Article codes
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Coupling for motion control
Metal Bellows Flexible Coupling (MFB · MFBS)
Thin-walled metal bellows coupling for exceptional positioning accuracy: zero backlash and constant-velocity rotation with very low reaction forces on bearings.
- Bellows type
- Stepper motor
- Zero backlash
- Stainless steel
When should I choose a metal bellows coupling for a servo drive?
Choose a metal bellows coupling like the NBK MFB/MFBS when positioning accuracy is critical and you need zero backlash with constant-velocity rotation even under misalignment. The thin-walled bellows flexes with very low reaction forces, minimising bearing loads while keeping high torsional stiffness. MFB pairs aluminium hubs with a phosphor-bronze bellows for low inertia; MFBS-C uses stainless-steel clamping hubs and bellows for corrosion resistance.
Features
- Zero backlash
- Allows eccentricity, angular misalignment and end-play
- Constant-speed rotation even under misalignment
- Two bellows types: phosphor bronze and stainless steel
- Long service life with maintenance-free operation
Overview
The MFB and MFBS-C series are high-performance bellows-type shaft couplings for applications needing exceptional positioning accuracy and zero backlash. The thin-walled bellows transmits torque while compensating shaft misalignment with minimal restoring forces on bearings. MFB is the standard version with aluminium hubs and a phosphor-bronze bellows for low inertia and high dynamics; MFBS-C combines stainless-steel clamping hubs with a stainless-steel bellows for superior corrosion resistance in humid, hygienic or chemically demanding environments.
Working principle
Bellows couplings use a thin-walled, multi-convolution bellows to connect two precision-machined hubs. In operation the bellows transmits torque without backlash while flexing to compensate angular and parallel misalignment and axial shaft movement.
Unlike slit couplings, the bellows deforms with very low reaction forces, minimising bearing loads while maintaining excellent torsional stiffness. This gives highly accurate rotary motion, making bellows couplings especially suitable for demanding servo control at high rotational speeds.
Attachment types
MFB and MFBS are both available as set-screw and clamping (C) types.
- Type
- Bellows type
- Outside Ø range
- Ø12 – 32 mm
- Bore diameter
- 3 – 14 mm
- Rated torque
- 0.3 – 3 Nm (MFB 0.3 – 2 Nm, MFBS 0.5 – 3 Nm)
- Hub material
- Aluminium (MFBS: stainless steel)
- Motor type
- For stepper motors
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