Beam Couplings for Automation & Linear Motion Applications
Ruland beam couplings are machined from a single piece of aluminum or stainless steel with multiple spiral (helical) cuts allowing for greater torque, torsional stiffness, and parallel misalignment capabilities than commodity style single beam couplings. Ruland manufactures 4- and 6-beam couplings. The 4-beam style (P- and MW-Series) has two sets of two beams allowing for greater flexibility and more compact lengths than 6-beam couplings. They are ideally suited for encoders or other positioning sensors commonly found connected to a servo motor in automation and linear systems. The 6-beam style (F-series) has two sets of three beams for higher torque and torsional stiffness capabilities. They can also be used in encoders where a longer length is needed as well as for light duty power transmission applications such as connecting a stepper motor to a lead screw. It is common to use a 6-beam coupling in an application with low to moderate acceleration/deceleration curves such as an inspection system due to their dampening capabilities.
Designers of linear and automation systems typically prefer aluminum beam couplings for their cost effectiveness and low inertia. Stainless steel beam couplings have higher torque capacity, but significantly increased inertia than aluminum types. Ruland manufactures beam couplings with a zero-backlash balanced design for smooth operation up to 6,000 RPM. They are available with clamp or set screw attachments in bore sizes ranging from 3/32” to 3/4” and 3mm to 20mm.
