Helical’s W-Series Coupling
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Servo
SANTA MARIA, CA.—Helical’s W-Series coupling offers the convenience of metric sizing and fasteners for many designs. These single-piece, flexible couplings from Helical Products Co. compensate for mechanical movement irregularities such as angular and skewed misalignment, parallel offset and axial motion. The unique operating characteristics provide performance benefits such as no maintenance, no backlash, no lubrication, constant rotational velocity, and smooth bearing loads. Helical’s “W” Series couplings are manufactured in outside diameters (OD) of 15mm, 20mm,25mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50 mm. Inch and metric bore sizes are available and may also be combined. All are available in 7075-T6 Aluminum or 17-4PH Stainless Steel materials.
The W-Series can be used in a wide range of applications from driving components with light torque requirements, such as encoders and tachometers, to lead screw and pump applications requiring greater torque.
Thermoplastic Insert Couplings from R+W America
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Elastomer
R+W has developed the ECOLIGHT- TX1 series of molded thermoplastic insert couplings. The couplings feature a dramatically reduced mass and moment of inertia, accompanied by a high level of chemical compatibility and tolerance for heat, making the TX couplings ideal for both pump drive and servo applications. These plastics also provide major cost reduction compared to metals, as the result of decreased production times and relatively low material cost.
The material of the hubs is a glass fiber reinforced plastic developed for rigidity and corrosion resistance. Accelerated life testing involved 40 million load reversals at the coupling rated torque. Zero change to the integrity of the coupling keyway was discovered, as the steel key itself was the more brittle and compliant of the two materials. The thermal stability of the material is also critical, as an H7 shaft fit tolerance for the hub must be maintained regardless of the environments in which the couplings will be used.
R+W TX couplings have an elastomer element that is press fit between the two precision molded coupling halves giving it zero backlash and guaranteed concentricity. The elastomer insert is available in several Shore hardness values allowing the designer to choose how great of a damping effect is required for the application. The TX1 series coupling is designed for a pure keyway connection and is molded or bored to customer shaft specifications. Shaft mounting is achieved via a keyway and a set screw.
Sizes are available for torque capacities ranging from 2Nm (17.7 lbs/in) to 660Nm (5841 lbs/in) and bore diameters from 8 to 45mm and .375 to 1.75 inch with standard or metric keyways. Special shaft interface, such as spline hubs are also available upon request.
Precision Torque Limiter with Clamping Hub
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Torque Limiters
R+W torque limiters provide inexpensive insurance with little effect on machine performance. Utilizing a patented preload internal to it’s ball-detent mechanism, R+W torque limiters are all backlash free and highly responsive, with the ability to completely disconnect the drive and driven components in under 3msecs. Disengagement torque can be adjusted in the field, and several disengagement behaviors are available.
The newest design from R+W utilizes a single screw radial clamping hub in place of the traditional tapered conical clamping connection. Available in English or metric bores, with or without keyways, the SK1 with clamping hub allows for simple and convenient mounting, as well as the ability to perform quick shaft phase adjustment in the keyless version. Available for bore diameters of 3-80 mm (0.118 – 3.150”) and disengagement torques from 0.1-1800 Nm (0.89 – 15,930 in-lbs) R+W torque limiters accommodate a wide range of applications within a small envelope.
GAM Selection Guide Features Bellows Couplings
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Bellows
Mount Prospect, IL USA – GAM’s complete line of bellows couplings for servo applications are among the products detailed in a new full-line brochure from GAM. An easy-to-follow product selection chart – also available at www.gamweb.com – guides users through bore and torque ranges, hub style, bellows connection method and other major features for each series in the product line.
Select couplings offer several unique features. GAM’s patented EASY Clamp System prevents damage to hubs and allows easy shaft mounting/dismounting while compensating for tolerance differences between shaft and hub. The patented brass wire press-fit method of connecting the multi-layered bellow to the hub can withstand high-temperature and harsh chemical environments where glued connections cannot. The micro plasma weld connection offers even heat distribution which results in a long-lasting connection between hub and bellow and is ideal for high temperature applications.
GAM’s bellows couplings are available with torque ratings from 0.44 Nm to 44,000 Nm for use with servo motors. All feature high torsional rigidity, low inertia, zero backlash and misalignment compensation. They can be used maintenance-free at temperatures up to 570ºF without any limitations and at speeds up to 25,000 RPM without additional balancing.
GAM Named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Industry News
Mount Prospect, IL — GAM Gear, LLC, a leading manufacturer of precision mechanical components used in factory automation applications has made Inc. magazine’s 2008 list of 5000 fastest growing private companies in America. GAM was recognized based on its three year growth from 2004 to 2007 nationwide and also ranked 16th in the Chicago area for manufacturing firms.
