The Bellows is suitable for industrial applications where high positioning accuracy is required. Today it is used, among other things, in classic mechanical engineering such as the servo axes of machine tools, in test benches, Wind Turbines or in such sensitive applications as that Medical Technology. We present them to you here New developments different manufacturers: 

Jakob metal bellows coupling

 

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Metal bellows coupling for 2 to 3000 Nm torque range

February 08.02.2022, XNUMX | The metal bellows couplings of the KG series from Jakob Antriebstechnik meet high requirements, especially in the stainless steel version as the KG-VA series. With this metal bellows coupling, the power is transmitted via torsionally stiff, two, four or six corrugated stainless steel bellows. the Couplings are designed for a torque range of 2 (MKG) to 3000 Nm (KG) and shaft diameters of 12 to 100 mm. The applicable temperature range is -40° to +300°C.

One side of shaft coupling was designed as a customer-specific flange or hub for machine-side connection. The radial clamping hub on the other side ensures easy and quick assembly. The so-called Easy clamping hubs of the metal bellows couplings allow absolutely backlash-free, safe and non-positive torque transmission, even without a feather key.


Why it is so important to install a safety clutch


The hub is attached to the bellows using a microwelding or plasma welding. This results in constructive advantages such as a reduced overall length. The metal bellows coupling is absolutely free of play and offers high concentricity and maximum torsional rigidity.

The metal bellows couplings are particularly suitable for the low-backlash input side snailstransmission or planetary gear. Made of stainless steel, they are predestined for transport, packaging and filling systems Food industry. Also in the electroplating industry, metallurgy, Vacuum Technology or satellite technology, stainless steel bellows couplings are preferred.

Jakob exhibits at the AMB 2022.

Plug-in shaft coupling for high-speed applications


25.01.2022/XNUMX/XNUMX | In order to follow the ever-increasing demands for higher performances Jakob Antriebstechnik the "KPP" metal bellows coupling. Their nominal torque is over 600 Nm and the maximum torque is around 1200 Nm. At operating speeds of up to 10.000 min-1 and thus withstand enormously high dynamic loads.

An play-free plug-in principle the hub also allows easy blind mounting. Operational safety is guaranteed in a temperature range from -40° to 200°C. Customized special solutions, special hubs, individual solutions for the metal bellows or alternatives materialversions are possible on request.

Torsionally stiff metal bellows couplings in high-speed test benches

Jakob metal bellows clutch test stand08.01.2019 | Special high-speed test benches are used to test To store deployed. In these tests, the effects of different lubricants on the sliding properties of the bearings are examined in endurance tests. KSS couplings from Jakob Antriebstechnik ensure safe transmission of all forces and torques.

The structural design of such a test bench must meet different requirements. The drive is subject to special conditions. In addition to bearings that are free of lateral forces, metal bellows couplings are components that should not be underestimated. The essential properties in this case are: absolute torsional rigidity, the good damping properties and of course the precise and almost powerless compensation of all misalignment errors between the shaft ends.

Suitable for such use cases torsionally rigid flexible couplings. The thin metal bellows have balancing and vibration-damping properties. The high flexibility of the KSS couplings with their 2-corrugated bellows and straight spacer, as well as the simple assembly of the bellows coupling through the use of cone bushes as a shaft-hub connection, guarantee safe transmission of all forces and torques, even with small shaft diameters without an additional feather key.


Orbit multi-disc clutchCompensating Couplings | For anti-vibration, etc. use


The rotationally symmetrical structure ensures dynamic operating behavior even at very high speeds. The couplings are torsionally rigid and offer very low restoring forces in the event of shaft misalignment as well as a low moment of inertia. The torque range extends from 25 to 2500 Nm. In addition to test benches, couplings are also often used in servo and actuator drives.

Shaft connection with high power density in a confined space

Jakob shaft connection


06.12.2018/XNUMX/XNUMX | With the bellows coupling KG Jakob Antriebstechnik the development for reduced dimensions and high power density. These Shaft connection is also optionally available in stainless steel as KG-VA. The power is transmitted via torsionally rigid, double or four-corrugated stainless steel bellows.

The couplings are designed for a torque range of 5 (MKG) to 1800 Nm (KG) and shaft diameters of 6 to 90 mm. The shaft connection can be at Temperatures can be used from -40 ° to +350 ° C. One side is designed as a customer-specific flange or hub for connection to the machine. The radial clamping hub on the other side enables quick and easy assembly.

Shaft connection with reduced overall length

The Clamping hub guarantees absolutely backlash-free, safe and force-fit transmission of the torques even without a feather key. The connection between the bellows and the hub is made by a micro-plasma welding processes. With it there are structural advantages such as the reduced overall length. The bellows coupling is absolutely backlash-free and offers high concentricity and maximum torsional rigidity.

