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