TAS Schäfer GmbH develops frictional shaft-hub connections and drive components for industrial machinery. This guide introduces its product range and brings together 36 detailed English product articles published on this blog.
About TAS Schäfer
Based in Wetter (Ruhr), Germany, TAS Schäfer has developed drive-technology components since 1961. The family business combines engineering support with in-house manufacturing, focusing on mechanical and hydraulic shrink discs, locking assemblies and shaft connections. Its engineering team also develops application-specific solutions where standard interfaces or installation dimensions do not meet the requirement.
The portfolio covers several different mechanical functions: securing a hub on a shaft, joining shaft ends, connecting a shaft to a flange, and absorbing energy through friction springs. A suitable selection starts with the required function and load path, followed by the exact dimensions, operating loads and assembly conditions.
Product Directory
- Hydraulic Shrink Discs
- Mechanical Shrink Discs
- Flange Couplings
- Connecting and Adapter Flanges
- Rigid Shaft Couplings
- Locking Assemblies
- Friction Springs and Industrial Buffers
- Stainless Steel Products
- Customized Connection Solutions
1. Hydraulic Shrink Discs
Hydraulic shrink discs generate external clamping pressure at the shaft-hub connection. The SHS family is used for industrial drives, while SHS-P and SHS-PA address repeated clamping on transmission test stands. The actuation, locking and release arrangement must be selected for the actual application.
Detailed Product Articles
2. Mechanical Shrink Discs
Two-part and three-part shrink discs clamp a hollow shaft or hub onto a shaft from the outside. The range includes displacement-controlled and torque-controlled constructions. The disc creates the clamping pressure; torque is transmitted through friction at the shaft-hub interface. Select the exact construction before comparing dimensions and installation procedures.
Detailed Product Articles
- TAS Schäfer 3173, 3371, 3381, 3391 and 3393 Two-Part Shrink Discs — Displacement-Controlled External Clamping
- TAS Schäfer 3171, 3181, 3191 and 3193 Two-Part Shrink Discs — Torque-Controlled Shaft-Hub Connections
- TAS Schäfer 3073, 3051, 3071, 3081, 3091, 3093 and Type 52 Three-Part Shrink Discs — Standard and Split Designs
3. Flange Couplings
The FK family provides rigid shaft connections through flange halves and frictional clamping. FKB designs address restricted tightening access, while FKS and FKBS incorporate brake-disc provisions. Half designs and arrangements for large shaft-diameter differences extend the installation options. Check the flange interface, shaft sizes and tool access together.
Detailed Product Articles
- TAS Schäfer FK Rigid Flange Couplings — Standard Dimensions, Torque Ratings and Shaft Connections
- TAS Schäfer FKB Compact Flange Couplings — Flange-Side Tightening for Restricted Tool Access
- TAS Schäfer FKS Flange Couplings with Brake Disc — Torque Transmission and Braking Integration
- TAS Schäfer FKBS Flange Couplings — Compact B Design with Brake-Disc Option
- TAS Schäfer FK Half-Design Flange Couplings — Single Flange Half and Shrink Disc
- TAS Schäfer FKS Half-Design Flange Couplings — Single-Side Shaft Connection with Brake-Disc Provision
- TAS Schäfer FK Flange Couplings for Large Shaft-Diameter Differences — Adapted Hubs and Shrink Discs
4. Connecting and Adapter Flanges
AFS and AF-12, AF-22 and AF-23 connect shafts to mounting components through compact frictional connections. AF designs A, AB, C and BC differ in thread location and centering arrangement. Selection therefore involves both the shaft connection and the mating flange geometry.
Detailed Product Articles
- TAS Schäfer AFS Connecting Flanges — Shaft Sizes, Torque Ratings and Mounting Dimensions
- TAS Schäfer AF-12 Adapter Flanges — A, AB, C and BC Designs with Complete Size and Torque Tables
- TAS Schäfer AF-22 Adapter Flanges — A, AB, C and BC Models from Small Shafts to Heavy Drives
- TAS Schäfer AF-23 Adapter Flanges — High-Torque A, AB, C and BC Configurations with Catalog Data
5. Rigid Shaft Couplings
W, WLA, WLB and WK couplings connect shaft ends rigidly and without clearance. The W family provides a compact arrangement; extended sleeve designs accommodate greater shaft-end distances. These are rigid connections, so shaft alignment and the complete mounting geometry require attention.
