02.04.2024
Delicate, precise, elegant or fast - these are the attributes that flexible couplings in the medical and pharmaceutical industry must fulfil in order to manufacture medical technology products, diagnose them safely and gently or analyse samples accurately.
Cardan coupling Loewe GK: The perfect match for demanding pharmaceutical processes
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, thermal process systems are used at the end of a production process for mixing and homogenising, sterilising and pasteurising or for separating and mixing processes. Customised coupling designs from the Loewe GK Torque articulated coupling series ensure precise torque transmission while simultaneously compensating for high parallel and angular misalignments in a compact design.
Stainless steel is used throughout as the material for the couplings. Due to the high ambient temperatures, the axially rigid couplings are also equipped with polymer plain bushes, depending on the requirement profile, which have a high thermal resistance.
Servo disc coupling Servoflex: Accurate partner in medical lifting equipment
The lifting function plays an important role in medical technology applications. For example, they are used for lifting and lowering patient tables, in computer and magnetic resonance tomographs, in laboratory and analytical equipment or in various other X-ray machines. High demands are placed on these lifting systems in terms of safety, low noise levels and, due to their space-saving design, compactness. In addition, the systems work with exceptional precision.
As a shaft coupling in the servo axes of medical lifting systems, the Servoflex emphasises the precise motion sequence in the system with its zero backlash and torsional rigidity. As a double-cardanic version, the coupling in the selected size is extremely compact. These compact dimensions were required due to the available installation conditions. The precise motion sequence in the system is emphasised by the backlash-free coupling with its pronounced torsional stiffness.
The user specified special screw profiles and screw sizes for connecting the components in the system. This means that the coupling was designed in a slightly modified version according to the customer's wishes. For this purpose, modified clamping hubs were provided to accommodate these customised clamping screws.
04.03.2024
In laboratory and process technology, in plant engineering or in coating systems, there is hardly an area where high-performance valves are not used. These electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated high-performance valves enable a fast and precise operating process and are used in countless areas of mechanical and plant engineering, for example to throttle or precisely distribute gas and liquid flows. Productivity optimisation plays a central role in these systems.
In high-performance valve systems controlled by electrically driven actuators, the Servoflex and Spinplus precision couplings are available as a coordinated partner and support these systems with their high torsional rigidity, compactness and minimised mass moment of inertia. A suitable connection to ensure that the valves operate with consistently high performance, precision and high repeatability when throttling, shutting off or dosing the respective flow rate.
05.02.2024
One of the strengths of the Semiflex precision coupling is its ability to compensate for high radial misalignments without taking up too much space - high performance in a compact design. The comprehensive range of standard couplings is available to compensate for this misalignment of up to 33 mm and covers a torque range of 40 to 14,500 Nm.
Thanks to its variability and modularity, the coupling is at home in a wide range of industries and applications. The range of applications extends from paper and laminating machines to plastics and packaging systems, profiling machines and automatic assembly machines.
However, it is not uncommon for customers to bring very special requirements to SCHMIDT-KUPPLUNG's design department. These include, for example, additional tensile and compressive forces in the drive train, vacuum conditions or special environmental conditions such as surfactants and organic acids caused by cleaning and processing operations in the food industry. Furthermore, seawater from offshore applications can be challenging for a coupling system. The answer to this is coupling solutions that are precisely customised to these tasks.
Seawater cannot harm it: Torsionally rigid coupling with high misalignment compensation in a space-saving design
Applications in the offshore sector, in shipbuilding or in underwater, so-called subsea environments, have one thing in common – they come into contact with seawater. This means that the corresponding machine and system components must fulfil high requirements in terms of resistance to this medium. In addition to seawater contact, the main challenges for the equalising coupling used in this type of application are the extremely tight axial installation conditions available combined with high misalignment requirements - in particular for radial misalignment compensation – and high torque transmission.
The SCHMIDT-KUPPLUNG design department developed a customised Semiflex coupling design for this application.
For this application with seawater contact, there are of course special requirements for the coupling materials used. Precisely adapted to the prevailing medium, the material for the equalising coupling is a special stainless austenitic-ferritic duplex steel. In addition, the coupling specialist equips the coupling elements with special self-lubricating high-performance plain bearings suitable for underwater applications instead of the usual needle bearings. The shaft is connected via inward-facing hubs. This hub design enables a particularly short construction of the torsionally rigid coupling system and thus ensures integration into the limited installation space available.
