Bellows couplings are connectors for shafts and equipment that require flexibility and non-linear alignment. These devices are composed of a rigid bellow and a coupling that transmits mechanical power between shafts, maintains constant velocity and compensates for axial motion and parallel or angular misalignment. Typically the bellows are made from stainless steel which is an excellent transmitter of torque. The coupling is made of aluminum which makes these devices exceptionally lightweight and durable. Bronze is also sometimes used. The walls are thin enough to allow the coupling to flex while remaining relatively rigid.
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R + W America, LPBensenville, IL 888-479-8728 R+W- the leading provider for quality bellows couplings. With the highest precision products available with the broadest variety of mechanical interface imaginable, R+W can meet your needs. Call R+W's specialists for more information and get the ultimate connection. R+W's focus is on DRIVE; Dynamic, Reliable, Innovative, Versatile & Expansive, to promote quality service.
Guardian Industries, Inc.Michigan City, IN 219-874-5248 Guardian Industries, Inc.'s product line includes a wide range of options capable of satisfying a variety of requirements. Providing low cost solutions and timely delivery, Guardian Industries is dedicated to each and every customer's needs and demands quality in its employees so it can deliver quality to you. Guardian is your best connection for superior bellows couplings you can trust in.
Elbe & Sohn Inc.South Haven, MI 269-637-7999 As a leading power in the power transmission industry, Elbe & Sohn, Inc. provides a complete range of bellows couplings and other parts to a variety of industries such as industrial, automotive and marine. With a location in the US and several production facilities across Europe, Elbe & Sohn is an international driving force in the field of power transmission technologies.
Ringfeder Power TransmissionWestwood, NJ 888-746-4333 Ringfeder is a component & system provider with a global presence. Serving all industries including packaging, automation, energy, mining, transportation & defense, Ringfeder offers quality bellows couplings, among other related products, including torsionally rigid disk, backlash-free servo-insert, safety overload & magnetic options-in addition to a complete line of Ringfeder & Ecoloc devices.
DieQua CorporationBloomingdale, IL 630-980-1133 DieQUA Corporation is a provider of high quality bellows couplings among many more quality manufactured equipment and solutions. DieQUA's focus is to provide products that offer the highest precision, most durable designs and greatest value. It`s through identifying your unique needs that DieQUA can be most helpful. Contact DieQUA today or visit their comprehensive website for more information!
Stafford Manufacturing Corp.Wilmington, MA 800-695-5551 Since 1975, Stafford has been your super source for superior bellows couplings and has grown and developed to be much more, providing a wide assortment of components for power transmission, motion control and other applications. Stafford has the industry-leading capabilities for custom manufacturing, so let its experienced professionals put their experience and expertise to work for you.
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Bellows couplings are cylindrical with flexible rings acting as
the coupling. On either side are solid metal ends that connect to
shafts or other components. They are typically quite short in length
and range in diameter size from 1/8 inch to a full inch; custom or
specialty sizes are available but do not greatly vary in construction
or function. Like shaftwheel couplings
they are constructed to reduce vibration when used in applications with
high rotations per minute (rpm). Mostly used in industrial machinery,
bellows couplings create a quiet, smooth operation in systems with high
levels of torsional integrity like encoder drives, closed loop servo
systems, motion control instrumentation, robotics, CNC machine tools
and precision positioning.
Mechanical flexible couplings
are made of loose fitting parts that move in a sliding and rolling
manner; bellows couplings fit this category because they have a coil
that allows them to move. Unlike other mechanical flexible shaft couplings,
these generally need no lubrication. They offer a near-infinite life
span and are virtually maintenance free. Their connection is hidden
within the fit-length of the hub, enabling exact transmission of
angular motion and torque. 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. Bellows couplings exhibit high torsional stiffness and
zero backlash. The most common methods of construction for flexible
couplings such as these include electroforming, chemical deposition,
mechanical forming and welding. Electroformed bellows couplings are
made by adding layers of metal on a mandrel until the desired thickness
is reached and the mandrel is melted away to leave behind the bellows.
Chemical deposition is a similar method except that the materials are
added by electrodeposition. Mechanical forming includes roll-forming or
extrusion. Welded bellows couplings are made by welding a series of
rings or washers on both their inside and outside.