 130 360 225 45 210 3 154 710×30
100, 110, 120, 125 212 548 194 800×30
100, 110, 120, 125 212 548 194 900×30
130 252 628 234 900×30
MLP14 MLPK13 12,500 40,050 1,800 100, 110, 120, 125 212 548 124 130 400 240 50 235 3 194 900×30
130, 140, 150 252 628 234 1000×30

Related Plum Blossom Coupling Types

GBC manufactures the complete plum blossom coupling range. Browse the full jaw coupling catalogue for dimensional drawings and cross-reference tables.

LM / ML — Basic

Torque: 16–8,000 N·m · No brake · General industrial drives

LMS / MLS — Double Flange

Torque: 25–25,000 N·m · No brake · Radial spider replacement

LMZ-I — Split Brake Wheel

Torque: 250–25,000 N·m · Drum brake · Split wheel, in-situ replacement

LMZ-II — Integral Brake Wheel

Torque: 250–12,500 N·m · Drum brake · Compact integral drum

MLP — Brake Disc (this page)

Torque: 630–12,500 N·m · Disc brake · Spider replaceable in situ

How to Select an MLP Coupling

Step 1 — Coupling Design Torque

TC = K × 9,550 × P / N   ≤   Tn

Apply service factor K (1.25–3.0), motor power P in kW, and speed N in rpm. Select the MLP size whose nominal torque Tn ≥ TC.

Step 2 — Brake Disc Selection

Select D0×T matching your caliper geometry and braking torque demand. The centre distance C positions the disc face relative to the caliper mounting bracket. Each size offers multiple disc options — see the parameter table above. Verify radial clearance: the disc OD protrudes beyond D1.

Ordering Mark Format

MLPI0–500×30×124   Coupling   YA80×172 / ZC60×142
→ MLP type, size 10 · Disc D0=500 mm, T=30 mm, C=124 mm
→ Drive: Y-bore A-keyway 80×172 · Driven: Z-bore C-keyway 60×142

Key Selection Considerations

  • Braking torque check: The disc brake braking torque must not exceed the coupling's nominal torque Tn. Confirm caliper force × effective disc radius ≤ Tn.
  • Disc clearance: Verify radial and axial clearance against the drive housing and caliper bracket before finalising the disc option.
  • Spider grade: shA (general purpose) for smooth VFD deceleration; shD (soft, high-damping) for drives with abrupt stop-start or heavy shock loads.
  • Speed limit: Larger disc sizes add rotating mass — always verify operating speed is below the rated maximum for the selected size and disc combination.

Industry Applications

⚡ VFD-Driven Hoists & Winches

Disc brakes are the natural partner for variable-frequency drives because caliper force is electronically adjustable, enabling smooth ramp-down braking. MLP couplings on VFD hoist drives deliver precise load-lowering speed control without brake fade common with drum brakes at high cycle rates.

Automated Warehousing & AS/RS

Stacker cranes and automated storage retrieval systems demand high-cycle, precise braking on X/Y travel and lift drives. MLP's disc brake provides consistent stopping position accuracy cycle after cycle — critical for pallet rack alignment.

Stage & Entertainment Rigging

Counterweight fly-tower drives and motorised scenic automation use MLP for its disc brake's quiet operation and precise holding torque. The vibration-damping spider protects sensitive theatrical drive trains from motor start-stop shock.

️ Wind Turbine Ancillary Drives

Yaw and pitch system auxiliary drives use MLP for its compact size, disc brake precision, and polyurethane spider's tolerance of vibration and shock loads inherent in turbine operation.

️ Crane Auxiliary Drives

Jib rotation and slewing drives on cranes use MLP for its precise disc braking. The visual lining inspection advantage is valuable at crane service heights where drum cover removal presents a safety hazard.

Pharmaceutical & Cleanroom

Cleanroom-compatible coating drum drives and sterile filling line conveyors benefit from MLP's open disc face, which allows pad inspection during cleaning rounds without disassembly — supporting GMP audit requirements.

For heavier drives requiring drum-brake integration, see our LMZ-I split brake wheel and LMZ-II integral brake wheel coupling pages.

Installation & Maintenance

MLP coupling installation brake disc caliper mounting dimension L0 C D0

Installation Steps

  1. Press inner hubs onto both shafts; torque all setscrews. Use induction heater (≤120 °C) for interference fits.
  2. Align shafts within coupling angular (≤2°) and radial tolerances; laser alignment recommended.
  3. Insert the polyurethane spider between the inner hub claw faces.
  4. Fit the outer hub section radially and bolt to the inner hub body; torque bolts in a cross-pattern.
  5. Bolt the brake disc to the outer hub section; verify disc runout ≤0.15 mm TIR.
  6. Mount the brake caliper; set pad-to-disc clearance per caliper manufacturer's specification (typically 0.2–0.5 mm per side).

Spider Replacement (In-Situ — No Shaft Movement)

  1. De-energise and lock out the drive; retract the brake caliper.
  2. Remove the outer hub section bolts; withdraw the outer section (with disc) radially.
  3. Extract the worn spider; insert the new polyurethane element.
  4. Replace the outer section and disc assembly; torque bolts to specification.
  5. Reset caliper clearance; verify disc runout before returning to service.

