CENTAFLEX-AGM

This highly flexible constant velocity driveshaft is designed to connect the gearbox to the propeller shaft. It is suitable for marine propulsion systems with moderate angular misalignment and helps significantly reduce noise and vibration.

Torque is transmitted without backlash through a double Cardan shaft fitted with two highly flexible rubber elements. A self aligning thrust bearing transfers propeller thrust directly to the vessel hull. This prevents axial forces from the propeller shaft from being transmitted to the engine and gearbox.

The design effectively dampens torsional vibrations, shocks and structure borne noise. Each flexible element compensates for angular misalignment of up to 3 degrees. The system also provides a high level of electrical insulation.

Installation is carried out using a clamping hub and requires minimal effort. The shaft is supplied with an integrated anti rotation device and is delivered largely ready for installation.

Applications

The driveshaft can be used:

• between the engine and transmission
• between the gearbox and propeller shaft
• in waterjet propulsion systems
• in Z drive installations
• in other marine drivetrain configurations

Design advantages

The combination of a flexible coupling and thrust bearing allows the system to compensate for significant radial misalignment. It also makes it possible to bridge the distance between the reversing gearbox and the propeller shaft without compromising vibration damping performance.

This provides greater flexibility when positioning the engine and helps achieve an optimal weight distribution and centre of gravity. The flexible intermediate shaft absorbs engine vibrations and reduces noise transmission.

The self aligning thrust bearing relieves the engine and gearbox of axial forces generated by the propeller shaft. As a result, the drivetrain can be installed on more flexible mounts, providing additional vibration isolation.