The fibre composite product line by Geislinger celebrates its 25th anniversary

Geislinger was the first company to implement shaft-coupling combinations made from fibre composites for marine applications. In the early stages, the innovative solution by Geislinger faced much criticism. Many engineers did not believe that a coupling made from fibre composites could supplement a steel spring coupling.

The first Gesilco^® couplings were implemented for marine applications: the 95-meter-long fast ferry “Albayzin” was equipped in 1994 with four Gesilco^® Couplings GSC 90/45/2, in 1995 and 1996, the fast ferries “Alcantara” and “Almudaina” followed. Until these ferries were laid up after more than 20 years in operation, the Geislinger Gesilco^® Couplings performed very well.

The 125-meter-long fast ferry “Silvia Ana L”, built in 1996, is equipped with eight Gesilco^® Couplings GSC 56/56/2/1. Currently the “Silvia Ana” is operating between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia, Uruguay. The 22-year-old fast-ferry has capacity for 1200 passengers and 200 cars. The ferry is powered by four 16-cylinder diesel engines with a maximum power of 33900 kW and it reaches a maximum speed of 38 knots.

Shortly after implementing the coupling it turned out that Geislinger did not only offer an innovative solution, but also a solution which improves the total dynamic behavior of the driveline. Gesilco^® products are customized for specific applications and are characterized by their lightweight design. This results in a weight reduction of up to 90% compared to standard solutions and leads to a significant improvement in the dynamic drivetrain behavior. Furthermore, the low weight and good damping of the Gesilco^® couplings improve the acoustical behavior of drivetrains.

Gesilco^® products are maintenance-free, resistant to heat, frost, oil, and offer electrical insulation as an option. The use of advanced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing methods give customers a competitive lead in the race for weight, enhancement of reliability, acoustical improvement, and reduction of operational cost.

The Austrian-based company manufactures misalignment couplings with complex structure and shafts with integrated flanges. Besides standard solutions, Gesilco^® products are customized for specific applications.

Apart from conventional products like, for instance, the Gesilco^® Butterfly Coupling or the Gesilco^® Shaftline, products like the Geislinger Compowind^® Windpower Coupling or the innovative Geislinger Silenco^® Acoustic Coupling, launched in 2016, complete the product range.

Celebrate at SMM 2018 with us: Visit us at our booth and learn more about our innovative Gesilco^® product range.