This shaft connection is used in particular on the input side of low backlash Snail or planetdriven. The stainless steel version is qualified for transport, packaging and filling systems of Food industry. But also in metallurgical engineering, the galvanic industry, im Vacuum range or in the field of satellite technology equipment, stainless steel bellows couplings are preferred.

Miniature metal bellows coupling for the tightest installation spaces

13.12.2017 | For applications with limited installation space, miniature couplings are the best choice. KBK Antriebstechnik offers a wide range of these couplings for a wide range of applications. They offer high torsional rigidity and only minimal restoring forces.

Servo motors in testing or packaging machines are the ideal area of ​​application for the metal bellows coupling KB2H in half-shell design. It is equipped with a stainless steel bellows and an aluminum hub and is suitable for mounting on shafts with a diameter of 3 to 22 mm.

The KB2H can be used in applications with a torque range between 0,5 and 10 Nm, where it not only guarantees a backlash-free connection but also compensates for shaft misalignment. Thanks to a removable clamping bracket, the miniature coupling can also be mounted radially.

The KB1 is an inexpensive variant for the connection of encodern and speedometers. It was designed for a torque range of 0,05 to 10 Nm and shaft diameters of 1 to 24 mm. As with the KB1P, side grub screws are used to fasten the mini coupling, which can also compensate for offsets. The KB1P has the same properties as the KB1, but is also axially pluggable and can be installed on shafts with diameters from 3 to 25 mm.

Ask at the KB2 and the KB2P force-fit clamping hubs the connection with the shaft. Both couplings are suitable for connecting a wide variety of components such as rotary encoders, tachometers, servo drives, Stepper Motors or NC axes. While the KB2 transmits torques between 0,1 and 10 Nm, the KB2P is designed for the range between 0,5 and 10 Nm and can also be inserted axially. The couplings are manufactured for shaft diameters from 1 to 25 mm (KB2) or 3 to 25 mm (KB2P). Like the other models, they also eliminate operational or assembly-related inaccuracies in the alignment of the shaft.

For the connection of hollow shafts the miniature couplings KB3 and KB3P are suitable. Both couplings have a compact and space-saving design and can transmit torques from 0,5 to 10 Nm. They have an expanding hub and can be mounted on shafts with diameters from 3 to 25 mm. The KB3P can also be plugged in axially.

Metal bellows coupling for applications in the printing industry

09.12.2013 | Ruland introduces bellows couplings with high torsional stiffness that can accommodate all types of misalignment. This makes them very well suited for applications in the printing industry such as in large format printers, 3D printers, offset printing machines as well as for tissue processing plants and production systems in the final printing stage. The bellows couplings consist of two aluminum hubs and a stainless steel bellows, which makes them very light and have a low moment of inertia.

In this design, they can compensate for all types of misalignment - parallel, angular and axial misalignment or combinations of these. The thin walls of the hydroformed bellows ensure a low bearing load and are flexible, but at the same time offer high torsional rigidity. For applications with speeds up to 10.000 rpm-1 The balanced design of the bellows coupling reduces vibration. This balancing also helps to reduce the risk of printing errors such as banding.

The backlash free Metal bellows couplings have no moving parts, which guarantees a long, maintenance-free service life. They are available in metric and imperial as well as combinations of metric and imperial bore sizes: from 3 mm (1/8”) to 25 mm (1”).

Shaft coupling in cleanliness class 8 for the clean room

KTR shaft coupling


13.12.2012 | KTR coupling technology has, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), tested how many particles the drive specialist’s main clutch series emit during operation. These tests are the basis for the classification into the cleanliness classes according to ISO 14644-1, which are common in clean room technology. Cleanliness class 8 was certified for three backlash-free couplings.

The couplings of the types Radex NC 15 DK, Toolflex 20 p as well as all Rotex GS Sizes are characterized by very low particle emissions and can be used in clean rooms of cleanliness class 8 according to 14664-1 or in GMP class C environments. The Fraunhofer IPA has created corresponding test reports and certificates.


Slipping clutch and overload clutch limit torques


The torsionally stiff, maintenance-free Servo disk clutch Radex NC 15 DK has a compact design with a low mass moment of inertia. The robust toolflex 20 S metal bellows coupling offers high torsional stiffness. The backlash-free, elastic servo coupling series Rotex GS is suitable for use in the entire industry.

In order to check the qualification of the Totex GS series for clean room use, several of these couplings in different sizes and different gear rim materials tested. In addition, a single sprocket was examined separately for gaseous emissions without clutch hubs. As a result, the RISO-AMCmClass 8 achieved and also the spider can be used safely in clean rooms.

Stainless steel metal bellows coupling with welded bellows for vacuum technology 

Oct 12.10.2012, XNUMX | With the metal bellows couplings from the “Thermbago” series Orbit Drive Technology a range of couplings tailored for vacuum applications. Coating or semiconductor production systems under vacuum conditions are possible areas of application. The bellows couplings are predestined for applications in the high temperature range or where aggressive media are present.

