What makes SWP-B different from SWP-A?

The SWP-B is a shorter overall body length compared to SWP-A while retaining the same telescoping sleeve function and identical torque ratings. It is chosen when installation space along the shaft axis is limited but axial compensation is still required.

What industries most commonly use SWP-B couplings?

The SWP-B is widely used in underground and surface mining drivetrains, aggregate processing, steel mill auxiliary drives, and any application where a compact but flexible coupling is required between non-collinear shafts.

SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Couplings

Name: SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Couplings | GBC
SKU: 09071e7a4adb

The SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Coupling is a compact-body, split axletree spider-type cardan shaft with full telescoping sleeve capability (Ls 50–230 mm). Covering gyration diameters 160–640 mm and nominal torques 16–1 250 kN·m at axes fold angle ≤10°, SWP-B delivers the same compensation performance as SWP-A in a shorter overall length — the ideal choice for mining conveyors, crusher drives, and compact industrial drivetrains where axial space is constrained.

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Description

SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Couplings — Product Overview

The SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Coupling is a split axletree, spider-type cardan joint engineered for installations where axial space is limited yet axial displacement compensation remains essential. Its defining characteristic relative to the SWP-A is a shorter overall body length (Lmin 585–2780 mm vs. 660–2685 mm for SWP-A at comparable diameters), achieved by using a reduced-length intermediate tube while retaining the full-range telescoping sleeve with stroke Ls of 50–230 mm.

Like all SWP-series couplings, the SWP-B operates on the Hooke's joint (universal joint) mechanism: two flanged yokes connected through a precision-ground cross-spider transmit high torque across shaft angular offsets of ≤10°. The split axletree bearing housing is the hallmark feature — the two-piece housing can be separated radially, enabling spider replacement with the connected shafts still in situ. In mining and mineral processing environments, where mechanical assembly space is often severely restricted, this translates directly to faster maintenance and reduced confined-space work.

Torque coverage spans 16 kN·m (SWP160B) through 1 250 kN·m (SWP640B), with matching fatigue torques from 8 to 630 kN·m — the same capacity envelope as SWP-A, packed into a more compact envelope. Gyration diameters run 160 to 640 mm across 14 standard sizes.

SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Coupling

Primary target sectors: Underground coal and metalliferous mining conveyors, surface minerals processing plants (iron ore, bauxite, coal wash plants), compact steel mill auxiliary drive decks, heavy aggregate crushing and screening circuits, and marine propulsion auxiliary systems — all prominent in Australia's Pilbara, Hunter Valley, and Bowen Basin operations.

Why compactness matters in Australian mining: Underground and surface plant installations frequently impose tight axial clearances between motor, gearbox, and driven equipment. Specifying the longer SWP-A where only SWP-B installation space exists forces costly mechanical relocation of equipment. The SWP-B resolves this directly, with identical torque ratings and no compromise on axial or angular compensation performance.