“The Inc. 5000 provides the most comprehensive look ever at the most important part of the economy—the entrepreneurial part,” said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivaled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth.”
“We are honored to be part of the prestigious Inc. 5000 list,” said Craig Van den Avont, President of GAM Gear. “The Inc. 5000 list is a coveted recognition in the business world and making the list provides affirmation for the hard work and dedication of our GAM team. It is particularly gratifying to make the list as a manufacturer.”
Gary Michalek, GAM’s CEO stated, “We have a culture at GAM that is truly entrepreneurial. It begins with hiring the best people who share the common philosophy of doing whatever it takes to insure the customer is completely satisfied. We are an operationally efficient company. We employ the latest computer technologies, processes, manufacturing disciplines, and measurements to insure that we remain competitive in the market place.”
Torque Limiters Tag-team to Prevent Overloads
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Torque Limiters
For bottlers, protecting motion and assuring smooth, continuous operation in filler systems are critical in preventing system downtime. To guard against overloads and other system jam-ups, automated filling systems incorporate all types of devices including shear pins, electronic limit switches, and various types of mechanical stopping devices. These options may get the job done, but when they require repair, the systems must go down.
Elmar Worldwide Monoblock filler systems have speeds to 600 containers per min. The Company offers over 100 different models, from six to 72 stations, including rotary piston, bottom fill, gravity, and pocket modules. It uses Zero-Max torque limiters to protect from overloads.
For Elmar Industries, mechanical stops alone could not sufficiently halt the upward travel of the adjusting column with every cycle on one of its 100+ models – the Monoblock custom filler/capper
systems. At times, the upward force would overpower the mechanical stops, jarring them loose and sometimes knocking them off the system. The downward motion could develop too much force if the limit switch failed and the column bottomed out. This would jam-up the system. “What’s critical is to be able to control both upward and downward travel to avoid both of these problems even if the over-travel switches fail,” said Russell Wozniak, project engineer for Elmar.
Wozniak’s team turned to an alternative method for overload protection. Elmar now uses mechanical torque limiters because of their simplistic, fail-safe operation. On its Monoblock filler/capper systems, two different Zero-Max Torq Tender torque-limiting devices safeguard two separate machine functions. Both devices provide fail-safe jam-up protection.
The Zero-Max H-TLC torque limiter provides overload protection in the bottle height adjuster mechanism.
“We use the H-TLC-500 torque limiter in the motorized height adjustment mechanism, which raises and lowers the center column to adjust for different bottle heights,” reported Wozniak. This device prevents over-travel of filler heads. At the high and low point of travel of the filler head are mechanical stops. The motor-driven height adjuster assembly has a rotating shaft that connects to the elevation device at one end and the H-TLC torque limiter at the motor end. The H-TLC is located between the motor that powers it and the shaft leading into the height adjuster mechanism. It operates on a spring-loaded convex pin and detent design, which reacts to pre-determined overloads. When the load reaches the preset limit, a pin disengages from the detent, shutting down the system. Once the overload condition is corrected, the torque limiter can be reset fast and the system restarted. The H-TLC can quickly be adjusted for changes in torque as needed.
The Zero-Max face-mount Torq Tender is the second torque-limiting device in the system. It
connects to the primary drive train that moves the bottles through the system for filling, and protects the timing screw mechanism in the main gear drive from any kind of jam-up. Steel springs within the unit force metal slides against each side of a hardened cast steel pawl, holding it rigid with one end seated in a detent on the outer drive housing. During normal machine operation, the Torq Tender functions as a positive drive coupling. Input power transfers into the central assembly through this pawl. The outer drive housing and its driven shaft then rotate.
1. During normal machine operation, a hardened cast steel pawl is held rigidly between metal slides, with one end seated in a detent on the outer drive housing. 2. The pawl rotates out of its detent when excessive torque overpowers the springs.
When a load exceeds the rating determined by the precision tempered torque springs, excessive torque overpowers the springs, and the pawl rotates out of its detent. The central assembly is disconnected from the outer drive housing. This cuts power in the system, shutting it down.
Wozniak said that prior to the Torq Tender, a shear pin protected the feed screw drive. This was a problem because it required time to replace it following a jam-up. The Torq Tender, however, re-starts quickly, and it does not require tools. “You can manually re-set the torque springs of the Torq Tender with a simple full turn of the device. This puts the pawl back in its detent, and it re-engages the drive shaft. What’s more, Wozniak reported, “Once installed, you can forget about the Zero-Max torque limiters because they never need service. Ours have performed without problems for over five years with many installations operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.”
Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com
Elmar Worldwide
www.elmarworldwide.com
CD Couplings from Zero-Max
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Disk, Servo
Plymouth, Minnesota: Motion system designers needing to fit a high performance coupling into a small space will find the solution with a specially designed CD coupling from Zero-Max.
High power custom CD coupling for small space application
Many other difficult coupling needs such as higher misalignment, greater torque capacity and greater torsional stiffness than that of standard couplings are available in Zero-Max specially designed CD couplings.
Key to these special coupling designs is the patented Zero-Max CD disc that has high torsional stiffness and yet allows for misalignment in high stress applications. Everything about this unique CD disc contributes to its high performance characteristics. The shape, the cutting process, the material used, the coating and the order and orientation of the disc layers – all have important significance to solving difficult motion system needs.
Custom stiff CD coupling for critical positioning application
Using finite element analysis (FEA), the CD disc can be easily modified along with changes in the composite material. Custom disc designs (manufactured on state-of-the-art laser cutting machines) can add to or lessen coupling flexibility or increase strength and stiffness as required for a particular application. And with 40 standard CD coupling models and sizes to work from, Zero-Max can configure a just-right custom coupling solution in a fraction of the time required for a custom coupling using all metallic components requiring special dies and tooling.
High precision CD coupling for small space application
In addition to the special CD couplings pictured, Zero-Max provides special large scale floating shaft couplings, very high speed couplings, stainless steel and/or nickel plated couplings, phase adjustable couplings, high misalignment and high torque couplings, shrink disc clamping hub couplings and many more.
A custom coupling proposal from Zero-Max includes complete engineering approval CAD drawings.
Expanded Line of Servo Insert Couplings
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Elastomer
The SERVOMAX line of precision elastomer insert couplings from R+W has been expanded to include both smaller and larger sizes as well as enhanced mounting options. The R+W SERVOMAX utilizes secondary heat treatment of the injection molded polyurethane insert to smooth out inconsistencies in the driving surfaces, allowing for a smooth fit and higher repeatability.
The couplings compensate for all types of shaft misalignment while damping vibration and maintaining a backlash free performance. Three different Shore hardnesses allow the designer to select the correct amount of flexibility, vibration damping or stiffness depending on their performance requirements. Their high torque density and reasonable cost makes them ideal for aggressive applications within a small space.
The newly redesigned SERVOMAX EK range now includes 9 sizes and accepts English or metric shafts ranging from 3 – 80 mm (0.118 – 3.150 in.). Torques range from 0.5 – 2150 Nm (4.43 – 19,027 in-lbs). Available in aluminum, steel, stainless steel or engineered polymer, new mounting styles include a wear resistant mechanical torque limiter, fully split clamping collars, adjustable length drive shafts and more. For more information contact R+W America at (630) 521-9911 or info@rw-america.com
Helical Launches All-New Website
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Flexible
Helical Products Inc. launches an all new website focused on delivering a vastly improved user experience and key technical information. A new ‘Flexure Facts’ database is easily searchable to find all of the various uses flexible couplings can be applied to, from aerospace to medical applications. The HELI-CAL Flexure is a flexible helix (curved) beam machined from one piece of material into a specific configuration that incorporates special design requirements, performance features or characteristics.
When used as a spring, the flexure provides desired and precise elastic performance in compression, extension, torsion, lateral bending and lateral displacement modes. Used as a flexible coupling or u-joint, the flexure utilizes its curved beam to transmit torque while compensating for lateral, axial, and angular misalignment movements.
A specific advantage of this technology – it enables customer specified end attachments, such as tangs, clamps, flanges, or threaded ends to be integrated into a single, multi-functional component.
The new site also features new navigation around product specifications, product information, catalog downloads and a wealth of technical information including a new section called ‘Engineer’.
TOOLFLEX Metal Bellow-Type Coupling
December 16, 2008 by CouplingTips
Filed under Bellows, Jaw
Compact coupling design is required more frequently by customers in order to realize high performance with a narrow mounting space. In order to meet these requirements, KTR’s backlash-free ROTEX GS jaw-type coupling has already been added to their product range as a compact design.
Now the range of the torsionally stiff TOOLFLEX metal bellow-type coupling has been extended to be available as a customer-specific compact solution too.
Benefits of TOOLFLEX CF:
-extremely short design due to a bellow with two waves
-approx 25% higher torque capacity compared to type M or S, respectively
-higher torsional stiffness
-backlash-free, torsionally stiff -customized hub/flange design
-maintenance free
-suitable for high temperatures subject to flanged insert connection(max 2800 C)
-one wave only is possible in case of low angular and axial displacement.