To make it delicious: Noble precision coupling for the food sector
Drive components in the food processing or packaging industry are subject to special requirements with regard to the materials used.
Even if they do not come into direct contact with the media, the systems and components are subject to a permanent cleaning process with correspondingly special requirements for the materials used in the drive technology products.
In machines for processing foodstuffs, only a small axial installation space was available for the shaft coupling to be used. Due to the required precision and ease of installation, a clamping hub design was preferred, preferably without having to move adjacent machine parts axially. A high torsional stiffness and a high displacement capacity of the coupling were further requirements.
The special hygienic requirements in such a system left no leeway in the choice of material and demanded a coupling of the appropriate stainless steel quality. For this application, SCHMIDT-KUPPLUNG designed a stainless steel version of the Semiflex with clamping hubs in split-design.
The hubs and the center disc are made of stainless steel 1.4301. The split clamping hubs with the radially operable stainless steel clamping screws make the clutch easy to install. For integration into the axially very tight installation space, the already compact coupling is equipped with a stepped center disc and thus perfectly matches the restrictive installation situation in the system. In accordance with the requirements for machines with food contact, the needle roller bearings are provided with a food-grade lubricating grease. In other applications, food-compliant plain bearings were also used.
Couplings of a similar design are also used in packaging machines in the pharmaceutical industry or in bottling plants.
05.01.2024
Systems in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics or foodstuffs sectors require components whose materials are adapted to the most diverse conditions. Special hygiene aspects play a central role here. Furthermore, these systems are permanently cleaned and the components must withstand the cleaning agents or disinfectants used, which places special demands on the materials.
Hygienic regulations in food packaging plants or in plants of the food industry
Drive components in the food processing or packaging industry are subject to special requirements with regard to the materials they use.
Even though they are not in direct contact with media, the systems and components are subject to a permanent cleaning process with correspondingly special demands on the materials of the drive technology products. Depending on the level of corrosion stress, the materials 1.4301 and 1.4404, among others, have proven themselves as stainless steels in these industries.
Precisely dosed: Loewe GK Linear as an adapted partner for accurate filling quantities
To ensure that liquid or pasty products, for example, reach the supermarket shelves ready for sale, these products pass through various production stages in food dosing systems. Equipped with dynamically operating servo cylinders, these systems work with a highly productive output. The dosing process is of great importance, as the weight fluctuation of the product in the final packaging must be kept constant with only minimal tolerance throughout the entire production. Permanent product changes in the filling system make corresponding cleaning cycles necessary.
For the precise linear drive of the dosing station responsible for the filling quantity, the Loewe GK of the Linear series proves to be an adapted partner. In stainless steel design with matching plain bearings, it defies the permanent cleaning processes and does not allow itself to be upset by the common cleaning agents used in the process.
From A to B with pinpoint accuracy: with the Loewe GK Torque as if from a single mould in hygiene-critical material flow
A wide variety of conveyor systems are suitable for transporting bottles, cans or cartons in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. These include, for example, sliding-belt, slat-band or link-chain conveyors. Thanks to their modular and flexible design, these conveyor systems connect filling and packaging lines with each other, among other things.
When designing these systems, great attention is paid to ease of cleaning. This applies to both optimum accessibility and careful material selection, in order to be perfectly equipped for the cyclical damp or wet cleaning processes.
In the drive train, the unit consisting of a corrosion-protected or mostly corrosion-resistant motor with the corresponding IP protection class and Loewe GK of the Torque series in stainless steel version forms a coordinated, hygiene-friendly drive solution.
The Servoflex delivers!
The servo disk coupling supports the high travel speed in the feeding and loading process
01.12.2023
Who wouldn't want that in innovative machine and plant engineering? Time savings, increased productivity with associated set-up time optimization - loading robots are the friend and helper here. They ensure the automatic and intelligent loading and workpiece feeding of a wide variety of machines in no time at all - from systems in the food industry to CNC lathes and milling machines. The highly dynamic servo motor in each robot arm ensures high travel speeds during the feeding process. This is where the lightweight and precise Servoflex servo coupling comes into its own. Lightweight and minimized mass inertia combined with pronounced torsional rigidity and zero backlash - these are the features of the Servoflex and ensure coordinated interaction with the energy-efficient drive. The Servoflex SFC 060D double-cardanic version has a torsional rigidity of 35,000 Nm/rad and compensates for radial misalignments of up to 0.34 mm, axial misalignments of up to 0.9 mm and angular misalignments of up to 2°. It is available for speeds of up to 10,000 min-1.
