Beam couplings are an excellent choice when selected for the proper application. We asked Bobby Watkins of Ruland Manufacturing to give us some insight on proper coupling selection. The following is an excerpt from the beam coupling section of his Webinar, Master Coupling Selection: A Guided Journey by Bobby Watkins. “We’re going to start off […]
Beam
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, […]
How do speed and inertia affect beam couplings?
Edited by Mike Santora Beam coupling failure most often occurs when maximum speed is exceeded. Making a balanced design all the more important at higher RPM. In certain situations, such as a printing application for example, there might be an issue with banding. Vibration in the system can be caused by the coupling, causing the […]
Multi-beam couplings
The CLAAS Group is one of the world’s leading providers of harvesters, tractors, sowing machinery and agricultural systems. CLAAS Industrietechnik GmbH, based in Paderborn, Germany is part of the CLAAS Group that focuses on drive technology including gearboxes and hydraulics. CLAAS Industrietechnik needed a coupling solution for use in the transmission for its newest range […]
When are beam couplings the best choice for an application?
By Joyce Laird, Contributing Editor Challenges of component connection Engineers in the design phase of a motion control related project are faced with the selection of many components, from motors and leadscrews to bearings and fasteners. One other key component that is critical to the successful function of any new design, which is often overlooked, […]
The 3 best beam coupling videos on the internet
Beam couplings are an essential motion system component for torque transmission and misalignment compensation. In this list, we’ll cover a few of the most informative, most viewed and most valuable beam style coupling videos on the internet. 1. How to Install a Beam Coupling | RULAND Great beam coupling performance starts with proper installation. Might […]
Beam couplings for motors
Ruland beam couplings are designed to couple stepper and servo motors to encoders, lead screws, and light duty actuators in a variety of industries. They are zero-backlash, have high torsional stiffness, accommodate all forms of misalignment and have a balanced design creating a highly accurate and flexible coupling. Stepper and servo driven systems benefit from […]
Flexible vs rigid couplings: Part 3
This is the third installment in a weekly 3-part series on flexible vs rigid couplings running through December. Here, Ruland’s Bobby Watkins shares his insight into the best options for different coupling applications. This excerpt was taken from Watkins’ presentation during the Design World Webinar, Flexible vs Rigid Couplings. A little bit about Ruland Manufacturing. […]
Drive couplings added to SureMotion line
Rotating shaft-driven mechanical components are commonly used in all forms of machinery that perform the various processes and functions of modern industry. While perfect alignment of shafts and rotating components is desired, shaft ends can often be misaligned. This misalignment places stress on shafts and related parts, which can result in early failure of both. […]