Zero Maintenance Bearings– New Option For Schmidt Offset Couplings

Zero maintenance bearings are now available as an option for Schmidt Offset couplings from Zero-Max. This new coupling feature eliminates periodic coupling lubrication and the resulting system downtime.

Schmidt Offset couplings deliver precision for parallel offset shafts. They transmit constant angular velocity and torque in a range of parallel shaft misalignments. They are used in a range of machine applications including printing, embossing, paper converting, pharmaceutical, and automated assembly systems.

The new Schmidt sealed bearing coupling feature incorporates needle bearings with internal micro-poly lubrication. There are no lube fittings making for a cleaner coupling setup. Compact in design, Schmidt Offset couplings with the new zero maintenance bearing option keep out contaminants and foreign matter, enabling the couplings to be used in less than ideal operating environments.

Schmidt Offset couplings are designed to handle high amounts of parallel offset up to 17 in. and are available with torque capacities up to 459,000 in.-lbs. They impose no side loads on shafts or bearings and eliminate radial shaft vibrations.

Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com

Explosion proof couplings

Flexible couplings are a critical component for applications involving potentially explosive materials found in automotive paint and cleaning stations, chemical plants, and powder mixing areas.  A lack of radially flexible elements in shaft linkage can result in high radial loads on shaft bearings, eventually leading to heat generation and bearing failure, making flexible shaft couplings essential to machine drive design in these cases.  Even more critical is that the potential for sparks must be eliminated.  For use in explosive environments R+W has developed a full range of ATEX certified “explosion proof” couplings in accordance with the European directives, ATEX 95 and ATEX 137.

These special couplings are precision machined with a thermally and chemically stable, wear resistant, polyurethane insert press fit between the two for zero backlash.  A smooth fit between the insert and the hubs helps the insert to compensate for lateral, angular and axial shaft misalignment.  The insert is impregnated with graphite, giving it electrically conductive properties, eliminating the potential for any charges arcing from one hub to the other.  Official serialized markings including the part number are required by the directive and are clearly visible on each unit.

These precision couplings are available in a variety of mounting configurations, and can include torque overload protection.  There are nine total sizes ranging from torque ratings of 2 – 2150 Nm (17 to 19,000 in-lbs).  Both English and metric bore diameters are available in a range from 3 – 80 mm (1/8 to 3.125 in.) with or without keyways.

R+W America
www.rw-america.com

Misumi Now Offers Comprehensive Line Of Couplings

MISUMI Coupling types include high precision Single Disc and Double Disc Clamping models, many of which may be used with servomotors.  Also offered are Oldham, Slit and N Couplings, as well as Jaw, Sleeved, Bellows, and Resin types, in a variety of sizes and configurations.

The SCXW is a Double Disc type precision disc clamping coupling with high torque but no backlash.  Its torsional rigidity is up to 26% higher than conventional (standard) disc clamping couplings. It suits applications requiring fast positioning precision.  All the bolts are trivalent chromate plated and suitable for use in clean environments.

The MFJGWK is available as a high rigid Oldham coupling, set screw type. The MFJCGWK is a high rigid Oldham coupling, clamping type.  Both products feature an aluminum bronze spacer and have a keyed bore.  These couplings have allowable torque 2X higher compared to resin spacers.

The SCOC is a short Oldham coupling, clamping/spacer type. This space-saving version works with miniature devices because it is 17% shorter than conventional types.

Most MISUMI Couplings ship in six days, with the exception of the new High Rigid Oldham Couplings, which ship in eight days.  Some couplings offer optional express shipping for faster delivery.

MISUMI USA, Inc.
Http://us.misumi-ec.com

Hybrid Coupling Combines Fluid, Electronics, Tubing and Cable

The Hybrid Connector integrates fluidics and electronics into a single connection point. Combining dual flow paths into an integral hose assembly eliminates the need for multiple connections and simplifies the user interface between modular tools, umbilicals or hand pieces and a device. Integrating high-cycle electrical contacts directly into the connector eliminates the need for a separate power cable to remote tools.