The program includes Flexible Couplings in an outside diameter range of 15 to 101 mm. The functional element of these clutches is a stainless steel bellows, which is welded to the stainless steel hubs. This secure process ensures that the bellows are permanently connected to the hubs even under critical temperature conditions. The torsion-resistant bellows couplings compensate for parallel misalignments of up to a maximum of 0,2 mm, depending on the size of the coupling, and angular displacements of up to a maximum of 2°. The series of couplings covers a nominal torque range from 1,8 to 320 Nm and enables precise work in a temperature range of up to 300 °C.


The multi-plate clutch and its industrial applications


The non-positive clamping hubs are equipped with radially operated clamp screws fitted. This ensures a backlash-free shaft connection even in reverse operation. The series is available for shaft diameters from 3 to 60 mm. There are also feather key connections and flange designs for connecting to customer-specific flange parts.

Metal bellows coupling easily compensates for high shaft misalignment

29.08.2012 | R+W drive elements presents backlash-free, torsion-resistant metal bellows couplings that can compensate for a lateral misalignment of 1 mm with just one bellows. This will significantly reduce the time required to precisely align the shafts in the future. The heart of the system is the multi-corrugated metal bellows made of stainless steel, which has the same outside diameter as the standard bellows.

This means that the new bellows coupling can be retrofitted to existing systems at any time. The new series will initially only be delivered with a clamping hub. Due to the modular principle, the metal bellows can Flange, half shell or cone connection and the pluggable version can be combined.

The metal bellows couplings are included Torques from 15 to 1500 Nm. Lifetime tests at maximum torque and 1,5 mm lateral displacement over 10e7 load changes at 3000 rpm-1 guarantee the functional safety of the new couplings.

Torsionally rigid lightweight coupling for high dynamics

RW lightweight clutch

23.01.2012/XNUMX/XNUMX | With the lightweight safety couplings of the SL series from R+W drive elements can save up to 60% weight compared to the standard models. This was achieved through the use of new materials and surface treatments as well as structural optimization.


Faulhaber stepper motorstepper motor | Precise low cost positioning


The SL2 model from this series is a safety clutch for direct drives. The lightweight coupling offers torsionally rigid shaft misalignment compensation thanks to the built-in stainless steel metal bellows and the very rigid safety part. A low weight and the low mass moment of inertia of this bellows coupling, together with the high rigidity, enable it to be used even with high dynamics.

The Mass inertia in the entire drive train can be reduced. This increases the service life of the component. The SL2 safely limits torques from 10 to 400 Nm with shaft diameters of up to 60 mm. 

Miniature metal bellows coupling with half-shell clamp

RW metal bellows coupling half shells11.02.2011/XNUMX/XNUMX | The model family MK (miniature bellows coupling) from R+W drive elements is an addition to the standard range with the new MKH model, a half-shell design with clamping for torques from 0,1 to 10 Nm with a shaft diameter of 1 to 28 mm.

The radial mountability, which is made possible by half shell clamping, the coupling can be positioned exactly. There is no need for time-consuming axial displacement of the components. The zero backlash of the half-shell coupling allows it to be used with high dynamics and in the tightest of installation spaces.

Like any metal bellows coupling from the manufacturer, the MKH is, when used and installed correctly durable. With the introduction of the new model, metal bellows couplings with the advantageous half shell clamping are now available for applications with torques from 0,1 to 1500 Nm.

Backlash-free, torsion-resistant bellows couplings up to 50.000 rpm-1

RW bellows coupling 5000007.07.2010/XNUMX/XNUMX | The BK bellows coupling series from R+W drive elements is characterized by its high variety of connection options. The user can easily select the right coupling for his application from the clearly arranged general catalogue. This saves time and money. The torsionally rigid drive elements are used on highly dynamic servo axes, NC machine tools, Robotdriven or in Measurement Technology, control and regulation systems.

They are absolutely free of play and maintenance and designed for the transmission of high speeds. Beyond that, it's extreme low moment of inertia another advantage of this coupling series. The couplings are available from 10 to 10.000 Nm and a shaft diameter of up to 180 mm. Speeds in finely balanced version up to 50.000 rpm-1 are possible.

FAQ

What is a metal bellows coupling?

Connect metal bellows couplings two shafts together and compensates for an existing axial, radial or angular offset via the metal bellows. The shaft couplings are particularly torsion-resistant, wear-free and have a long service life. Backlash-free and torsionally rigid, metal bellows couplings transmit torque. Predestined for their use are, for example, stepper motors or servomotors.

What is the difference between metal bellows coupling and elastomer coupling?



Source: This article is based on information from the following companies: Jakob, Antriebstechnik, KBK Antriebstechnik, Orbit Antriebstechnik, R+W, Ruland.

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Author information
Angela Struck

Angela Struck is editor-in-chief of the development scout and freelance journalist as well as managing director of Presse Service Büro GbR in Ried.