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

Helical’s Flexible Helix Beam

SANTA MARIA, CA. – Helical Products Company’s curved beam “flexure” can be designed and manufactured into a variety of special shapes and forms for use in a variety of diverse applications.

Used as a flexible coupling or u-joint, the “flexure” utilizes its curved beam to transmit torque while compensating for lateral, angular and axial movements. The technology enables designer specified end attachments, such as tangs, clamps, flanges or threaded ends to be integrated into a single, multi-fuctional component.

www.Heli-Cal.com

Helical Launches All-New Website

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’.

www.heli-cal.com