The Hybrid Connector can simplify connections in a range of applications including diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, analytical instrumentation and hospital beds. The easy-to-use connector also can be customized for specific customer applications.

Colder Products Co.
www.colder.com

Elastomer couplings with higher torque handling capacity

The growing popularity of curved jaw (elastomer) style couplings for precision applications has driven the need for couplings that handle more than the traditional torque capacity of 2,150 Nm up to a maximum torque of 25,000 Nm.

Available with split clamping collars or keyway and set screw connections, the three new body sizes allow for backlash free, vibration damping power transmission, paired with strong torque density. Dual flexture and jack shaft versions are also available for spanning longer distances and compensating for larger misalignments. Unlike the pre-existing range of R+W elastomer couplings, which use a single spider element between the new hubs, the new larger sizes will use individual vibration damping compensation elements to fit between each mating set of coupling teeth. These couplings are available in English and metric bore diameters up to 170 mm.
R+W America
www.rw-america.com

Low Inertia Aluminum Couplings Reduce Cycle Time

The aluminum CD® model is a low inertia, lightweight coupling with high torsional stiffness for servo motor applications. It is available in single and double flex versions.

“We surveyed design engineers to find out what was the most desirable feature when specifying couplings for servo motor applications,” reports Robert Mainz, Zero-Max sales manager. “Low inertia was the most important.” These engineers said they continually look for ways to reduce cycle time and improve system productivity. A lightweight yet high strength coupling design will let you increase the speed of the actuator. Lightweight couplings will also have an effect on the energy consumption in their designs.

The working part of the CD® coupling is made of a special composite material. The composite disc design withstands the stresses of a servomotor’s high acceleration rates and high torque capacity better than other coupling designs. This results in lower energy requirements, and longer life of the motor and other operating components while ensuring uninterrupted system operation.

Zero-Max CD couplings are available in single and double flex models with or without keyways. The double-flex version is for precision applications requiring misalignment capacity greater than the single flex design. The single flex models have a torque capacity range from 40 Nm to 1436 Nm and beyond with speed ratings from 4400 RPM to 17,000 RPM.

Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com

Shaft collars and couplings for solar power installations

Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. offers a selection of shaft collars and couplings for use in solar power generation installations. Specifically designed for harsh environments, these shaft collars and couplings handle the high temperature, salt spray, wind, moisture and airborne contaminants found around solar power generation facilities.

Collars are available in a variety of zinc-plated steel, aluminum and stainless steel in both 303 and 316 grades. A wide selection of standard sizes for one and two-piece designs in clamp and set screw styles is available in both inch and metric dimensions. Custom solutions can be made to order. All Ruland products are RoHS and REACH compliant.

Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc.
www.ruland.com

Six factors to remember about couplings in a motion system

Physical values such as torque, torsional rigidity, spring stiffness, moment of inertia, imbalance, and zero-backlash play a major role in coupling design. Here are a few facts to keep in mind when you design your motion system.

Torque (Nm): is the product of an acting force and the effective length of the acting force’s lever arm.

T = Fxr

T = Torque (Nm)

F = Force (N)

r = Lever arm (m)

With a force of 100 N and a 1 m long lever arm, you can generate a torque of 100 Nm. Or, you can generate a torque of 100 Nm with a force of 1000 N and a 0.1 m long lever arm. For couplings, a specific amount of torque can be achieved with a large outer diameter of the coupling and a correspondingly low acting force or with a small outer diameter and a correspondingly high acting force.

Torsional rigidity (Nm/rad): refers to the rigidity of a coupling when it is subjected to a torsional load. If the torque exceeds the maximum torsional value of the coupling, the coupling will no longer be strong enough to transmit the acting rotational force. Ex: If a coupling with a torsional rigidity of 10 000 Nm/rad is subjected to 10 Nm, the connection element will twist by 1/1000 rad. That is equal to an angle of twist of about 0.057 degrees (1 rad = 57°17’44.8”). For a torsionally rigid or vibration damping coupling, this angle of twist may still be within the admissible range.  In practice, torsionally rigid couplings normally have a maximum angle of twist of less than 0.05 degrees and vibration damping couplings have a maximum angle of twist of less than 5 degrees.

