Mechanical Components

Ruland offers two series of zero backlash flexible beam couplings with distinct performance features suitable for different types of applications. The couplings are machined from a single piece of aluminum and feature multiple spiral cuts. The multiple cut design provides higher torsional stiffness and torque capabilities, and greatly reduced wind-up when compared to a commodity type single beam coupling. The multiple spiral cuts also allow the couplings to accommodate angular misalignment, parallel misalignment, and axial motion.

Iwis Antriebssysteme GmbH & Co. KG introduces its new Megalife range of maintenance-free power and free conveyor chains. These chains are applied in packaging and food processing, the electronics industry, PCB-production, conveyor systems, wood, glass and ceramics processing and in medical engineering.

Thirty-four Brevini Power Transmission gear units move the seven sliding panels that open and close the roof on the new Wembley Stadium. After also completing the roofs for major stadiums in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf, Hollandia, the company which constructed the roof, has chosen Brevini products for Wembley Stadium.

Item have introduced two new internally-guided belt-driven linear slides which are available in lengths up to 6m long. Based on extruded aluminium profiles of 60x60 and 80x80mm they feature 6mm and 8mm T-slots respectively for attaching additional components or integrating into more complex structures. These slim units have no finger-traps, the only moving part being a carriage plate no wider than the outer section, and the drive belt which covers the slot, effectively sealing it against dirt or dust ingress.

SKF has offered its expertise in bearing technology to Belimed Technik in Germany, enabling the company to make its latest range of industrial cleaning machines considerably easier to operate. SKF’s purpose-designed polymer ball bearings provided Belimed with a low-friction solution that can both withstand the high temperatures present inside its cleaning machines, in addition to being simple to keep clean.

Energy chains are used in production equipment, robots and tooling machines to guide and protect cables and hoses. Sometimes vibration can occur on the support channel and at the towing arm during the movement. The laboratory for tooling machines (WZL) and business operations RWTH Aachen carried out a study: vibration investigations on energy chains. The results were that the E6 energy chain from igus® stood out due to minimum vibration and maximum smooth running.

A study has found that no less than half of all machine lubricants currently used seeps into soil and waters or evaporates into the atmosphere. According to a research team of chemists, mechanical engineers and environmentalists from the RWTH in Aachen, the estimates for Germany alone consume 250,000 tonnes per year, This corresponds to the amount required to fill 8,000 tankers.

A new plastic ‘U’ clip chain attachment for protecting transported items from potential surface damage has been added to the range of accessories from Rexnord. Initially the clips are available for 16 B-1 and 20 B-1 chains.

Soft-down stays from Sugatsune are at the heart of a stylish new wall-mounted bar unit designed by Woodman Estonia, which provides major space saving features.

Tolerance rings are simple in concept, inexpensive, compact and easy to use yet when integrated in vehicle steering column assemblies, they can greatly enhance performance and safety while reducing overall costs. Chris Needes explains.