Zero-backlash jaw couplings from Ruland have high dampening capabilities, can accommodate all forms of misalignment, and are highly customizable. They are well-suited for servo motors that are often used in precise positioning applications found in semiconductor, solar, medical and robotics.
Each application that uses a servo motor will have different performance requirements such as rpm, torque, and misalignment. It may be challenging for a motor manufacturer or integrator to specify one coupling that can satisfy all these requirements. Zero-backlash jaw couplings are a three-piece design comprised of two lightweight aluminum hubs and an elastomeric insert “spider.” The spider is available in three durometers: 98 Shore A for the highest torque, 92 Shore A for a balance of stiffness and compliance, and 85 Shore A for the highest dampening capabilities. Inch, metric, keyed, and keyless hubs with clamp or set screw hardware can be combined to fit user shaft requirements. This combination of options within an outer diameter gives motor manufacturers and integrators the ability to choose one coupling envelope with hundreds of different standard combinations allowing coupling performance to match application requirements.
Ruland zero-backlash jaw couplings have a balanced design for reduced vibration at higher speeds, a critical feature in servo motor applications with high acceleration and deceleration curves. They are available in bore sizes from 1/8 inch to 1-1/4 inch and 3 mm to 32 mm. All Ruland jaw couplings are carefully manufactured in Ruland’s Marlborough, MA factory from bar stock sourced from select North American mills. Stainless steel hubs and a spider with a center hole are available on request.
Jaw couplings are part of Ruland’s motion control coupling product line which also includes beam, bellows, controlflex, disc, oldham, and slit couplings. 3D CAD files, full product specifications, and installation videos are available on www.ruland.com
Courtesy of Ruland.