In order to achieve a 50% weight reduction target, R+W America entered a collaborative effort with local universities for two years, designing the product from the ground up instead of simply optimizing or redesigning existing products. This resulted in a torque limiter built from high-tech materials with innovative assembly technology and unique surface treatments, which simultaneously reduce its footprint and surpass weight reduction targets.

Aside from custom material specifications, some improvements to the ball detent’s configuration and specially designed spring systems, leading to a 40% increase in torque capacity, the weight reduction has been achieved by compressing individual components.

The four sizes (Series 30/60/150/300) involve several mounting options, which include direct and indirect drive versions, as well as cover disengagement torque values from 5Nm to 700Nm.

Models SLP (keyway) and SLN (clamping) attach by flange to sheaves, sprockets, gears and pulleys, as well as include an integral dual-bearing system to support chain and belt tension when properly placed over the shaft. Models SLE (servo insert coupling) and SL2 (bellows coupling) mount inline between the two independently supported shafts like motor to ball screw connections and compensate for the smaller yet inevitable misalignment, which is present in this kind of machine layout.

Each of the four types is field adjustable and comes with English and metric bores based on the customer’s specifications.

Motion Control Tips

The 2009 BK series catalog from R+W represents the latest collection of standard bellows coupling designs for applications requiring torque ratings from 15Nm – 10,000 Nm. Flanges, shafts, hollow bores and nearly any other mechanical interface are accommodated.

R+W America
www.rw-america.com

Motion Control Tips