20.11.2023
Coating and laminating systems permanently bond different carrier materials with wafer-thin layers in order to provide them with the desired additional properties in a targeted manner. The systems work extremely precisely, because the substrate must be provided with the defined layer thickness in a highly accurate and uniform manner.
Matched couplings offer the corresponding technical properties and always work in angular synchronisation with a high degree of precision during variable adjustment movements of the coating rollers during operation.
Laminating textile substrates: creating perfect functional clothing
Finally the well-deserved annual holiday - the choice fell on an active holiday, i.e. a hiking holiday in the Dolomites. The first day starts early, the rucksack is packed. Halfway through the hike, the gaze turns to the sky, the sun, which has been dazzling for a long time, is slowly covered by dark clouds. The legs are also beginning to tire, the urge for a lunch break and a proper snack is great. The stony path leads us in about 4 kilometres to a rustic hut, and that's when it happens; the first drops patter on our heads and a little later the supposed shower turns into a heavy downpour. But an experienced hiker is well prepared for such situations and the perfect functional clothing keeps moisture away from the hiking shirt and body. But how does this waterproofness come about with a textile material? Here, lamination on a textile substrate plays a major role. By applying a visible plastic layer, multi-layer structures are created with the intention of purposefully changing the physical properties such as waterproofness and abrasion resistance of the base material. Textile lamination is used in a wide variety of industries, e.g. for protective and functional clothing, in camping and leisure applications, but also for upholstery and non-woven fabrics.
The plastic layer is applied to the textile carrier via rolling processes that press the respective plastic against the carrier material.
Precise coating process: conveyor belts are made fit for demanding conveying tasks
So-called belt conveyors are often used for the continuous transport of unit loads such as luggage, packages, workpieces or containers. By selecting the belt covering and the corresponding friction coefficients, inclines can be overcome without the conveyed goods slipping. This makes it possible to position the goods even when overcoming height differences.
For this necessary adhesion on the conveyor belt or for use in special environmental conditions, the surface is often coated with materials such as rubber, PVC or similar materials. This coating is applied using so-called calenders and coating rollers.
Qualities are in demand: compactness and high misalignment possibilities with permanent synchronisation of the coupling are essential here
In addition to usually restrictive installation conditions, the corresponding coating rollers in such systems are adjusted by several millimetres during operation due to the processing of different materials and thicknesses.
A requirement profile made for the Semiflex. Compact, powerful and equipped with a high radial displacement capacity, it has these coating and laminating tasks safely under control.
Wolfenbüttel, 09.10.2023
Bottles have been filled, bags have been packed - when it comes to the final, particularly tight-fitting, protective packaging of these end products - then wrap-around packers come into play. At the end of the process chain, these fully automated systems ensure an overall economically optimized manufacturing process. With maximum flexibility, they adapt to a wide variety of packaging designs and collect, group and pack the products in the blink of an eye into folding cartons, trays, display cartons or other cartons of different formats, depending on the choice made.
In the pick-and-place process, the Servoflex servo disc coupling supports the accurate positioning and filling of the packages with the respective products in a manner that is gentle on the product. Thanks to its low mass moment of inertia and high torsional stiffness, it is made for dynamic and extremely precise operation with high output.
Sensors and encoders are usually additionally used for positioning monitoring. The Controlflex encoder coupling ensures the exact and precise pickup and transmission of the measuring pulses.
Wolfenbüttel, 14.09.2023
Demanding transport tasks for hot, cold, corrosive or heavy materials usually require special transport solutions.
Plastic conveyors or conveyor belts made of rubber or textile materials often reach their limits here due to the ambient temperatures and/or conditions. Wire conveyor belts in a wide variety of shapes and individual designs meet these challenges.
In the production of these robust conveyor belts, hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical lifting cylinders work hand in hand with the actual bending mechanism in bending machines. The cardan coupling of the Loewe GK Linear series is an integral part of this drive unit. Due to its high axial rigidity in conjunction with its high radial and angular displacement capacity, the linear coupling ensures the precise transmission of the lifting forces to the forming, contouring tool heads while at the same time relieving the entire system of function-related tensions.