Detailed Product Articles
- TAS Schäfer W Series Shaft Couplings — W011 to W260 Compact Rigid Connections and Catalog Data
- TAS Schäfer WLA Shaft Couplings — WLA015 to WLA260 Extended-Sleeve Rigid Connections
- TAS Schäfer WLB Shaft Couplings — WLB015 to WLB260 Long-Screw Rigid Sleeve Designs
- TAS Schäfer WK Shaft Couplings — WK024 to WK500 Shrink-Disc Sleeve Connections
6. Locking Assemblies
Locking assemblies fit between a shaft and hub. Tightening their conical elements generates pressure inward onto the shaft and outward onto the hub, producing a frictional connection for torque and axial loads. Centering, self-locking behaviour, axial movement and bending-load capability vary by series; retain the complete designation when selecting or replacing a unit.
Detailed Product Articles
- TAS Schäfer 3003 Plus Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3003 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3006 Plus Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3006 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3012 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3014 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer RB Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3015 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3015.1 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3015 DK Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3015.1 DK Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 3020 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 4006 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 8006 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 110 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 130 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
- TAS Schäfer 131 Locking Assemblies — Models, Torque Ratings and Installation Data
7. Friction Springs and Industrial Buffers
RF friction springs use inner and outer ring elements for spring action and damping. The number of elements changes spring travel and assembly length. IPA 1, IPA 2, IPA 3 and IPA 4 industrial buffers package friction springs in ready-to-install housings with different plunger and flange arrangements. Applications include roller tables, crane runways, buffer stops and machinery.
8. Stainless Steel Products
Corrosion-resistant options include selected shrink discs, locking assemblies and shaft connections. The listed range includes 3071 and 3173 in material 1.4122, plus 3012 S2 and 3020 S2 locking assemblies. Material, corrosion exposure and the ratings of the stainless version must be assessed for the exact configuration.
9. Customized Connection Solutions
In-house production and engineering support allow adaptations to shaft dimensions, available space and application interfaces. Examples include flange adapters, connecting flanges and modified shaft couplings. Classification-society approval or additional measurement documentation can be requested where required; the scope must be agreed for the project.
Understanding the Connection Principle
A shrink disc applies external pressure to the hub or hollow shaft, pressing it onto the shaft. An internal locking assembly occupies the space between the shaft and hub and applies pressure to both surfaces. Although both use friction to transmit load, their interfaces and surface-preparation requirements differ. Follow the instructions for the selected product rather than applying one assembly procedure across the whole range.
Flange couplings, adapter flanges and sleeve-type shaft couplings provide different ways to connect drive components. Compare the complete assembly, including mating parts and shaft-end distance. A torque value alone does not establish whether a connection fits the installation or can support the combination of loads present.
Selection at a Glance
| Requirement | Product family to review | Key checks |
|---|---|---|
| External shaft-hub clamping | Mechanical or hydraulic shrink discs | Hub geometry, clamping pressure, actuation and release access |
| Internal shaft-hub connection | Locking assemblies | Shaft and hub dimensions, surface pressure, centering and axial movement |
| Rigid connection of two shafts | Flange or sleeve shaft couplings | Shaft sizes, alignment, end distance and mounting space |
| Connection to a mounting flange | AFS or AF adapter flanges | Bolt pattern, centering arrangement and mating-part design |
| Energy absorption and damping | RF friction springs and IPA buffers | Force, travel, absorbed energy and installation geometry |
| Corrosive or special environments | Suitable stainless or customized versions | Material compatibility, protection and version-specific ratings |
Application and Ordering Information
Relevant applications include general machinery, conveying systems, mixing and process equipment, marine drives and transmission test stands. The appropriate product depends on the load history and machine arrangement. Check simultaneous torque, axial force and bending loads where present, together with speed, temperature, material properties and environmental exposure.
For an enquiry, provide the complete model or existing nameplate, shaft and hub drawings, required torque, axial and bending loads, operating speed, shaft-end distance and available installation space. Include assembly frequency, tool access, surface condition and any corrosion protection or documentation requirements. Preserve suffixes such as Plus, DK and material designations when requesting a replacement.
Directory updated: 6 November 2026. The links above cover 36 published TAS Schäfer product articles.