Miki Pulley Step-Flex Coupling
Step-Flex Coupling from Miki Pulley is designed to eliminate resonance in stepper motor ball screw assemblies. The Step-Flex three-part elastomer assembly (exploded view) dampens harmful vibration and noise caused by stepper motor driven actuators.
Miki Pulley offers its Step-Flex Coupling for direct sale to OEMs in North America. In addition, the company offers a video to show how this coupling operates.
"The Step-Flex design was conceived to eliminate resonance in stepper motor ball screw assemblies," said a company spokesperson. "The innovative two part elastomer element combination dampens vibration caused by the actuator carrier struggling to find its home position by making small adjustments in rapid sequence."
With this construction, the hard HNBR (black) rubber element is separated from the aluminum alloy hubs by a softer (green) elastomer. According to the company, this maintains enough torsional stiffness for precise positional accuracy while still allowing for minimal angular and parallel misalignment and absorbing vibration. The power-transmitting element, consisting of different hardness layers, also achieves a reduction in counter force generated by misalignment. This can reduce the load on the bearing - resulting in reduced heat load.
Five sizes are available. The Step-Flex Coupling torque is 53 in-lbs. (6 Nm) and bore size range is 1/8" to 5/8" (3 mm - 16 mm).
Step-Flex applications include automation of all types where ball screws are used, including packaging, semi-conductor assembly, laboratory automation and medical equipment.
The video, available at www.mikipulley-us.com/video, shows the Step-Flex Coupling solving resonance problems in ball screws. "Now with this video, system designers can see how this innovative two-part elastomer element combination coupling operates," said the spokesperson. "Step-Flex Couplings are designed to 'mechanically tune' the system for optimal performance when a stepper motor is used to drive a linear actuator. The Step-Flex' design quickly dampens oscillations, thereby suppressing resonance. The coupling's machined aluminum hubs also provides a low moment of inertia."
For more information contact:
Miki Pulley US
13200 Sixth Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
800-533-1731
sales@mikipulley-us.com
www.mikipulley-us.com