All couplings transmit torque and angular velocity. Flexible variations compensate for misalignment. Many of the latter even address vibration and improve system dynamics. Design considerations include machine or installation construction and backlash, torsional stiffness, damping, inertia, torque ratings, maximum rpm, size, misalignments, ease of installation, robustness, and cost. For power transmission (as in motors for […]
Bellows
Servo couplings: Stiffness, damping, hunting, and stabilization considerations
Here we address considerations when specifying servo couplings to satisfy servo requirements — ever-evolving specifications that become more demanding all the time. By Tetsuya Niwa • Director of product planning and development Kei Yamada • Product Manager — Product planning and development Hiroki Goto • engineering specialist Paulo Castelo • Technical solutions supervisor • NBK America […]
R+W bellows couplings for spindle applications
R+W Coupling Technology (based out of Klingenberg, Germany) has announced two new products to its bellows coupling line: the SP6 elastomer and SP3 bellows coupling for spindle applications. These couplings feature an external clamping ring system, with the base hub components held to a very high level of concentricity between the two respective bores during the […]
Flexible-coupling considerations for motion-control designs in OEM and plant setups
Couplings connect rotating shafts in equipment powered by electric motors and other drives. All transmit torque and angular velocity. Flexible variations compensate for misalignment. Many of the latter even address vibration and improve system dynamics. Design considerations include machine or installation construction and backlash, torsional stiffness, damping, inertia, torque ratings, maximum rpm, size, misalignments, ease […]
Reaction forces from couplings: How to prevent or mitigate?
All flexible couplings compensating for misalignment cause reaction forces, and their effect is significant if misalignment is excessive. These often-overlooked reaction forces transmit to connected shafts and support bearings, and can cause damage to motion axes — especially on precision designs with delicate bearings and slender shafts. Though couplings get their compliance from elastomeric deflection, […]
Environmental considerations for coupling selection: fast facts
It takes more than just specifying size, speed rating, and torque range to assess the right coupling for an application. One of the most important factors is a coupling’s operating environment. The conditions a coupling will face can have a drastic impact on efficiency and service life. To learn more about a few environmental consideration […]
What does a bellows coupling torque failure look like?
We all know the value of an ounce of prevention. But what if the wrong bellows coupling has already been installed unbeknownst to you? Can you recognize warning signs before a complete coupling failure? Sometimes you can says Robert Watkins of Ruland Manufacturing. With bellows coupling torque failure, you can often see a deformation in […]
Tips for understanding torque with bellows and Oldham couplings
It’s important to note the difference between steady state and max torque based on motion type or when using a bellows vs. a disc coupling. It’s also important to understand how couplings are rated. Jaw couplings have a peak torque, for example, and rigid couplings have a superior torque capability but do not allow for […]
Bellows-type flexible couplings: NBK specifications
Bellows-type flexible couplings from NBK allows for eccentricity, angular misalignment, and end-play. The bellows is stainless steel. MBB couplings work extremely well with servomotors and stepper motors, but are inappropriate for pairing with general-purpose motors. MBB couplings are zero-backlash couplings, though slightly less forgiving of misalignment than come other compliant types. Bellows-type flexible couplings: Selection example Note that […]
Bellows Coupling: Understanding and Applications
What is a bellows coupling? According to Mike Parzych, Product Marketing Manager for GAM, a bellows coupling is basically a type of coupling design which consists of a thin walled, flexible corrugation (bellows) that is connected between two clamping hubs. “These types of couplings are traditionally used for servo motion control applications that have high […]