The individual, defined bent wire strands finally form a braid and, for example, as flat wire or round wire link belts, ensure reliable transport in a wide variety of applications and industries.
Wolfenbüttel, 01.09.2023
It is not only children's eyes that light up with these products – little chocolate bars or sweet wafers, perfectly presented on the supermarket shelves, are a joyful attraction. But before they get into our hands, are hastily unpacked and then cause sudden moments of happiness in the palate, they first have to be wrapped in an appropriate wrapping material. Fold wrapping machines take over this task fully automatically. Perfectly synchronised, the respective product and the corresponding packaging material pass through the individual stations from wrapping to accurate folding. The delicious product is ready, wrapped in high-quality and visually appealing packaging. Compact fold wrapping machines equipped with modern servo technology are extremely adaptable in terms of formats and packaging materials and operate in the highest performance range.
Hand in hand for an optimum result
The slim Semiflex C320 precision coupling is the perfect partner in such compact, high-performance packaging systems.
With its high torsional stiffness of 73.000 Nm/rad and its precision, it supports the high productivity demands when providing the sweets with inner and outer wrapping, including the precisely fitting folding process. The all-metal coupling offers the desired extremely compact design and also enables a high degree of radial misalignment compensation.
Learn more about the compact Semiflex
Further interesting information on precision couplings for packaging machines
18.08.2023
Efficient material flow with its sub-areas of conveying and palletising technology is an important component in today's logistics for optimising internal material processes. Whether unit loads are conveyed from A to B on rollers or belts with pinpoint accuracy, whether small parts are stored and picked at breakneck speed, or whether palletising robots assemble and load packaged end products onto conveyor systems with high precision - for all these tasks, the coupling is of great importance for a precise and smooth process.
When it pushes and pulls
Loewe GK Linear as a precisely matched partner for high-performance reversing solenoids
08.08.2023
DC high-performance reversing solenoids are popular systems when it comes to precise and dynamic positioning movements in linear drive concepts. The reversal of movement "pulling and pushing" in these compactly designed systems is achieved by the constructive design using two coils. This means that the regulation and control of the direction of movement is oriented to the respective supply voltage. Despite their compact design, the reversing solenoids combine large forces with relatively long stroke movements and offer a long service life even at high switching frequencies. These technical features make them sought-after linear systems in automation technology, the packaging industry and general mechanical engineering.
Precise transmission of linear forces at high frequency
As an integral component here, the Loewe GK series linear couplings fulfil the precise transmission of the linear forces of the high-performance actuators. On the one hand, the lightweight, aluminium linear couplings emphasise the high power density and dynamics of the magnet systems through their symbiosis of compact design and distinctive performance data. On the other hand, the range of coupling sizes allows them to be optimally matched to the different performance classes of the lifting systems. In addition, the wide range of connection options guarantees a perfect fit. Versions are available with internal threads - either regular or fine threads, with threaded pins, with clamping hubs or in a combination of the above-mentioned mounting options.
06.07.2023
Linear drive concepts do their job in countless areas of mechanical engineering and are, for example, a guarantee for dynamic positioning tasks or for the precise dosing of liquids or gases in pneumatically or hydraulically operated linear units, electromechanical actuators or in piston pumps.
As a coordinated integral component in these systems, axially stiff linear couplings are required here, which are responsible for the precise transmission of linear forces while at the same time relieving the machine components of tensions and damaging transverse forces.
This is exactly the job of the axially stiff Loewe GK Linear coupling: precise transmission of purely linear tensile and compressive forces with simultaneous compensation of radial and angular misalignments.
Precise metering with simultaneous system relief in piston metering pump
Whether in the pharmaceutical sector and in laboratory technology or in process engineering - piston metering pumps do their work everywhere and are an integral part of fully automatic work processes. Depending on the area of application, they meter liquid media in the millilitre range or convey liquids of up to more than a thousand litres per hour. Dosing pumps are usually oscillating displacement pumps. A precisely defined volume of liquid is soaked in during the return stroke of the displacer and pressed into the dosing line during the pressure stroke. The stroke-executing piston rod is driven either pneumatically, hydraulically or via a motor. In this application, the stroke-executing piston is driven via an axially acting air motor.
The Loewe GK Linear, as the link between the motor and the pump piston, not only accurately transmits the axial forces, but also compensates for parallel and angular displacements, thus ensuring that the sealing system is relieved of any tensions that may occur.
