{"id":790,"date":"2026-06-23T09:47:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T09:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldhamcoupling.net\/product\/wh4-light-industrial-oldham-coupling\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T08:47:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T08:47:44","slug":"wh4-light-industrial-oldham-coupling","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/oldhamcoupling.net\/tr\/urun\/wh4-light-industrial-oldham-coupling\/","title":{"rendered":"WH4 Light-Industrial Oldham Coupling"},"content":{"rendered":"
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WH4 Light-Industrial Cast-Iron Oldham Coupling \u2014 Mid-Speed Fan, Mixer and Textile-Machine Drives<\/h2>\n

The WH4 light-industrial Oldham coupling<\/strong> moves the WH family into the territory of genuine mid-speed working drives. With 160 N\u00b7m rated torque, 20\u201328 mm bore range, 2.5 kg mass, and 5 700 rpm permissible speed, the WH4 covers a broad mid-range of light-industrial drive applications \u2014 industrial fan main drives, mid-sized process-mixer outputs, textile-machine main shafts, small-scale conveyor-head drives, and the principal-rotation drives of food-processing and pharmaceutical light-mixing equipment. The 160 N\u00b7m rating is a particularly useful engineering specification, corresponding closely to the shaft-output of the 1.5\u20132.2 kW motor class that anchors a large population of light-industrial drive trains globally.<\/p>\n

The WH family’s architectural positioning relative to the SL series is worth understanding for engineers encountering the WH4 in the context of an existing SL-series specification. The WH4 is a lighter, higher-speed, lower-torque alternative to the SL family members in the same outer-diameter range. At 70 mm hub OD (approximately the same as SL70 family), the WH4’s 160 N\u00b7m and 5 700 rpm envelope contrasts with the SL70’s 125 N\u00b7m at 250 rpm \u2014 the WH family trades torque for speed, targeting mid-speed equipment classes rather than the slow-speed heavy process drives that SL family was optimised for. This trade-off makes WH4 the preferred choice for industrial fans (3 000\u20135 000 rpm class), mixer outputs (500\u20132 000 rpm class), and textile-machine drives (1 000\u20133 000 rpm class) where the SL series would be an over-specified heavy-weight solution.<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/th>\nValue<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Model<\/td>\nWH4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nominal Torque (Tn)<\/td>\n160 N\u00b7m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Permissible Speed (n)<\/td>\n5 700 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bore Range (d)<\/td>\n20 \u2013 28 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Outside Diameter (D)<\/td>\n~70 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mass<\/td>\n2.5 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Radial Misalignment (\u0394y)<\/td>\n0.4 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Angular Misalignment (\u0394\u03b1)<\/td>\n0.5\u00b0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Axial Misalignment (\u0394x)<\/td>\n0.5 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hub Material<\/td>\nHT200 grey cast iron<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slider Material<\/td>\nHardened carbon steel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Backlash<\/td>\nNear-zero (small running clearance)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lubrication<\/td>\nGrease (annual)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shaft Engagement<\/td>\nKeyway + setscrew<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\"WH4<\/p>\n

Materials<\/h3>\n
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HT200 Grey Cast Iron Hubs<\/h4>\n

Hubs are precision-machined from HT200 grey cast iron with stress-relief annealing before final bore machining. The HT200 specification provides adequate mechanical properties for the WH4’s 160 N\u00b7m torque and 5 700 rpm speed profile while delivering the cost-economic position that makes the WH family the preferred choice in retrofit and budget-sensitive applications. Hub mass is approximately 1.1 kg each \u2014 30\u201340 % lighter than equivalent SL-family members at similar OD, meaningfully reducing system inertia.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Hardened Carbon Steel Slider<\/h4>\n

Cross-slider is hardened carbon steel with induction-treated sliding faces. The steel slider interfaces with the cast-iron hub slots to produce the cross-slider’s characteristic near-zero-backlash transmission. Grease lubrication at annual intervals maintains the steel-on-cast-iron interface in optimum condition, with slider service life typically spanning 5\u20138 years under standard light-industrial duty.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Standard Keyway Mounting<\/h4>\n

H7-reamed bore with parallel keyway to GB\/T 1096 standard. M8 set-screw for axial location. Standard keyway mounting is appropriate at the WH4’s 160 N\u00b7m and 5 700 rpm \u2014 the shock-load profile is benign compared to the SL series, and the keyway-shear mechanism is well inside its endurance envelope. For applications requiring frequent hub removal, clamp-collar adapters can be fitted over the standard keyway bore without modification.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Mid-Speed Industrial-Fan Engineering<\/h3>\n