Technical Specifications

SWP-B Short Flex Type Universal Joint Coupling Specification Drawing

Type	D (mm)	Tn (kN·m)	Tf (kN·m)	Ls (mm)	β	Lmin (mm)	D1 js11	D2 H7	E	E1	b×h	h1	L1	n–d	I Lmin (kg·m²)	G Lmin (kg)
SWP160B	160	16	8	50	≤10	585	140	95	15	4	20×12	6	85	6–13	0.14	44
SWP180B	180	20	10	60	≤10	640	155	105	15	4	24×14	7	95	6–15	0.23	56
SWP200B	200	31.5	16	70	≤10	730	175	125	17	5	28×16	8	110	8–15	0.36	75
SWP225B	225	40	20	76	≤10	830	196	135	20	5	32×18	9	130	8–17	0.61	108
SWP250B	250	63	31.5	80	≤10	860	218	150	25	5	40×25	12.5	135	8–19	0.98	138
SWP285B	285	90	45	100	≤10	1000	245	170	27	7	40×30	15	150	8–21	2.12	229
SWP315B	315	140	63	110	≤10	1120	280	185	32	7	40×30	15	170	10–23	3.8	309
SWP350B	350	180	90	120	≤10	1230	310	210	35	8	50×32	16	185	10–23	6.6	408
SWP390B	390	250	112	120	≤10	1310	345	235	40	8	70×36	18	205	10–25	10.5	539
SWP435B	435	355	160	150	≤10	1555	385	255	42	10	80×40	20	235	16–28	22.39	903
SWP480B	480	450	224	170	≤10	1740	425	275	47	12	90×45	22.5	265	16–31	38.21	1243
SWP550B	550	710	315	190	≤10	1905	492	320	50	12	100×45	22.5	290	16–31	61.0	1643
SWP600B	600	1000	500	210	≤10	2600	544	380	55	15	90×55	27.5	360	22–34	99.13	2335
SWP640B	640	1250	630	230	≤10	2780	575	380	60	15	100×60	30	385	18–38	170.21	2720

Note: Gyration diameter D=315mm, installation length L=1120mm → SWP315B×1120. SWP-B omits D3 column present in SWP-A; all other parameters are equivalent. I and G values are for Lmin configuration.

Industry Applications

SWP-B short flexible coupling application in mining conveyor drive

⛏️ Underground Mining Conveyor & Feeder Drives

Working condition: Extremely constrained axial space in underground drives, frequent shock loads from rock fall onto conveyors, high ambient dust and moisture.

Why SWP-B: The shorter overall length fits within the standard motor-to-gearbox spacing of underground conveyor drives without requiring custom shaft extensions. Telescoping stroke absorbs coupling misalignment caused by conveyor frame flexure under load.

Customer benefit: Standard frame designs maintained; no custom fabrication required. Spider replacement achievable within a single maintenance shift in confined drives.

️ Aggregate Crushing & Screening Plants

Working condition: High intermittent torque peaks during crusher cavity clearance, outdoor operation with dust and water ingress, limited access for maintenance.

Why SWP-B: The compact body accommodates the tight gearbox-to-crusher shaft spacing common in jaw and cone crusher configurations. Torque capacity to 1 250 kN·m covers even the largest primary crusher drives.

Customer benefit: Lower total installed cost versus custom long-shaft arrangements; faster spider change during scheduled maintenance windows.

Steel Mill Auxiliary Drive Decks

Working condition: Multiple drives in close proximity on narrow roll table decks, moderate speeds, oil mist environment.

Why SWP-B: Where roll table drive spacing doesn't permit SWP-A length, SWP-B maintains the same torque and compensation capability in a reduced footprint.

Customer benefit: Standardised coupling across both mill floor and auxiliary positions, reducing spare parts inventory to a single spider cross size per diameter.

Rail Ballast Processing & Track Maintenance Equipment

Working condition: Mobile equipment with variable shaft alignment as vehicle frame flexes, high vibration, constant exposure to ballast dust and moisture.

Why SWP-B: Compact length suits the tight drivetrain packaging of self-propelled rail equipment. Axial flexibility prevents frame-induced shaft preloads from damaging gearbox bearings.

Customer benefit: Drivetrain protection under dynamic frame loading; reduced gearbox warranty claims for equipment builders.

How to Choose the Right Coupling

The most frequent mistake when specifying SWP-B is confusing it with SWP-C — both are short-body types, but SWP-C has no telescoping sleeve. If your installation involves any axial shaft movement (thermal, mechanical, or assembly-related), only SWP-B or SWP-A are appropriate.

Parameter	SWP-B (This Type)	SWP-A	SWP-C	SWP-E	SWP-G
Body Length Class	Short	Long	Short	Long	Super Short
Axial Telescoping	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Max Fold Angle	≤10°	≤10°	≤10°	≤10°	≤5°
Flange Configuration	Single yoke each end	Single yoke each end	Single yoke each end	Double flange	Single yoke each end
Ideal Application	Compact flex drive	Long span flex	Fixed axial spacing	Dual flange machines	Ultra-compact spaces

Torque Sizing Method for SWP-B

Step 1 — Determine peak torque: T_peak = (P × 9550) / n × K_A, where P is power in kW, n is speed in rpm, K_A is service factor (1.5 for mining conveyors, 2.0–2.5 for crusher direct drives).

