Why is the coupling component so important?

Why is the coupling component so important

Couplings are important connecting elements and offer plant operators valuable advantages even in times of Industry 4.0.

The requirements for machine tools are complex. They have to work quickly, flexibly and precisely at the same time – this is the only way they work economically. Error-free positioning with almost no tolerances meets drive performance with the highest dynamics. This only works if aspects such as damping, torsional stiffness, speed or inertia are taken into account and perfectly coordinated.

Different challenges

The choice of clutch has a decisive influence on the behavior of the drive train and ultimately also on the overall system. R + W offers various backlash-free coupling models for the precision area. The required goals are to combine high dynamics and repeat accuracy as well as precise torque transmission. For this task, the product range of backlash-free R + W couplings includes torsion- resistant metal bellows and multi-plate clutches , vibration-damping elastomer clutches , and torque-limiting safety clutches .

The play-free, torsionally rigid R + W metal bellows couplings are suitable for the specific challenges of highly dynamic servo axes in machine tools, gear cutting machines and automation systems. These high-precision drive elements are used wherever high positioning accuracy has top priority. Thanks to the wide range of variants, durability and freedom from maintenance, economy can be combined with high operational reliability. The models of the metal bellows couplings can transmit torques from 0.05 to 100,000 Nm. They also compensate for axial, angular or lateral shaft displacements. Metal bellows couplings are available in different versions and can equally be ordered with different hub connections or as a double cardan drive shaft version.

The metal bellows coupling SP3 is new in the R + W range and ideal for high-speed applications . The coupling, which has an outer cone, stands for high operating figures with the greatest possible smoothness. The rotationally symmetrical structure also ensures a very good balance quality. In addition to the fields of application mentioned, the metal bellows couplings are also used in printing and packaging machines or test bench applications.

metal bellows coupling

The metal bellows coupling, here the model SP3,
is free of play and torsionally rigid.

The miniature metal bellows couplings expand the application possibilities of the type of coupling to measuring and control systems, smaller servo drives or rotary encoders.

The potential applications of multi-plate clutches are there where performance and robustness are required. With the multi-plate clutches, R + W offers a torsionally stiff clutch series for torques from 350 to 24,000 Nm. The multi-plate clutches are available in several designs. The backlash-free models LP3 (double-cardanic) and LP4 (single-cardanic) with cone clamping hubs are suitable for applications with reversing operation as well as applications in which high positioning accuracy is paramount. In addition to various standard designs, the torsionally rigid model series can now also be ordered with an integrated coolant feed-through. This offers the manufacturers of machine tools with a long spindle structure in particular valuable advantages. The specially designed double-cardanic spindle couplings can direct the cooling lubricant directly into the tool over long distances by means of an integrated inner tube and adaptation interfaces on both sides. Symmetrical cone clamping hubs and special balancing also guarantee very smooth running and good balancing quality. Any shaft misalignments are also compensated for by the torsion-resistant plate packs. The robust and powerful series therefore offers users a simplified spindle design, shorter assembly times, faster processing speeds and longer tool lives. Any shaft misalignments are also compensated for by the torsion-resistant plate packs. The robust and powerful series therefore offers users a simplified spindle design, shorter assembly times, faster processing speeds and longer tool lives. Any shaft misalignments are also compensated for by the torsion-resistant plate packs. The robust and powerful series therefore offers users a simplified spindle design, shorter assembly times, faster processing speeds and longer tool lives.

multi-plate clutch

R + W multi-plate clutch with integrated coolant feed-through.

Backlash-free elastomer precision couplings have a vibration-dampening effect and at the same time score with good torsional stiffness, which ensures a high degree of accuracy. Depending on the version, they are designed for a performance range from 0.5 to 25,000 Nm and can compensate for axial, lateral and angular shaft displacements due to the elastomer ring. The so-called compensating element of the elastomer coupling, the elastomer ring, optimizes the entire drive train in terms of the selected torsional vibrations. R + W offers stars in various shore hardnesses and designs for the various challenges. Required properties such as damping, torsional stiffness, electrical conductivity and temperature resistance are covered. In most cases, a good compromise can be found between vibration damping and torsional stiffness. R + W has suitable elastomer models for various areas of application, such as in servo drive technology or in automation systems. These can be obtained, for example, with easy-to-assemble clamping hubs, in a split version or with a cone expanding mandrel.

 

The Elastomer Coupling SP6 was developed for high-speed applications such as spindle drives . It has a vibration-damping effect thanks to its elastomer ring, but is still free of play. The freedom from play of the coupling is guaranteed by the pressure preload of the elastomer ring. Two precisely manufactured hubs with clamping cone and concave claws ensure precise concentricity.

The vibration-damping elastomer precision coupling SP6.

The vibration-damping elastomer precision coupling SP6.

The backlash-free precision safety clutches , which are available from R + W in a wide range of models and functions, offer further advantages. Due to the preset disengagement torque, the safety clutches protect machine components, such as gears, from a torque overload and its damage in the event of a crash. They also reduce downtimes. Safety clutches therefore offer users valuable advantages in the entire mechanical engineering – see for yourself and let our team advise you  +91 93 422 53908 or sales@ucammechatronics.com

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