Industrial centrifugal fans \u2014 used in HVAC, process ventilation, baghouse dust-collection, and furnace-atmosphere control \u2014 form one of the largest single application populations for the WH4. Fan drives operate in the 1 450\u20134 800 rpm range (50 Hz direct-on-line or VFD-controlled), typically through a V-belt reducer, with misalignment accumulating from the motor-flange and fan-shaft bearing-housing tolerance stack-up. The WH4’s 0.4 mm radial misalignment envelope comfortably absorbs this tolerance stack without imposing radial loads on the fan bearing or motor bearing, extending bearing life meaningfully compared to a rigid-coupling specification.<\/p>\n

For retrofit applications \u2014 replacing aged couplings on existing industrial fan installations \u2014 the WH4’s practical advantages are particularly clear. The cast-iron hub bore range (20\u201328 mm) covers the dominant motor-output shaft sizes in the 1.5\u20132.2 kW fan class. The near-zero-backlash transmission introduces no torsional oscillation into the belt drive. The annual grease-maintenance schedule aligns with typical fan-maintenance cycles. And the 2.5 kg mass is a practical field-handling specification \u2014 a single maintenance technician can perform WH4 hub replacement without hoist support. See the complete WH series range<\/a> for related specifications.<\/p>\n

\"WH4<\/p>\n

Industry Applications<\/h3>\n
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<\/span> Industrial Centrifugal Fans<\/h4>\n

HVAC, process-ventilation, baghouse, and furnace-atmosphere centrifugal fan main drives in the 1.5\u20132.2 kW motor class. Misalignment tolerance preserves fan and motor bearing life across annual operating cycles.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/span> Mid-Sized Process Mixers<\/h4>\n

Reduction-output to impeller-shaft drives on 500\u20131 000 L industrial mixers for paint, adhesive, polymer, and chemical-process applications. Torque rating comfortable for the 1.5\u20132.2 kW impeller-drive class.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/span> Textile-Machine Main Shafts<\/h4>\n

Main-shaft drives on weaving machines, warping machines, and textile-finishing equipment. High rpm compatibility and light mass minimise textile-machine vibration content from the drive train.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/span> Small Conveyor Head Drives<\/h4>\n

Head-pulley drive couplings on light-duty package-conveying, food-processing, and pharmaceutical-manufacturing conveyors. Annual grease maintenance aligns with production-line planned-maintenance schedules.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/span> Pharma Light-Mixing<\/h4>\n

Principal-rotation drives on pharmaceutical light-mixing vessels and tablet-coating-pan drives. Cast-iron hub material is compatible with GMP hygienic-zone environments when fitted with appropriate coupling guard.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/span> Retrofit Legacy Equipment<\/h4>\n

Direct-replacement specification for aged GBC, Falk-flexible, and generic-spider couplings on legacy mid-speed industrial equipment. Bore range and OD compatibility supports drop-in replacement without shaft modification.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Choose Ever-power<\/h3>\n
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Quality & Compliance<\/h4>\n

WH4 production runs under ISO 9001:2015<\/strong>. Documentation covers RoHS<\/strong>, REACH<\/strong>, and CE<\/strong> conformity. The WH series is specifically designed for cost-competitive retrofit and light-industrial OEM markets \u2014 full compliance documentation is standard without premium cost. For pharma-adjacent customers, supplementary cast-iron material compatibility statements are available.<\/p>\n

Value Proposition<\/h4>\n

The WH4 delivers the fundamental cross-slider Oldham coupling advantages \u2014 near-zero backlash, misalignment tolerance, constant-velocity transmission \u2014 at an economic price point appropriate for light-industrial OEM and retrofit applications. Hub-only supply is supported for customers retaining the existing slider across a bore-only upgrade. Slider-only supply is also stocked for maintenance replacements without full coupling swap.<\/p>\n

Aftermarket<\/h4>\n

WH4 sliders and hubs stocked for 2-business-day shipment. 2.5 kg mass supports standard courier shipment. English-speaking engineering desk responds within 24 hours<\/strong>. For distributors, volume-pricing frameworks and stock-and-ship programmes are routinely supported.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Ever-power<\/p>\n

Customer Reviews & Case Studies<\/h3>\n
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\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n

Tonga \u2014 Industrial HVAC Contractor<\/h4>\n

Used in:<\/em> Fan main-drive coupling retrofit on commercial HVAC air-handling units across a multi-building hotel complex.<\/p>\n