Step 2 — Verify fatigue rating: If the application involves fully reversed torque cycles (e.g., hoists, reversing mills), T_peak must not exceed T_f (fatigue torque). For one-direction loading, T_n is the governing limit.

Step 3 — Check installation length: Confirm Lmin for your selected size is achievable within your frame. SWP-B Lmin values (585–2780 mm) are 5–15% shorter than equivalent SWP-A sizes.

⚠️ Three Critical Errors to Avoid with SWP-B

Omitting service factor K_A: A 315 kW conveyor at 100 rpm produces 30 kN·m nominal — but with K_A=2.0 for mining duty, you need 60 kN·m capacity. SWP315B (63 kN·m T_n) marginally covers this; step up to SWP350B (90 kN·m) for safety margin.
Specifying SWP-B for applications requiring SWP-A stroke: The SWP-B Ls value matches SWP-A for the same diameter, so stroke is not the differentiator — body length is. Verify your axial clearance allows SWP-A before defaulting to SWP-B.
Neglecting angular misalignment measurement: Specifying ≤10° coupling without measuring actual shaft angular offset leads to premature spider bearing failure when real misalignment exceeds 8°.

Uncertain about which sub-type fits your drivetrain layout? Contact Our Engineers for a no-obligation technical review.

Why Choose GBC for Your SWP-B Supply

We have supplied SWP-B couplings to mining equipment OEMs, steel plant operators, and MRO distributors across four continents for over two decades. Our production facility is equipped with CNC gear hobbing, precision grinding, and automated heat treatment lines dedicated to universal joint components.

Material & Heat Treatment

Yoke bodies: 42CrMo4 alloy steel, quenched and tempered to tensile strength ≥ 900 MPa. Cross-spider pins: carburised 20CrMnTi, case hardness 58–62 HRC, core toughness ≥ 60 J. Telescoping sleeve splines: induction hardened 45# steel. All critical surfaces receive manganese phosphate anti-corrosion treatment.

Inspection & Testing Protocol

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) of all yoke welds and critical radii. Spider needle bearing assemblies: load-tested at 110% rated radial load. Final assembly torque test: 1.5× Tn for 30 seconds. Dimensional report issued per ISO 2768 tolerance class. Every batch includes hardness verification certificates.

Packaging & Logistics

Export-grade wooden crating with VCI anti-corrosion film for sea freight. Couplings pre-greased and protective end-caps fitted. All fasteners individually bagged with torque specifications. Packaging designed for direct container loading to Australian ports without rehandling damage risk.

Credentials

ISO 9001:2015 certified. Supply history to Australian mining operations including iron ore, coal, and gold sectors. OEM-approved supplier to three major conveyor equipment manufacturers. 30-day response guarantee on technical queries from Australian customers.

SWP-B short flexible universal joint coupling ready for dispatch

Customer Reviews & Case Studies

Australia — Iron Ore Conveyor Drive, Pilbara WA
★★★★★

We switched our conveyor tail-end drive couplings from a competitor brand to SWP-B units. The compact body solved our clearance issue between the gearbox and the conveyor frame. Eight months in, running 24/7 — no issues. Spider greasing now part of our 500-hour PM schedule.

— Maintenance Superintendent, Pilbara Iron Ore Operation

South Africa — Coal Wash Plant Drive, Mpumalanga
★★★★★

Ordered SWP285B and SWP315B couplings for a coal wash plant refurbishment. Dimensional accuracy was excellent and the split housing proved its worth during the first unplanned jam event — spider replaced in under two hours without removing the motor. Highly recommended.

