Bellows Couplings
Bellows couplings are flexible connectors of shafts and equipment that require misalignment flexibility and non-linear alignment. Mostly used in industrial machinery, they create a quiet, smooth operation in systems with high levels of torsional integrity like encoder drives, closed loop servo systems, resolvers, motion control instrumentation, robotics, CNC machine tools and precision positioning. Bellows couplings exhibit high torsional stiffness and zero backlash. They are composed of a rigid bellow and a flexible coupling, which transmits mechanical power between shafts, maintains constant velocity and compensates for misalignment. They are available in many different sizes, but do not greatly vary in construction or function. Bellows couplings offer a near-infinite life span and are virtually maintenance free.
The coupling is made of stainless steel, while the hub is made of aluminum. Their connection is hidden within the fit-length of the hub, enabling exact transmission of angular motion and torque. Bronze is also sometimes used as a bellows coupling material. Bellows couplings operate at high speeds anywhere from 12,000 to 32,000 rpm and absorb eccentricity and angularity. They are oil and chemical resistant, have thin and lightweight yet strong walls, and offer easy and simple mounting and dismounting. They are considered mechanical flexible couplings because they are made of loose fitting parts that move in a sliding and rolling manner. Unlike other flexible mechanical couplings, these generally need no lubrication.