Ruland Manufacturing Co. Inc. has expanded its line of zero-backlash jaw couplings to include more compliant spider elements for applications where greater shock absorption is desired. Zero-backlash jaw couplings are three-piece couplings comprised of two hubs with curved jaws and an elastic element. The spider, made of an advanced polyurethane material, provides dampening of impulse type loads, minimizing shock to the motor and other sensitive equipment. As a result of this addition, spider elements of three different hardness levels are offered with each represented by a different colour. The new blue spiders have a durometer of 85 shore, yellow spiders are 92 shore, and red spiders 98 shore. The availability of spiders with three hardness levels allows the end user to customize the jaw couplings performance. Selecting the new soft spider element will give the jaw coupling the greatest dampening characteristic, while a harder spider element will provide the greatest in torsional rigidity. The couplings are available from stock in a choice of seven outside diameters from 15mm (.6”) to 57.2mm (2.25”) in both set screw style and clamp style. A large variety of metric and inch bore sizes from 3mm (1/8”) to 30mm (1 1/8”) are available.
