Bigger is not always better: Miniature bellows couplings for micromanipulators

Micromanipulators are devices that work on the smallest scale. As a critical mechanical instrument for microscope operation, they move in the range of micro-meters to bring cells, bacteria, or colloidal particles into focus. The most common applications include microscopy in chemistry, medical technology, gene technology, and semiconductor development. With its precision and compact construction, the R+W miniature bellows coupling is the perfect partner for the micromanipulator industry.

A micromanipulator facilitates extremely precise operation with the assistance of additional instruments.  This allows the coarse movement of a human hand to be transformed into extremely fine motion when working the finest microcapillaries, needles, and electrodes.  This motion can typically be controlled mechanically, hydraulically, or electronically in all three dimensions.

These devices are very helpful in microsurgery, where operations can be conducted on living tissue or cells under a microscope with high optical resolution. 

The bellows serves not only as the central connection system between the hubs, but also allows for misalignment compensation in miniature bellows couplings.  The miniature bellows coupling must have very high torsional rigidity to keep restoring forces as low as possible while compensation for misalignments. This becomes very important in drive train applications where operators need to maximize machine performance, while protecting downstream components from excessive wear.  The R+W MK series manages both of these tasks effortlessly.