Source for Shaft Couplers

[JVN]

Originally Posted by craigboez

Does anyone have a good source for inexpensive shaft couplers? I'm looking to couple a 1/4" od encoder to the end of a 1/4" od shaft for the steering portion of a swerve module. Both shafts will be smooth, no flat spots, so I'm looking for a clamp style (not set screw style) shaft coupling. To allow for some manufacturing tolerances I don't want it to be completely rigid, so I was looking at using a semi-flexible slit type coupling like this.

At $13.50 the SDP/SI plastic version is the cheapest version I could find. Aluminum versions all seem to be $25-30. Any comments on plastic vs aluminum?

Automation direct makes some (here) for $7 but they're setup for 6mm shafts. Does anyone have experience with these - do they work for 1/4" shafts, do they require modifications, etc?

Since we'll be buying several of these I'm trying to find the most economical option that will still be reliable. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Do you have access to a 3D printer? I've had good luck in the past with custom 3D printed couplers for applications like these.

-John