In accordance with the lifting forces in these pumps, the range includes a total of 5 sizes for maximum axial loads between 800 N and 13,000 N, depending on the coupling size.
The coupling hubs as well as the inner ring of the cardan coupling are made of light aluminium and ensure a low mass of the couplings. This is essential for the dynamic lifting processes of the precision pumps.
Pure variety in the connection: Internal or external thread, clamping hubs or combinations.
The axially stiff couplings of this series offer a variety of options for shaft connection. They are available with internal threads, threaded journals, clamping hubs or in a combination of the above-mentioned hub designs. The range of thread sizes extends from M5 to M36 (internal thread - optionally with regular or fine pitch thread) and M5 to M24 (external thread). Bore diameters from 6 mm to 50 mm are available for the versions with clamping hubs.
Special requirements - special materials
For more special requirements with regard to the materials to be used, coupling components can optionally be made of stainless steel and, for example, be equipped with FDA-compliant plain bearings for applications in the food industry.
14.06.2023
Test stands are facilities equipped with measuring instruments for testing machines, devices, components or materials for certain properties, in particular functional efficiency, operational safety, behaviour under prolonged load or at high speeds. In order to guarantee the most accurate measurement results as well as exact reproducibility and scalability of test procedures, hardware and software components must be carefully selected so that they enable perfect interaction in the test stand. Our current industry page "Test technology" shows you how different the requirements can be in the most varied test systems and with which properties compensating couplings react as an important integral component in the drive train of test benches.
02.06.2023
Torque is of decisive importance in manufacturing processes and in quality assurance. such as the pretensioning of screw connections. Therefore, reliable tools such as torque spanners are indispensable. This torque tool is basically a testing device that is used for the defined and controlled tightening and/or loosening of screw connections. In order for these torque tools to work reliably over a longer period of time, it is necessary to check the setting values after corresponding load changes with subsequent calibration and possible readjustment. This makes the test equipment a permanently reliable tool in the quality-relevant processes.
The Servoflex servo disk coupling ensures optimum interaction for exact measurement results
With test stands designed for these measurements, it is essential that the torque applied by the device under test is applied exactly to the sensor system of the measuring device. The Servoflex servo disk coupling proves to be the ideal partner for this demanding task. Lightweight and with minimised mass inertia, combined with pronounced torsional rigidity and zero backlash - these are the features of the Servoflex and thus guarantee the optimum interaction for achieving exact measurement results. The Servoflex SFC 050D is a double-cardanic version with a torsional stiffness of 16,000 Nm/rad and compensates radial displacements of up to 0.28 mm, axial displacements of up to 0.8 mm and angular displacements of up to 2°. It is available for speeds up to 10,000 min-1.
14 coupling sizes for nominal torques up to 250 Nm
The range offers a wide performance spectrum. The range includes 14 coupling sizes in a nominal torque range from 0.25 to 250 Nm. The coupling is offered in both single-cardanic and double-cardanic versions. The single-cardanic version combines the highest possible torsional stiffness with a very compact design. It enables the compensation of axial and angular shaft misalignments. For multi-axis systems, two single-cardanic couplings offer the ideal combination option for an intermediate shaft coupling for high-precision, synchronised work processes. In addition to the mentioned misalignment possibilities of the single-cardanic version, the double-cardanic version compensates for radial misalignments. Due to its high torsional stiffness, it is the solution in dynamic applications where a high-precision motion sequence in combination with the compensation of universal shaft misalignments is required.
Learn more about the Servoflex
09.05.2023
Whether in laboratory analysis equipment or in pick-and-place systems for the production of electronic components or whether in fluid or micro-metering pumps - when it comes to precise feed tasks in these miniature applications, linear units in miniature format come into their own. As a precision unit, however, they only function accurately if they have the right partner at their side.
The partner for perfect interaction: The Servoflex in miniature format
The Servoflex servo disk coupling in miniature format is the perfect solution for optimum interaction. Light, strong, precise and made for dynamic miniature applications: As a miniature version in an outer diameter range of 12 to 19 mm, the compensating couplings equipped with clamping hubs cover a nominal torque range of 0.25 to 1 Nm and are available for the smallest shaft diameters of 3 to 8 mm. Their torsional stiffness of up to 700 Nm/rad (double cardanic version), depending on the size, underlines the pronounced positioning and repeat accuracy of the linear system. The servo couplings are available as single or double cardanic versions.