Typical elapsed time: 25–35 minutes. Inspect spider every 6–12 months; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each spider inspection.

Fault Diagnosis

Symptom Likely Cause Action
Brake judder / pulsation Disc runout; glazed pads Check runout ≤0.15 mm; bed-in new pads
Drive vibration (no braking) Worn spider; disc imbalance after damage Replace spider; inspect disc for cracks
Disc overheating / blue discolouration Brake drag; excessive duty cycle Check caliper release; review duty cycle
Spider cracking Thermal soak from hot disc; overload Add disc heat shield; recalculate TC

MLP vs Alternative Brake-Coupling Solutions

Criterion MLP (Jaw + Disc) LMZ-I (Jaw + Drum) Separate Disc + Coupling
Brake type Disc (caliper) Drum (shoe) Disc (caliper)
Braking precision ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
Vibration damping ★★★★☆ (spider) ★★★★☆ Coupling-dependent
Spider replacement In-situ, no shaft move In-situ (LMZ-I) Coupling-dependent
Component count Low (integrated) Low (integrated) High (coupling + disc + adaptor)
Max torque (standard) 12,500 N·m 25,000 N·m Wide range

Customer Case Studies

Australia — Automated Warehouse

MLP7 couplings on our stacker crane lift drives. Switched from drum brakes after experiencing positioning drift as linings wore unevenly. Since installing MLP, pallet placement accuracy has stayed within ±3 mm over 14 months and 250,000 cycles. The in-situ spider replacement took 30 minutes — no shaft movement needed.

Automation Systems Engineer, Sydney NSW AU

★★★★★

Denmark — Wind Energy

MLP8 on yaw drive systems for a 2.5 MW turbine variant. The disc brake's heat management advantage over drum brakes was decisive at the high yaw-correction cycle rates we see in coastal installations. Consistent caliper force across temperature extremes from −15 °C to +45 °C.

Drivetrain Engineer, Aarhus DK

★★★★★

Singapore — Stage Engineering

Theatre fly-tower drives in a new performing arts centre. MLP6 was chosen for its ultra-quiet disc brake operation — critical in a zero-background-noise performance environment. The coupling's vibration isolation also eliminated a resonance issue in the grid structure.

Stage Automation Specialist, Singapore SG

★★★★☆

Australia — Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

GMP-compliant coating drum drives in a sterile manufacturing suite. The open disc face allows visual pad inspection during routine cleaning rounds without disassembly — a significant GMP compliance advantage. Spider material confirmed compatible with IPA wash-down protocol.

Validation Engineer, Melbourne VIC AU

★★★★★

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ What makes MLP different from LMZ-I and LMZ-II?

LMZ-I and LMZ-II use drum (shoe) brakes. MLP integrates a flat disc rotor for use with a caliper-type disc brake. Disc brakes provide more precise and consistent braking torque, superior heat dissipation, and visually inspectable pad wear — making MLP the preferred choice for VFD-driven precision applications and high-cycle duty.

▶ What is the torque range of MLP couplings?

The MLP range covers nine sizes: MLP6 at 630 N·m through MLP14 at 12,500 N·m nominal torque. Maximum braking torque reaches 40,050 N·m at MLP14. Disc diameters range from 355 mm to 1,000 mm depending on size and disc option.

▶ Can the spider be replaced without removing the disc or moving the shaft?

Yes. The outer hub section (carrying the disc) is removed radially — unbolting it from the inner hub exposes the spider lobes. Extract the worn spider, fit the new element, and reattach the outer section. Neither shaft moves and the caliper position is undisturbed. Typical time: 25–35 minutes.

▶ Is the polyurethane spider affected by disc heat soak?

Under normal duty the disc temperature does not significantly affect the spider, as the outer hub section provides thermal isolation. In applications with extreme braking frequency or prolonged slip, adding a thermal shield between the disc and outer hub is recommended to keep spider temperature below 80 °C.

▶ What is the maximum operating speed for MLP couplings?

MLP6: 3,500 rpm; MLP7: 3,250 rpm; MLP8: 3,000 rpm; MLP10: 2,800 rpm; MLP11: 2,600 rpm; MLP12: 2,250 rpm; MLP13: 2,000 rpm; MLP14: 1,800 rpm. Larger sizes with heavier discs have lower speed limits due to rotating mass and balance sensitivity. For applications above 2,000 rpm, request dynamic balancing of the assembled coupling and disc.

Source MLP Disc-Brake Couplings — Precision Braking for Your Drive System

GBC supplies the full MLP range — all nine sizes, all disc options, custom bore configurations, and both spider grades. Share your drive power, speed, caliper specification, and disc requirement and we will confirm the correct mark and availability within 24 hours.

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Browse Jaw Coupling Catalogue

The MLP Type Plum Blossom Coupling with Brake Disc integrates a disc-brake rotor directly with the jaw coupling assembly, enabling caliper-type disc braking in a single compact unit. Available in nine sizes — MLP6 through MLP14 — covering nominal torque 630–12,500 N·m and braking torque up to 40,050 N·m, with brake disc diameters 355–1,000 mm and a split outer hub that allows the polyurethane spider to be replaced without moving either machine shaft.

Contact Us

Email

sales@australia-drive.com

stuart_hamill@generalbearing.com.au

Tel: +61 3 9070 7991

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