Drive components for medical & laboratory technology
The smallest dimensions, smallest bore diameters and minimum mass moment of inertia are the key requirements for couplings in medical and laboratory technology.
Miniature couplings: The smallest shaft diameters down to 1 mm
Filigree devices in laboratory and medical technology, such as micro-dosing pumps or laboratory weighing technology, dose the finest flow rates or are responsible for the high-precision weighing of small sample quantities. For these micro applications, the coupling programme offers miniature versions with the smallest dimensions of 5.9-12.7 mm outer diameter. The smallest shaft diameters down to 1 mm can be precisely connected using the miniature couplings. Axially pluggable Oldham couplings with electrically insulating function, the smallest spiral couplings Beamflex, double-caranic servo disc couplings of the Diskflex series with an outer diameter of 12 mm or the smallest spring bar couplings of the Sliflex series fulfil the most diverse requirements in these micro applications. For applications under special environmental conditions or where aggressive media are present, the latter compensating couplings in sizes GRS12 or GRC12 with an outer diameter of 12.7 mm are optionally available in stainless steel as a set screw or clamping hub design.
Rigid couplings & clamping collars in micro design
The Torqmax rigid couplings with the smallest bore diameters of 3 to 6 mm are ideal for the efficient and economical connection of aligned shafts. The smallest clamping collars in the Clampmax series, starting with a bore diameter of 3 mm, also offer precise fixing of miniaturised components in medical microsystems.
Hot or cold: couplings for autoclaves or freeze-drying systems
In medical technology, autoclaves are used to sterilise objects such as surgical instruments. In some cases, these sterilisation processes run in a vacuum and with an inflow of steam. Oldham couplings with stainless steel hubs offer the technical solution for these thermally demanding tasks. The plug-in couplings are also equipped with transfer discs made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone). This technical material is suitable for applications in high temperature ranges or under vacuum conditions due to its minimal outgassing properties. If the processes take place in even higher temperature ranges, the plug-in couplings can be supplied with cross discs made of a high-performance polyimide. This material is suitable for temperature ranges of up to 200°C. The stainless steel hubs of the Oldham coupling are also subjected to an electropolishing process to reduce their surface roughness - essential in laboratory and medical technology to significantly reduce the adhesion of germs. Laboratory freeze-drying systems are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The use of ice condensers, which operate in temperature ranges down to -50°C, places high demands on couplings in this respect. The Beamflex helical coupling in stainless steel design makes it possible to work in these low temperature ranges.
Damping vibrations in high-speed centrifuges
High-speed laboratory centrifuges operate at speeds of 15,000 rpm or more to separate the finest particles and various media. Jawflex elastomer couplings provide effective damping to dampen the torsional vibrations that occur in these high-speed applications. The vibration behaviour can be precisely adjusted by varying the Shore hardness of the spiders. The Speedmax high-speed coupling is the ideal solution for even higher speeds. It combines a balanced ratio of damping and torsional rigidity and is designed for speeds of up to 42,000 rpm, depending on the size.
Protective function with safety clutches in diagnostic devices
The protection of people during medical examinations plays a crucial role. Safety clutches enable reliable torque limitation for this purpose. For example, the use of the Securmax Mini continuous slip clutch ensures mechanical protection for patients in magnetic resonance imaging devices.