Learn more about the Servoflex
28.04.2023
For an even greater variety of shaft connections, we have currently made the range of our bore diameters for the Semiflex and Schmidt-Kupplung series even more extensive for you. Depending on the coupling size, we offer a range of bore diameters of up to 15 different diameters in the hub design with locking-assemblies (hub version 3).
Discover the new variety? Simply use our configurators and put together your individual precision coupling easily and conveniently.
08.03.2023
High temperatures - these are deliberately induced in special systems and are a controlled part of a process, for example to harden manufactured workpieces or to completely remove production residues from prefabricated components or components in the finishing stage in a hot-air drying process.
Adapted for thermal processes: Loewe GK Torque in stainless steel
In the pharmaceutical or food industry, thermal process plants are used at the end of a respective production process for mixing and homogenising, for sterilising and pasteurising or for separating and mixing processes. Adapted coupling designs from the Loewe GK Torque cardan coupling series take over the precise torque transmission here with simultaneous compensation of high parallel and angular misalignments in a compact design.
Stainless steel is used throughout as the material for the couplings. Due to the high ambient temperatures, the axially stiff couplings are additionally equipped with polymer sleeve bearings, which have a high thermal resistance, or with heat-resistant bronze sleeve bearings, depending on the requirement profile.
Demanding lifting process in hardening plant: An easy task for the Loewe GK Linear
The precise transmission of axial forces in hardening plants is handled by the axially stiff couplings from the Loewe GK Linear series.
The load is lifted accordingly via a hydraulic cylinder and a subsequent deflection. The linear coupling has to transmit axial forces of up to 3.000 N due to the design of the length of the stroke-executing axis, the lever of the deflection and the weights of the corresponding workpieces to be lifted.
The coupling is used in the system at higher temperatures. This means that despite the fact that the actual hardening process takes place encapsulated away from the drive, there is an increased thermal condition at the coupling. In addition, it is exposed to an oily atmosphere due to the use of hardening oils. These hardening oils, which are based on mineral oils, are used as a quenching medium for the materials and play a decisive role in the subsequent properties of the metallic workpieces, such as their strength and toughness.
With its compact dimensions, the Loewe GK L in size 56 used for this purpose supports the space-saving design of the system and is able to compensate for radial displacements of up to 2 mm as well as angular displacements of up to 3° resulting from occurring tensions.
Its axial rigidity of 32.000 N/mm ensures the precise transmission of linear lifting forces.
The high-performance plain bearings used in the linear coupling have a high thermal resistance of up to 250° C and show very good resistance to chemicals, e.g. organic solvents, oils, greases, and thus correspond to the environmental conditions mentioned in the system.
Learn more about the Loewe GK
04.02.2023
When it comes to precise measuring tasks in corrosive or special atmospheric ambient conditions - encoders and sensors designed for this need a reliable and coordinated partner as a compensating coupling. You have found this with the new Sensorfit encoder coupling.
The lightweight and modular compensating coupling has innovative clamping hubs made of the high-performance plastic PPS (polyphenylene sulphite) 40% glass-fibre reinforced. This high-temperature resistant thermoplastic polymer is extremely low in outgassing and resistant to various chemicals, cleaning agents and water vapour and at the same time meets the requirements for applications in the food sector. The careful matching of the other coupling components consisting of the functional element made of POM, the chemically nickel-plated locating pins as well as the radially operable, self-locking thermoplastic screws - optionally made of steel with zinc-nickel coating or stainless steel - make the Sensorfit the choice as a precise and displacement-friendly encoder coupling, for example for vacuum, medical technology and pharmaceutical applications or applications under the influence of corrosive media.
Thanks to its modular design, the Sensorfit is extremely versatile and can be freely combined with the most common bore diameters.
15.12.2022
Backlash-free couplings for modern servo systems are required to fulfil increasingly complex tasks. For machines with optimised cycle times providing ever-increasing output rates, coupling systems are needed which operate with absolute reliability and high precision, in line with the required positioning and repeat accuracy. Furthermore, a low moment of inertia is an essential feature for these dynamic work processes.
