Article codes
3
Coupling for motion control
Beam Slit Type Flexible Coupling (MST · MSTS · MSX)
One-piece spiral-beam slit couplings for precise speed and position control: zero backlash, high torsional stiffness, in aluminium or stainless steel.
- Slit type
- Stepper motor
- Servo motor
- Zero backlash
- High torsional rigidity
- Stainless steel
What is a beam slit coupling and where is it used?
A beam slit coupling is a single-piece metal cylinder with precisely machined slits that flex to compensate angular, parallel and axial misalignment while staying backlash-free. NBK offers MST (aluminium standard), MSTS (stainless steel, corrosion-resistant and vacuum compatible, for food and pharma) and MSX (high torsional rigidity for demanding stepper and servo drives). It suits high-precision speed and position control.
Features
- One-piece construction
- Zero backlash
- Excellent torsional stiffness
- Identical clockwise and counter-clockwise characteristics
- Very good rigidity
- Absorbs shaft misalignment, reducing bearing loads
- Vacuum compatible (MSTS)
Overview
These flexible spiral-beam couplings are designed for high-precision speed and position control. MST is the standard precision solution with a broad torque range, typically aluminium, for stepping and general-purpose motors. The stainless-steel MSTS is similar to the MST but adds corrosion resistance, making it ideal for food and pharmaceutical industry use. The MSX focuses on high torsional rigidity for demanding stepper and servo applications.
Working principle
The coupling is a single-piece metal cylinder with precisely machined slits, creating a compact backlash-free mechanism. The slit design allows elastic deformation in operation, compensating angular, parallel and axial shaft misalignment. A variety of slit shapes and materials gives distinct characteristics for different requirements.
A range of sizes and material configurations covers different load capacities and environmental conditions, so the couplings perform optimally across many operating scenarios.
Attachment types
MST, MSTS and MSX are all available as set-screw and clamping (C) types. MST and MSTS are additionally offered as clamping + key (CSK) types.
- Type
- Slit type (spiral beam)
- Outside Ø range
- Ø8 – 63 mm (MSX Ø16 – 44 mm)
- Bore diameter
- 2 – 35 mm (MSX 3 – 20 mm)
- Rated torque
- 0.1 – 35 Nm (MSX 0.5 – 9 Nm)
- Hub material
- Aluminium (MSTS: stainless steel)
- Motor type
- Stepper & general-purpose (MSX: all motors)
Ready to specify this coupling?
Send us your bore, torque, speed and environment. Our engineers in Dedemsvaart match the right article code and quote it.