Disc Couplings for Semiconductors and Solar Equipment
Semiconductor and solar equipment such as wafer handlers, bonders, and screen printers often require rapid movements over short increments to precisely position wafers, chips, or panels. Disc couplings from Ruland are torsionally stiff, operate with zero-backlash, and have a balanced design making them an excellent choice for these highly accurate systems with speeds of up to 10,000 RPM.
are comprised of two anodized aluminum hubs for low inertia and multiple flat stainless steel disc springs that allow for a substantial amount of shaft misalignment while remaining rigid under torsional loads. Ruland carefully fastens the discs to the hubs to ensure a secure fit that does not allow for any backlash or play. The disc springs are very thin allowing them to bend easily under all types of misalignment with relatively low bearing loads.
Ruland disc couplings have a balanced design for reduced vibration benefiting solar and semiconductor equipment which often position items that are highly sensitive to minor vibrations. The balanced design also allows for higher speed capabilities of up to 10,000 RPM. Single disc styles are well suited for applications where compact installation is required. Double disc styles have a center spacer to increase misalignment capabilities. The center spacer is available in anodized aluminum for general purpose use or insulating acetal for electrical isolation. Parallel misalignment is accommodated by the double disc style or by essentially using two single disc couplings in tandem.
Ruland manufactures disc couplings with or without keyways in inch, metric and inch to metric bore combinations ranging from 1/8” to 1 1/4” (3mm to 32mm). All hardware is metric and tests beyond industry standards for maximum torque capabilities. Stainless steel hubs and spacers and custom designs are available by special request.