Feedback:<\/em> “Original elastomer-spider couplings had been averaging 18-month replacement cycles in the salt-air coastal environment. The WH4 cast-iron specification has now passed 4 years without a single coupling-related callout. Maintenance crew can handle the annual grease repack during regular HVAC service visits without specialist support. Excellent cost-effective retrofit specification.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n

Solomon Islands \u2014 Textile Processing Facility<\/h4>\n

Used in:<\/em> Main-shaft drive coupling on weaving-machine frames on a light textile-manufacturing floor.<\/p>\n

Feedback:<\/em> “High-humidity tropical ambient had been hard on spider couplings \u2014 elastomer degradation within 12 months was our consistent experience. WH4 cast-iron construction has now passed 3 years across 24 weaving-machine frames with zero unplanned coupling events. The annual grease repack is the entire maintenance footprint. Outstanding value-for-money for our production environment.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n

Vanuatu \u2014 Food-Processing Plant<\/h4>\n

Used in:<\/em> Conveyor-head drive coupling on a vegetable-processing production line.<\/p>\n

Feedback:<\/em> “High-washdown-frequency environment with daily cleaning cycles. The WH4 has handled 3 years of continuous production with one slider replacement during a planned line shutdown. Knock one star only because we needed clearer guidance on the appropriate coupling-guard specification for our specific washdown pressure class \u2014 engineering team clarified quickly but it would be useful as part of the standard food-processing documentation pack.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n
\nHow does the WH4 compare to a spider coupling at this size?<\/summary>\n

At the 160 N\u00b7m \/ 5 700 rpm envelope, spider couplings offer lower cost and simpler installation but introduce elastomer-fatigue degradation (typically 12\u201336 months in industrial ambient), speed-dependent vibration characteristics from the spider element, and a progressive-to-sudden failure mode that can be difficult to detect before catastrophic elastomer fracture. The WH4 offers a metallic slider with gradual, inspectable wear, consistent performance across the operating temperature and speed range, and a 5\u20138 year typical slider service interval. For retrofit applications where elastomer life has been unsatisfactory, the WH4 is the documented economic alternative.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nIs the WH4 suitable for VFD-controlled drives?<\/summary>\n

Yes. VFD-controlled fan and pump drives typically operate across a speed range from 10 % to 100 % of rated speed, with soft-start ramp profiles that are well within the WH4’s torque envelope. The metallic slider does not exhibit the frequency-dependent stiffness change that spider-coupling elastomers introduce across speed ranges, providing consistent torsional characteristics across the full VFD operating window.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhat is the recommended grease specification for high-humidity environments?<\/summary>\n

For high-humidity tropical or coastal environments, specify a calcium-sulfonate complex grease (e.g., Kl\u00fcber Kl\u00fcberplex BEM 34-132 or equivalent) rather than the standard lithium-complex grease. Calcium-sulfonate grades offer superior water-resistance and corrosion-inhibition for the cast-iron and steel interface. Annual repack interval remains appropriate; in extreme high-humidity applications (above 90 % RH continuous), 6-monthly repack is the engineering recommendation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nCan the WH4 hub be supplied bore-only for retrofit?<\/summary>\n

Yes. For retrofit applications where the existing slider is serviceable, WH4 hubs can be supplied individually with the specified bore and keyway. Hub-only supply is the most economical retrofit path when the existing coupling slider shows less than 50 % wear. Slider-only supply is also available for maintenance replacements where the existing hubs are dimensionally acceptable. Please specify bore, keyway width, and keyway depth at order entry.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhat food-processing coupling-guard specification is recommended?<\/summary>\n

For food-processing applications with daily CIP\/washdown cycles, an IP66-rated coupling guard in 304 or 316L stainless steel is the engineering recommendation. The guard should incorporate drainage slots at the lowest point to prevent condensate pooling, and the guard-to-shaft sealing should use FDA-grade silicone-foam gasket material. Ever-power can recommend suitable coupling-guard suppliers compatible with the WH4’s OD envelope on engineering enquiry.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

Quote WH4 for Mid-Speed Light-Industrial Drives<\/h3>\n

For industrial-fan main, mid-sized process-mixer, textile-machine, conveyor-head, pharma light-mixing, and retrofit-legacy applications in the 160 N\u00b7m mid-speed class, the WH4 is the most cost-effective metallic-slider flexible-coupling specification available. Browse the wider WH series catalogue<\/a>, read about Ever-power’s light-industrial supply capability<\/a>, or enquire directly below.<\/p>\n

\n Quote WH4 \u2192<\/a>\n<\/p>\n