Balanced zero-backlash couplings fasten with a single screw

To enhance surface contact with the shaft, the beam couplings now feature both a radial and cross-cut. This increases holding power while eliminating the need for the additional screw used in the original design. Balancing is achieved by the removal of material opposite the screw. Better balancing provides the capability for increased speed with less vibration. This can both extend the life of the coupling and decrease settling time in stop-start applications such as machine vision systems.

Ruland offers two series of zero-backlash flexible beam couplings with distinct performance features suitable for different types of applications. The couplings are machined from a single piece of aluminium and feature multiple spiral cuts. The multiple cut design provides higher torsional stiffness and torque capabilities, and reduced wind-up when compared to a commodity type single-beam coupling. The multiple spiral cuts also enable the couplings to accommodate angular misalignment, parallel misalignment and axial motion.

Offered in aluminium for low inertia or stainless steel for higher torque and added corrosion resistance, beam couplings are available as standard parts in 20 different body sizes with outside diameters ranging from 3/8 to 1.5inch (10-38mm) and bores from 3/32 to 3/4inch (2-19mm). Ruland beam couplings conform to industry standard lengths, fitting in confined spaces and enabling easy retrofits in existing equipment. Special designs, cut patterns suitable for specific applications, keyways and threaded bores are also offered.

Beam couplings are part of Ruland's product line, which also includes shaft collars and rigid couplings with precision honed bores and five types of zero-backlash motion control couplings including bellows couplings, Oldham couplings, jaw couplings and miniature disc couplings.

For more information go to www.ruland.com/ps_couplings_flexible.asp.