Axle and Transmission Flanges: Key Connecting Components in Machinery and Vehicle Manufacturing

Axle and gearbox flanges

Execution:

• Cross serration according to DIN 8667
• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• Diameter 70 – 205 mm
• Complete assembly (e. g. dust protection plate and screws)
• Surface coating according to customer’s specifications (e. g. galvanized)

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and gearbox flanges

Execution:

• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• Complete assembly (incl. dust protection plate and screws)
• Various surface coatings (e. g. painted)

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and gearbox flanges

Execution:

• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• Nitrided design available
• Assembly group (incl. dust protection plate) available
• Size from 5 to 20 C available

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• Nitrided design available
• Size from 1350 to 1810; bush diameter 30 – 49,3 mm
• Assembly group (incl. dust protection plate) available
• Primed surfaces of raw part possible

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• External splines
• Raw part surfaces primed
• Different connections available (Wing Style, cross serration acc. to DIN 8667, half round)
• Execution in steel

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• External splines
• Deep-hole drilled

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• According to DIN 7646
• Induction-hardened and lead-free ground seal bearing surface
• Internal splines
• Complete assembly (incl. dust protection plate and screws) available
• Surface coating according to customer’s specifications (e. g. galvanized)

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• Production with cast and forging blanks

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• Torsionally flexible coupling
• Vibration damper

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and Gearbox Flanges

Execution:

• Bush for coupling

• Customized execution according to your drawing
• Elso offers technical support as well as assistance in optimizing production and costs
• Engineering

Axle and transmission flanges are key mechanical connecting elements that ensure a permanent connection between rotating shafts in the drivetrain.

Unlike a clutch, which interrupts the flow of power in the drivetrain when necessary, a flange establishes a permanent and rigid connection between the input and output shafts. Depending on the installation location (at the transmission output or at the axle input), it is referred to as a transmission or axle flange. However, the technical principle is the same.

The axle flange is mounted on the differential and forms the transmission-side end point of the driveshaft. It receives the torque from the driveshaft and transmits it to the axle. The connection to the shaft is a positive-lock fit via a toothed interface, which ensures backlash-free power transmission without relative movement between the components. A running surface—usually induction-hardened and ground to be free of twist—seals the differential gear oil from the outside via a shaft seal ring.

Transmission flanges are located at the transmission output and transmit torque from the transmission to the driveshaft. Their design corresponds to that of the axle flange: internal gear teeth, an induction-hardened sealing ring running surface, and identical connection geometries ensure that both flange types are coordinated within a single powertrain design.

For a flange to fit the driveshaft and the corresponding axle or transmission, the connections must be precisely matched. A distinction is made between the following connection types:

• Cross-toothed flanges according to DIN ISO 8667 / ISO 12667: This standard specifically defines cross-toothed transmission and drive shaft flanges for trucks and buses. The specified characteristics ensure manufacturer compatibility and reduce the risk of misalignment.
• Round flanges according to DIN ISO 7646 / SAE flanges: These flanges—colloquially referred to as smooth flanges—are primarily used in commercial vehicle and machinery manufacturing. SAE flanges comply with the international standard ISO 7647 and are widely used in the Anglo-American region.
• Wing Style and Half-Round: These connection types are not uniformly standardized but are tied to specific drive shaft designs. They correspond to specific construction and fork geometries and are not interchangeable with other connection types at will.

Standardized connection types create a common interface between components from different manufacturers and, at the same time, simplify the design of individual drive elements.

Axle and transmission flanges are used wherever torque must be transmitted safely and reliably between the transmission, the driveshaft, and the axle.

• Commercial vehicles and trucks: Propeller shafts with flange connections bridge the drivetrain from the transmission to the rear axle. Connection types such as half-round or cross-tooth have proven themselves here because they can withstand high torques and load cycles over the long term.
• Agriculture and Tractors: Continuous operation, dirt, and variable loads place high demands on wear resistance and sealing—form-fit flanges with hardened sealing ring surfaces are the right choice here.
• Construction and Special-Purpose Vehicles: Off-road use involves significant changes in angle and shock loads, which require backlash-free power transmission even under extreme conditions.
• Machinery and plant engineering as well as rail: In stationary and rail-bound drives, precision and durability are paramount—flanges are custom-designed here to meet the specific operating conditions.

Depending on the application, the requirements for geometry, material, and surface treatment vary. Careful selection of the correct flange type is therefore crucial for reliability and service life during operation.

At Elbe Elso, you’ll find high-quality axle and transmission flanges specifically designed for use in off-highway and highway vehicles, as well as in machinery and equipment. Our portfolio ranges from standardized variants with defined connection geometries to complex custom solutions. We manufacture all types to customer specifications based on provided drawings.

All of our standard flanges feature internal teeth as well as an induction-hardened and twist-free ground sealing ring contact surface. This combination ensures precise, backlash-free power transmission and a reliable seal at the sealing ring contact surface. Depending on the application and installation situation, various flange geometries and connection types are available:

Do you have a technical question or would you like personalized advice?  We’d be happy to assist you. Contact us now (CTA).

Some of our flanges are also available with a brake disc. Flanges with a brake disc are made of steel and available with various connection types: wing style, cross-tooth DIN 8667, and half-round.

All variants feature an induction-hardened and twist-free ground sealing ring running surface, as well as a primer coat on the raw surface areas. Each variant features both internal and external teeth.

The product designations “Half Round” and “Wing Style” also denote the respective connection type—in addition to these two, flanges with brake discs are also available with a cross-tooth connection in accordance with DIN 8667.

In addition to axle and transmission flanges, Elbe Elso also manufactures related drive components, such as vibration-damping coupling elements or sleeves:

Torsionally flexible couplings are used wherever torsional vibrations need to be damped, shocks need to be absorbed, or misalignment between two shafts needs to be compensated for. In a hydraulic clutch system, the sleeve for the central clutch release mechanism guides and actuates the release bearing.

For a flange to function properly over the long term, the transmission and axle flanges must fit precisely to each other and to the driveshaft. If the geometry is incorrect, relative movement occurs at the meshing and mating surfaces—resulting in accelerated wear. The bores, contact surfaces, and sealing areas are particularly at risk, as this is where stress and movement converge. If play develops, the edge pressure increases further, accelerating wear even more.

Regular visual inspections help detect failures early on. Pay attention to the following:

• Leaks at the sealing ring contact surface
• Play or misalignment in the gear teeth
• Cracks or damage to contact and mating surfaces

If visible cracks or excessive play are detected, the flange must be replaced immediately.

As an experienced manufacturer of drive shafts and matching axle and transmission flanges, we support you from the very beginning—from technical design through to production-ready manufacturing.

Our engineering team is happy to assist you in selecting the correct flange geometry, designing it to meet your specific load requirements, and optimizing production and costs. In addition, Elbe Elso offers comprehensive service and customization options: Custom designs based on your drawings are just as much a given for us as technical support throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Are you interested in our products, or would you like to have a gearbox or axle flange designed to meet your requirements? Contact us—we’ll find the right solution for your application.