Split pulleys and clamping hubs

Split drive pulleys (also known as two-piece, segmented or divisible pulleys) are designs consisting of several segments that can be assembled on site around a shaft. They allow installation or replacement without the need to completely dismantle adjacent machine components.

The main advantage lies in the ease of installation and maintenance. As there is no need to completely dismantle the shaft or surrounding assemblies, downtime is significantly reduced. Furthermore, split designs are particularly suitable for hard-to-access installation locations or retrofit projects.

Typical areas of application include conveyor systems, opencast and underground mining technology, the cement and steel industries, and large drive trains in the crushing, bulk materials and process industries. They are used particularly in situations where large components are difficult to access or can only be dismantled with considerable effort.

Depending on the application, various designs are possible, e.g. radially split or axially split constructions. Hub designs, bolting arrangements and reinforcement geometries can also be customised to optimally meet torque, running characteristics and assembly requirements.

Operational reliability is ensured by precision manufacturing, defined mating surfaces, high-strength bolted connections and, where necessary, additional retaining elements. In addition, the fully assembled unit is usually dynamically balanced to ensure smooth running.

Yes, split or segmented pulleys are often specifically used as a retrofit solution. This requires a technical assessment of the installation conditions, shaft geometry and load data to ensure a compatible and reliable design.

Clamping hubs enable the disc to be fitted to the shaft quickly and easily, without the need for additional clamping sleeves or complex keyed connections. The radial clamping action allows the disc to be positioned directly and secured firmly – ideal for maintenance and replacement work on hard-to-access drives.

Power is transmitted purely by friction via the clamping connection between the slotted hub and the shaft. The resulting contact pressure ensures reliable torque transmission. As an option, the design can also be fitted with a key if particularly high torques need to be transmitted.

Clamp hubs are always designed to be removable and can be reused after dismantling. Unlike press-fit or shrink-fit connections, they do not create a permanent joint, which simplifies maintenance and reduces downtime.