Are Oldham Couplings Zero-Backlash?

Release Date: February 18, 2019

In this video, we answer a question from McKees Rock, PA: are Ruland oldham couplings zero-backlash?

Transcript

Location: Mckees Rocks, PA (located on the wrong side of PA, go birds)
Question: I am looking to replace a coupling connecting a stepper motor to a ballscrew on a CNC milling machine with bores of 5/16” x 1/4". It was originally supplied with a non-zero-backlash coupling. I am looking at an oldham type, but unsure if it is zero-backlash and will work in the application?
Answer: Not all oldham couplings are zero-backlash, however the type we make is. The tenons on the hubs press fit into the slot on the disk insert. As you can see, there is no play between the hub tenon and disk. We have customers in all types of industries that use oldhams to connect a stepper motor and ball screw. Steppers are generally used in lighter duty applications which are well suited for an oldham. Before giving definitive guidance, we confirmed with the customer that the remaining specs were in line with performance of the coupling.