Spring Stiffness (N/mm): is the counterforce exerted by the coupling in case of differentiated position of the axes in an axial, radial, and lateral direction. Ex: If the axial spring stiffness of a coupling is 30 N/mm, the coupling will exert a force of 30 N in the case of an axial displacement of 1 mm. These forces are important in a design with couplings, particularly when selecting bearings or other drive system components.

Moment of inertia: is the moment resistance when the rotational speed is changed. Normally, the lower the total weight and the smaller the outer diameter of the coupling body, the lower the moment of inertia. The reverse is also true, the higher the weight and larger the outer diameter, the higher the moment of inertia. This feature is important in highly dynamic applications because the drive has to generate sufficient torque to overcome a body’s moment of inertia to accelerate and decelerate.

Imbalance: in a drive system, imbalance should be as low as possible for smooth operation. Caused by asymmetries in the drive system where mass is distributed unevenly, it affects centrifugal forces on the entire drive system. It can be rectified by “balancing bores,” which are normally drilled directly into the location of the disproportionally high concentration of mass.

Zero backlash: is a lack of empty space or “play” when the rotational speed, direction of rotation, or torque changes. It does not mean that there is no angle of twist. Backlash is an important factor in predicting bearing life.

Information courtesy of R+W America

Rw-america.com

ServoClass® Couplings deliver high torsional stiffness

ServoClass® Couplings suit applications using ac and dc servomotors that need precise positioning and the ability to handle high reverse loads. These couplings have zero-backlash and low hysteresis.

Three new sizes have been added to the ServoClass coupling line. They handle bore diameters from 0.875 in. (20 mm) to 1.378 in. (35 mm) and operating torque from 3937 to 9843 lb-in., (100 to 250 Nm). Additional sizes are available starting with the smallest bore size 0.157 in. (4 mm) and larger.

All ServoClass couplings are manufactured of RoHS compliant materials. They are lightweight and designed with 304 stainless steel disc packs and 7075-T6 aluminum hubs and center members. They are available in single and double flex models in inch and metric sizes. All models and sizes feature clamp style hubs with corrosion resistant socket head cap screws.

“ServoClass couplings provide a better option compared to beam or bellow style couplings,” reports Robert Mainz, Zero-Max sales manager. “As the cycle becomes faster, they outperform beam couplings, which experience harmful windup. Their robust design also outperforms the fragile design of bellows couplings.”

Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com

Schmidt 5D Couplings Handle Axial, Angular And Parallel Shaft Misalignments

Schmidt 5D Couplings suit applications requiring large axial, angular and parallel shaft misalignments. This “all-in-one” coupling design will handle all shaft displacements providing low backlash for precision high torque applications such as roll forming and similar heavy duty fabricating equipment.

Designed to fill an important need in the Zero-Max family of torque-rigid couplings, these couplings allow for easy adjustment to any possible misaligned shaft position without imposing heavy side loads on shafts, bearings or other machine equipment. The coupling can accommodate up to 5 degrees of angular misalignment and as high as 1.5 in. parallel misalignment while maintaining undisturbed power transmission at constant angular velocity. Acting forces within the coupling can be precisely calculated, assuring reliable, trouble-free system operation. This unique design will tolerate high shock and reversing loads with minimal or no maintenance required.

Additional features include: space-saving design and easy installation — couplings can be mounted to shaft hubs or directly to existing machine flanges (no need to reposition either shaft being coupled). Available in standard and inverted hub configurations in bore sizes from 1.500 in. to 6.375 in. or 38 mm to 160 mm. Custom designs can take this coupling design beyond the catalog specifications. The ten different model sizes handle speeds up to 1000 RPM and torque from 2800 to 500,000 in-lb. Special design modifications are available.

“The 5D coupling has very robust design features for use in applications such as roll drive systems used in converting machinery. The unique and flexible design allows for a range of movement to improve the quality of the end product.” reports Robert Mainz, Zero-Max sales manager. “They do a very good job of handling shaft misalignments and protecting drive train components in these high performance systems.”

Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com

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