Welcome!
Kop-Flex is a coupling business unit of Emerson Power Transmission (EPT), a leading power transmission supplier in North America. Visit EPT to learn details about our Browning, Morse, Sealmaster, McGill and Rollway brand name power transmission products like bearings, gearboxes, chain, sheaves, sprockets and more.

From the introduction of the FAST'S® Gear Coupling in 1918 to more recent design advances in non-lubricated couplings, coupling-torquemeter systems and patented ground gearing technology, KOP-FLEX® has maintained its technological leadership in the coupling industry, particularly distinguishing itself in engineered couplings for high speed or high performance applications as well as mill couplings.

Now with our new manufacturing operation in Europe (Slovakia), Kop-Flex is in unique position in the industry with the ability to support and service customers globally.

We hope you click on the following links to familiarize yourself with KOP-FLEX’s history, product development, summary of our internal capabilities, leading industry participation, and KOP-FLEX’s international market presence.

For Standard Couplings, click here to learn about our complete offering.
 

 

 

 

History Back to Top

For over 80 years, KOP-FLEX has been developing coupling products for demanding applications. We now offer over 25,000 combinations of type, size and bore encompassing gear, disc, grid, elastomer and diaphragm styles, as well as coupling grease.

Bartlett Hayward Co. founded 1913
FAST'S Gear Coupling invented 1918
Koppers Acquires Bartlett Hayward 1928
KOP-FLEX becomes independent company 1986
KOP-FLEX acquired by Emerson Electric Co. 1996

 

 

Product Development Back to To

The company was founded with introduction of the first gear coupling, FAST'S, in 1918. For years, this technology was adapted for use in demanding performance industries such as steel, paper, cement, petrochemical, refinery, LNG and power plants.

KOP-FLEX understood well ahead of others that non-lubricated or reduced maintenance couplings would become the industry preference. Therefore, we improved upon the existing flexible disc coupling design to produce a high performance line featuring unique coated disc, unitized factory assembled disc packs, tight tolerance, high level of balance, and more.

Continuing our unmatched record of frequent new product innovations, KOP-FLEX has recently introduced:

  • Patented precision torque measurement system called Powerlign® with accuracy to within ±1%. New all digital system.

  • Patented Ground gear spindle, called CGG™ used in high load, high impact steel mills.

  • Service centers in US and Europe.

Consistently through the years, KOP-FLEX responds to customers’ desires for reliable, safe and maintenance-friendly products by applying high levels of engineering and precision for the high speed or high performance market.



 

 

Internal Capabilities Back to Top

Technological leadership can only be maintained with a commitment to highly skilled resources. KOP-FLEX employs the largest engineering staff in the industry which enables rapid new product development to continue along with custom design and application of engineered product for our customers.

KOP-FLEX engineers are supported with their own R & D lab, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), 3-D modeling and R & D test pieces.
 
KOP-FLEX has the largest facility in the world fully dedicated to the manufacturing of coupling products.

With manufacturing and service facilities in US and now in Europe, Kop-Flex can service global customers throughout the world.


Patented Diaphragm for turbomachinery


Patented CGG™ ground gearing for mills

 

 

Industry Participation Back to Top

Being the industry leader means being willing and able to contribute to the success of the industry in general.  Engineering and Management staff is actively involved in various industry technical committees including American Petroleum Institute (API), ISO, AGMA, ASME, Turbomachinery Laboratory, AISE and others.

Our technological leadership is further evidenced by the many patents, case studies, technical papers presented and published, several co-authored by our customers. Topics range from design, selection, maintenance and retrofitting to case studies on specific industry issues in respectable trade journals like Turbomachinery Symposium, International Pump Symposium, Turbomachinery International, Steel Technology (AISE), World Pump, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and many more. 

 

 
Market Presence

Back to Top

KOP-FLEX Engineered Couplings are sold and serviced worldwide, with technical expertise and customer service provided from specification through installation. 
Our high performance, mill couplings and systems successfully address the demanding applications in steel, aluminum, cement, paper, petrochemical, power plants, refinery, oil and gas exploration,  gas pipeline / re-injection, among others.

KOP-FLEX is a leading supplier of high performance (high speed) products to many leading companies internationally, including BP Amoco, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Dresser Rand, Solar, General Electric (GE), ABB, Ebara, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Elliott, Duke Power, Florida Power & Light, Crockett Cogeneration, Dupont, Dow, Trans Canada Pipeline  (TCPL), Aramco, Qatar Gas, Petrobras, PetroCanada, PDVSA, PMEX and many more.

KOP-FLEX is also a leading supplier to many leading mills like ISG, USX, Nucor, California Steel, Sahaviriya Steel, GP, Weyerhaeuser, International Paper, Abitibi, SAPPI, and other leading international companies.