The sorts of hostile environment faced routinely by the military present challenges for engineering as well as personnel. An army has to be totally effective whether operating in deserts, jungles, swamps, mountains or arctic conditions. Similarly, the HUCO Dynatork coupling selected for position sensing in a rocket launcher control system had to prove its reliable operation in extremely aggressive environments. 

The brand of coupling initially chosen for the job failed consistently. A cocktail of heat, dust, debris and combustion products resulting from a missile launch created a viscous mass that completely solidified the coupling rendering it rock-hard and useless. 

World leading precision coupling manufacturer HUCO Dynatork was able to engineer a simple but clever solution. The resultant coupling is based on its standard 19mm diameter, stainless steel, Multibeam, a design that is ideal for accommodating both angular and parallel misalignment. A stretched version of the original was made – nearly double the standard length – and modified to accept a specially moulded neoprene gaiter that effectively shields the beam mechanism from debris attack. 

Nearly a year of exhaustive trials proved this tailored product to be the ideal solution and a quantity has now been ordered for retrofitting onto armoured vehicles and for stockholding. 

This is just one example of HUCO Dynatork’s ability to provide products for operation in hostile environments. The company produces a wide range of standard stainless steel motion components that resist aggressive solvents and are therefore ideal for use in wash-down conditions. It also offers a range of composite plastic products for a variety of applications including isolating high voltage. Beyond the standard range HUCO Dynatork welcomes the challenge of unusual applications.