Flender ARPEX ARN-6 NEN 165-6 Flexible Disc Coupling
The Flender ARPEX ARN-6 NEN 165-6 is a benchmark high-performance all-steel flexible disc coupling engineered for high-precision, torsionally rigid, and 100% backlash-free power transmission[cite: 25]. Utilizing high-strength stainless spring steel disc packs (plate packs)[cite: 25], the ARPEX ARN-6 compensates for angular, radial, and axial shaft misalignments entirely through elastic flexing without any sliding parts[cite: 25]. Featuring zero maintenance, wear-free operation, infinite service life under alignment limits, and extreme temperature resistance (-270°C to +280°C)[cite: 25], ARPEX couplings are available across major product lines—including the latest high-performance ARN-6, ARN-8, and ARN-10 series alongside classic ARS-6, ARC-8, ARP-6, ARW-4/6, and ART-6 series—with torque capacities from 92 Nm to 2,000,000 Nm[cite: 25]. They are widely applied in paper machines, centrifugal pumps, compressors, turbomachinery, test benches, wind turbines, generator sets, and marine propulsion[cite: 25].
Technical Specifications
| Model / Part Number | ARPEX ARN-6 NEN 165-6 (Type NEN, Size 165, 6-Bolt Pack)[cite: 25] |
|---|---|
| Brand / Manufacturer | Flender GmbH[cite: 25] |
| Coupling Execution | Type NEN (Standard execution with intermediate spacer)[cite: 25] |
| Nominal Torque Output | 4,800 Nm (Size 165-6) / 92 Nm to 2,000,000 Nm (Full Series Range)[cite: 25] |
| Disc Pack Geometry | High-tensile stainless spring steel ring packs with close-tolerance reamed fitted bolts[cite: 25] |
| Operating Temperature | -270°C to +280°C (All-metal execution without elastomer degradation)[cite: 25] |
| ATEX Certification | Certified according to 2014/34/EU Directive for explosive atmospheres (Zone 1/21 & 2/22)[cite: 25] |
| Maintenance Requirement | 100% Maintenance-free & wear-free (Zero lubrication needed)[cite: 25] |
Documentation & Resources
Flender ARPEX Series Modular Architecture Matrix
Complete product line guide for Flender ARPEX all-steel flexible disc couplings[cite: 25]. Review supported series, structural execution types, torque ranges, and special industry application standards:
| Coupling Series & Application Focus | Sizes Covered | Nominal Torque Rating (Nm) | Standard Structural Execution Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARPEX ARN-6 / ARN-8 / ARN-10 (Optimized High-Torque)[cite: 25] | 100-6 to 610-10 (24 Sizes)[cite: 25] | 1,200 Nm - 1,450,000 Nm[cite: 25] | NEN / NHN (Standard & Long Spacer)[cite: 25] |
| ARPEX ARS-6 Series (Universal Industrial Modular)[cite: 25] | 78-6 to 340-6 (10 Sizes)[cite: 25] | 92 Nm - 32,000 Nm[cite: 25] | NEN / NHN / MNN / MHN[cite: 25] |
| ARPEX Keyless Clamping Hubs (BEN / BHN / BMN)[cite: 25] | 78-6 to 340-6 (10 Sizes)[cite: 25] | 92 Nm - 32,000 Nm[cite: 25] | BEN / BHN / BMN / BMH (Keyless Hubs)[cite: 25] |
| ARPEX ARC-8 Series (Heavy-Duty Industrial)[cite: 25] | 210-8 to 850-8 (14 Sizes)[cite: 25] | 12,000 Nm - 2,000,000 Nm[cite: 25] | NEN / NHN / BNN (Heavy Mill Drives)[cite: 25] |
| ARPEX ARP-6 Series (API 610 / API 671 Turbomachinery)[cite: 25] | 105-6 to 325-6 (9 Sizes)[cite: 25] | 1,000 Nm - 30,000 Nm[cite: 25] | NAN / MCE (API Pump Compliant)[cite: 25] |
Legacy Disc Coupling Replacement & ARPEX Upgrade Guide
Obsolete steel disc couplings or worn gear couplings on high-speed pumps and turbomachinery can be seamlessly retrofitted with Flender ARPEX all-steel disc couplings[cite: 25]. Refer to the replacement mapping below for 1-to-1 retrofitting:
| Legacy Coupling Series / Type | Coupling Mechanism | Current ARPEX Equivalent Model | Torque Capacity | Mechanical Fit & Retrofit Engineering Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy ARS-6 Type NEN 165-6[cite: 25] | Classic Disc Pack[cite: 25] | ARPEX ARN-6 Type NEN 165-6 ARN Upgrade[cite: 25] | 4,800 Nm[cite: 25] | Direct 1-to-1 flange & DBSE spacer match. Higher torque density[cite: 25]. |
| Legacy ARS-6 Type NHN 195-6[cite: 25] | Classic Long Spacer[cite: 25] | ARPEX ARN-6 Type NHN 190-6 ARN Upgrade[cite: 25] | 7,500 Nm[cite: 25] | Matches standard ANSI/ISO pump distance between shaft ends (DBSE)[cite: 25]. |
| Lubricated Gear Couplings (ZAPEX)[cite: 25] | Sleeve / Crowned Gear[cite: 25] | ARPEX ARN-6 / ARC-8 Series Zero Maintenance[cite: 25] | Up to 2,000,000 Nm[cite: 25] | Eliminates grease lubrication and gear tooth wear completely[cite: 25]. |
| Elastomer Jaw / Pin Couplings[cite: 25] | Flexible Rubber Insert[cite: 25] | ARPEX ARS-6 / ARN-6 Series Torsionally Rigid[cite: 25] | 92 Nm - 32,000 Nm[cite: 25] | Provides backlash-free rigid transmission resistant to high temperatures[cite: 25]. |
| API 610 Process Pump Drives[cite: 25] | Standard Disc Pack[cite: 25] | ARPEX ARP-6 Type NAN / MCE API Compliant[cite: 25] | 1,000 Nm - 30,000 Nm[cite: 25] | Features anti-flail catch plates and factory dynamic balancing[cite: 25]. |
Expert Selection & Retrofit Engineering Notes
When retrofitting an existing drive featuring worn gear couplings or older ARS-6 / ARC-8 units[cite: 25], upgrading to current ARPEX ARN series couplings ensures complete 1-to-1 dimensional interchangeability while eliminating the need for periodic lubrication and routine maintenance[cite: 25]. Simply supply us with your shaft diameters, distance between shaft ends (DBSE), operating speed, and motor power, and our engineering team will provide a 100% compliant specification and quote[cite: 25].
Core Benchmark Model Standard Configurations
- ARN-6 NEN 100-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NEN 120-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NEN 140-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NEN 165-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NEN 190-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NEN 220-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NHN 165-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-6 NHN 190-6[cite: 25]
- ARN-8 NEN 240-8[cite: 25]
- ARN-8 NEN 275-8[cite: 25]
- ARN-10 NEN 410-10[cite: 25]
- ARS-6 NEN 78-6[cite: 25]
- ARS-6 NEN 116-6[cite: 25]
- ARS-6 NEN 165-6[cite: 25]
- ARS-6 BEN 165-6[cite: 25]
- ARC-8 NEN 210-8[cite: 25]
- ARP-6 NAN 125-6[cite: 25]
- ARW-4 NEN 105-4[cite: 25]
- ART-6 NEN 140-6[cite: 25]
- Type CEC 165-6[cite: 25]