— Project Engineer, South African Coal Processing Plant

Canada — Aggregate Crusher Drive, Ontario
★★★★☆

We replaced our primary jaw crusher coupling with SWP390B. The rated torque of 250 kN·m with K factor of 1.5 gave us plenty of margin for the shock loading. Installation was straightforward. Only minor feedback: grease nipple location could be improved for our guarding setup.

— Plant Manager, Ontario Aggregate Producer

Singapore — Port Handling Equipment Retrofit
★★★★★

We used SWP250B on a stacker/reclaimer slewing drive retrofit. The short flex type fitted within the existing coupling guard envelope without modification. Angular compensation of up to 10° was critical for this application. Delivery to Singapore in three weeks — faster than local options.

— Mechanical Engineer, Singapore Port Equipment Supplier

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SWP-B interchangeable with SWP-A in terms of bolt hole pattern and flange dimensions?

For the same gyration diameter (D), the SWP-A and SWP-B share identical flange bolt patterns (n–d) and all mating dimensions (D1, D2, E, E1, bXh). The only difference is the overall installed length Lmin. This means if your frame allows the SWP-A length, either type will bolt directly to the same connected equipment. If you are replacing an existing SWP-A with SWP-B, verify that the shorter body does not create interference with intermediate structure or require a spacer.

What is the maximum operating speed for SWP-B couplings?

Maximum permissible speed depends on gyration diameter and dynamic balance grade. As a guideline: D160–D225: up to 1500 rpm; D250–D315: up to 1000 rpm; D350–D435: up to 750 rpm; D480–D640: up to 500 rpm. For higher speeds, confirm the balance grade and dynamic analysis with our engineering team. Operating at elevated speeds with significant angular offset reduces bearing life — keep fold angle below 5° for continuous high-speed duty.

How often should spider crosses be replaced on SWP-B couplings in mining environments?

In typical mining duty (K_A=1.5–2.0 service factor, moderate contamination), spider cross service life is 8,000–15,000 operating hours. In highly contaminated underground environments or where coupling runs near maximum fold angle continuously, reduce inspection intervals to every 4,000 hours. The advantage of the SWP-B split axletree housing is that spider inspection requires only unbolting the bearing housing halves — typically a 2–3 hour task — without any shaft disassembly.

Can SWP-B couplings be supplied with non-standard bore sizes for retrofits?

Yes. While standard sizes follow the D1 js11 and D2 H7 bore pattern shown in the specification table, custom bore diameters and keyway profiles are available for retrofit applications. For non-standard bores, please provide: required bore diameter and tolerance, keyway width and depth (to DIN 6885 or equivalent), shaft material and surface hardness if interference fit is required. Lead time for custom-bore units is typically 3–5 business days additional to standard production time.

What is the warranty on GBC SWP-B couplings and what does it cover?

We offer a 12-month warranty from date of shipment against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions within the rated parameters. The warranty covers spider cross, needle bearing, yoke casting, and sleeve assembly. It does not cover failure resulting from: operation beyond rated torque or fold angle, inadequate lubrication, contamination ingress due to damaged seals not reported at commissioning, or modification by the end user. Warranty claims are supported by our technical team with replacement parts dispatched within 5 business days of claim verification.

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Whether you need a single replacement unit or a full plant supply contract, we scale to your procurement model. Provide your required gyration diameter, torque load, installation length, and quantity — our team responds within one business day with a full technical and commercial proposal.

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ISO 9001:2015 · Mining Industry Supply Experience · Sea & Air Freight to Australia

The SWP-B Short Flexible Universal Joint Coupling is a compact-body, split axletree spider-type cardan shaft with full telescoping sleeve capability (Ls 50–230 mm). Covering gyration diameters 160–640 mm and nominal torques 16–1 250 kN·m at axes fold angle ≤10°, SWP-B delivers the same compensation performance as SWP-A in a shorter overall length — the ideal choice for mining conveyors, crusher drives, and compact industrial drivetrains where axial space is constrained.