Unique Application Requirements for Mechanical Components

Rugged applications impose special requirements on motion control components. For gearboxes, the external packaging and the bearings are among the areas that get upgraded. Stainless steel is an obvious improvement. In some cases, such as high temperatures, nickel plating provides survivability. Focusing specifically on the bearing identifies the attention to detail required for a product that is a sub-assembly in the gearbox. To survive in harsh environments, steel races, steel-reinforced seals and a unique internal design are among the improvements that may be implemented. This section describes two ruggedized gearboxes and a harsh environment bearing designed to go the distance.

HARSH ENVIRONMENT BEARING

Kaydon Corp. Bearings Div.'s REALI-SLIM TT Series four-point contact bearing line has a unique Gothic arch geometry for the inner and outer races. This design allows a single bearing to carry radial, axial and moment loads simultaneously. The extended radial bearing section increases rigidity and optional preload or clearances to meet application torque or deflection requirements providing increased accuracy. With bore sizes from 1.5 to 6.0 inch, the bearing's height is only 0.25 inch. Compared to conventional turntable bearings, the new units have smaller size and reduced weight. In addition, a single four-point contact bearing can potentially replace two bearings for a simplified design. For harsh operating environments, the bearings use AISI-440C steel races and steel-reinforced seals. The thin-section turntable bearings address demanding applications including robotics, radar antennae, factory positioning and inspection tables.

WASHDOWN CAPABLE GEARBOXES

The corrosion-resistant LP (GCR) series from alpha is an inline planetary solution for low-duty applications. The nickel-plated housing, shaft, snap ring and key resist the formation of oxidation at elevated temperatures used with bleach and foam detergents in washdown applications. When used with H1 food-grade grease, the GCR can be used in food processes. For less demanding environments involving moisture, a stainless-steel output bearing and anodized aluminum adaptor plate with Teflon coating for heat dissipation provide another alternative. The gearbox addresses cyclic (S5) and continuous duty (S1) operations and handles a maximum acceleration torque of 10.5 to 400 Nm.

STAINLESS-STEEL GEARBOX

Designed for rugged applications, the 316 stainless-steel housing version of Rino Mechanical's high torque PF40-5 Worm/Wheel gearbox has stainless bearings and other stainless hardware, as well. The gearboxes have standard ratios of 10:1 to 120:1 and custom ratios between 5:1 and 120:1. Customized versions include longer shafts, mounting holes, extended housings, integral couplings and more. Cold temperature gearboxes that operate to temperatures as low as -55C include both standard and customized versions. To identify cracks in nuclear reactors, the gearbox is used in non-destructive testing of pressure vessels. Other usual, as well as unusual, applications include semiconductor processing, packaging machinery, medical diagnostic equipment, space satellites and satellite tracking antennas.