Slit Couplings for Robotic Systems

Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc.
March 2021

Marlborough, MA - Slit couplings are zero-backlash, lightweight, and manufactured with intermittent slit cuts making them an ideal starting point for designers of robotic systems. While they are visually similar to Ruland multiple beam couplings, the slit cut design gives them higher torque and torsional stiffness capabilities and multiple length options in the same outer diameter allowing coupling performance to be tailored to system requirements.

Slit couplings have torque comparable to that of a single disc coupling, torsional stiffness similar to a stainless steel beam coupling, and misalignment consistent with an aluminum beam coupling. This combination of features allows a slit coupling to be used in-place of one of these styles which all have limitations such as no accommodation of parallel misalignment in a single disc coupling. The proprietary slit pattern with radiused (as opposed to squared) edges reduces stresses that build up during misalignment and under torque loads, increasing effective service life and allowing for better performance when compared to other slit couplings available in the market. Along with low mass and inertia, these characteristics make slit couplings a good choice for robotic systems.

Robotic applications such as those found in medical, surgical, factory, and warehouse environments often require a zero-backlash coupling with high torque, torsional rigidity, and speed. These robots can start, stop, and reverse constantly, necessitating the use of a responsive coupling. Along with other performance benefits, slit couplings have a moderate amount of dampening, which is useful in robots that require vibration control, such as material handling and articulating robots.

Slit couplings are offered in RL- and RS-series for a range of outer diameter and length combinations. RL-series couplings have longer lengths allowing for greater parallel misalignment capabilities, increased torsional stiffness, and greater distances between shafts. RS-series couplings are designed to fit in compact spaces and offer parallel misalignment capabilities, an upgrade to the single disc coupling which has comparable torque but no accommodation for parallel misalignment. Both series accommodate all forms of misalignment with low bearing loads and have a balanced design allowing for speeds up to 70,000 RPM.

Slit couplings are available in clamp screw and set screw designs with inch, metric, and inch to metric bore sizes ranging from 1/8” to 3/8” and 1.5mm to 12mm. They are manufactured by Reliance Precision Limited at their manufacturing facility in County Cork, Ireland. Ruland inventories and rebores couplings in our Marlborough, Massachusetts USA factory for fast turnarounds and no minimum order quantities.

Full product specifications including free downloadable CAD files, installation instructions with videos and application examples can be found at www.ruland.com.

Article Summary

• Lightweight, low inertia coupling capable of speeds up to 70,000 RPM.
• Manufactured from 7075 aluminum for low mass and inertia./li>
• High-performance coupling with a balance of torque, torsional stiffness and misalignment.
• Single piece design with no moving parts for a long, zero-backlash life.
• Sizes starting at 1.5mm for applications with small shaft sizes and high speeds.
• Long styles for added torque and misalignment capabilities. Short styles for compact installations.
• RoHS3 and REACH compliant.
• Large inventory in our Marlborough, Massachusetts location and available for immediate delivery.

Product Link: slit couplings

Ruland Company Information

Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. is a privately owned family company founded in 1937. We have carefully and responsibly manufactured high performing shaft collars, rigid couplings, and motion control couplings for the past 40 years. Our product line was recently expanded to include a variety of machine components from select manufacturers we have worked with that align with our performance and quality standards.

Reliance Precision Limited Company Information

Reliance Precision Limited (‘Reliance’) is an independent family-owned company based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Reliance offer tailored engineering services for the design, manufacture and test of precision components, assemblies and full instruments across a diverse range of global markets. The business maintains a programme of investment to keep at the forefront of modern manufacturing and precision engineering. For more information, please visit www.reliance.co.uk.

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Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc.
E-Mail: marketing@ruland.com


Reliance Precision Limited Contact:
Reliance Precision Limited
Roger Barrett
E-Mail: rmb1@reliance.co.uk

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