High torsional stiffness combined with low rotational inertia
With Servoflex, you can rely on a backlash-free range of couplings intended to fulfil precisely the demanding requirements of modern servo drives. Dynamic drive applications with frequent start-stop and reversing operation, where absolute positioning accuracy comes to the fore, are their forte. As a result of its structure made of lightweight aluminium components combined with a torsionally stiff yet flexible disc pack, this backlash-free coupling features a lightweight design along with high torsional rigidity.
The design of the disc pack itself is calculated and optimized based on FEM analyses. Layered flexible discs made of stainless steel form a disc pack with outstanding torsional stiffness for high-precision drive applications. The clamping hubs and the intermediate piece of the double-cardan version are made of high-strength aluminium and, therefore, feature low rotational inertia, which is essential for dynamic positioning and feeding tasks. In addition, for some coupling sizes, the backlash-free servo coupling is supplied with offset hubs on one or both sides, depending on the selected bore diameter. This means that rotational inertia is further reduced for smaller and medium-sized bore diameters.
14 coupling sizes for up to 250 Nm rated torque
The portfolio includes a wide array of services. The product portfolio comprises 14 coupling sizes in a nominal torque ranging from 0.25 to 250 Nm. Couplings come both as single-cardan and double-cardan versions. The single-cardan version combines the highest possible torsional stiffness with a very compact design. It enables the compensation of axial and angular shaft misalignments.
Combining two single-cardan couplings for multi-axis systems is an ideal option to an intermediate shaft coupling when it comes to high-precision, synchronised work processes. Besides the displacement options mentioned for the single-cardan version, the double-cardan design compensates for radial displacements. Due to its high torsional stiffness, it is the ultimate solution in dynamic applications in which a high-precision movement sequence, in connection with the compensation of universal shaft misalignments, is a critical requisite.
High positioning and repeat accuracy in the cutting process
Waterjet cutting technology is used across all industries to cut a broad variety of materials. In addition to metals, these can also include glass, granite, composite materials or plastics. As a result of this technology which processes materials with almost no heat input, there are no deformations in the cutting area, with positive effects on the quality of the trimmed edges obtained. Water is compressed at an up to 6000 bar pressure in the water jet cutting process. Depending on the type of requirement and workpiece, the latter is then pressed through customised nozzles with special diameters. As a result, the exit speed required for precise cutting processes can be reached.
The Servoflex promotes high-precision positioning and repeat accuracy
In order to provide the high-precision positioning and repeat accuracy required by the cutting process, a servomotor and ball screw can operate in the axes of a cutting machine designed as a portal system in conjunction with a Servoflex coupling type SFC 050D. Designed as a double-cardan version, the coupling size with a 56 mm outer diameter features torsional stiffness of 16,000 Nm/rad, thus providing the necessary torsional rigidity and precision. With a view to also achieving high cutting performance and speed, the system works dynamically within a continuous acceleration and stopping reverse process. The Servoflex is riding high thanks to its extremely low rotational inertia. Through the selected bore diameter, the coupling is also equipped on one side with an offset clamping hub with low rotational inertia. The design size has a nominal torque transmission capacity of 25 Nm and can compensate for radial and axial displacements of up to 0.28 mm and 0.8 mm respectively. They are available for speeds of up to 10,000 min-1.
The placement process requires strong dynamic activity and positioning accuracy
Printed circuit boards as carriers of electronic components are now part of almost every electronic device. The electronic components are usually attached to the PCB by means of a soldering process. Due to growing large-scale production, especially in the automotive sector, so-called press-in techniques are increasingly being used instead of soldering. Components are fastened by means of connection pins, which are pressed at high speed into metal holes in the PCB. This “press-fit connection” creates a conductive contact. In the process, in just one of these placement systems, as many as 18,000 of these pins are precisely positioned and pressed into the contact holes provided. Placed on a rolled-up tape, they are conveyed to their exact position to be further processed by two placement heads working in parallel. For the high-precision positioning required for the placement process, a servo motor and ball screw work in the XY axis in conjunction with a Servoflex coupling type SFC 035D. To successfully perform high-precision work processes, the double-cardan servo multi-disc coupling combines high torsional stiffness with the required universal displacement capacity. The low rotational inertia inherent to the Servoflex coupling fosters high output in the system, which works dynamically within a continuous acceleration and stopping reverse process.
It operates 24/7 and is only switched off when the tape is changed or when flexible conversion to a new placement process with alternative pin sizes and formats is carried out.