Beam Couplings for Test, Measurement, and Inspection Applications
Ruland manufactures beam couplings from a single piece of aluminum or stainless steel with multiple spiral (helical) cuts for greater torque, torsional stiffness, and parallel misalignment capabilities than commodity style single beam couplings. 4-beam style (P- and MW-Series) couplings have two sets of two beams allowing for greater flexibility and more compact lengths than 6-beam couplings. They are commonly used on encoders that are connected to a servo motor in test, measurement, and inspection systems. 6-beam style (F-series) couplings have two sets of three beams for higher torque and torsional stiffness capabilities. It is common to use a 6-beam aluminum coupling in an application with moderate acceleration/deceleration curves, often seen in inspection systems, due to their dampening capabilities and cost effectiveness when compared to a zero-backlash jaw coupling which is used in the same type of applications.
Most test, measurement, and inspection system designers prefer aluminum beam couplings for their low inertia, flexibility, and lower overall cost. Stainless steel beam couplings are designed for applications with higher torque than an aluminum coupling can accommodate. Designers must be careful when using one, however, as they have significantly greater inertia than aluminum types. Ruland beam couplings have a zero-backlash balanced design for smooth operation up to 6,000 RPM and are available with clamp or set screw attachments in bore sizes ranging from 3/32” to ¾” and 3mm to 20mm. Ruland manufactures beam couplings in our Marlborough, MA factory under strict controls using proprietary processes.
