Solutions from Ruland: Rigid Couplings for Medical Imaging Equipment
Ruland rigid couplings are an excellent choice for medical imaging equipment such as X-ray scanners, MRI machines, and CAT scan machines. Despite having slightly different applications these machines do require a coupling that is non-magnetic, has high torque capabilities, and is zero-backlash.
Clamp type rigid couplings are most common in imaging equipment. They wrap evenly around the shaft to provide high torsional holding power without the shaft damage or burrs caused by set screws. Ruland two-piece clamp styles have a balanced design with opposing screws for reduced vibration and higher speed capabilities. They have the additional benefit of being able to come apart completely for in-place servicing without the need to remove additional components such as motors or gearboxes.
Ruland supplies rigid coupling hardware with a proprietary coating called Nypatch® to resist vibration and maintain holding power. Nypatch® is applied 360 degrees around several threads of the socket head cap screws to prevent them from loosening under vibration causing a reduction or loss of torque transmission during operation. It also provides for even seating of the screw, repeated installations, and prevents galling. All hardware tests beyond industry standards for maximum torque capabilities.
Ruland rigid couplings are offered in sizes ranging from 1/8” to 2” or 3mm to 50mm. Bores are on straight bore couplings are precision honed to assure they are collinear which allows for use in precision servo driven systems. They are manufactured from bar stock in Ruland’s Marlborough, Massachusetts factory and are RoHS2 and REACH compliant. The Ruland name is stamped on each rigid coupling for ease of identification. Rigid couplings are made from 1215 lead-free steel, 2024 aluminum or 303 austenitic stainless steel sourced from carefully selected North American mills to ensure product consistency.