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Advantages and Design Features
SYNCHRONOUS MOTION
FLEXIBLE IN ALL DIRECTIONS
MINIATURE IN SIZE
HIGH STRENGTH
SMALL BENDING RADIUS
LIGHTWEIGHT
LOW INERTIA
LOW TENSION REQUIRED
CHEMICALLY RESISTANT
ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE & INSULATED
PULLEYS AVAILABLE MACHINED OR MOLDED
EASY TO MOUNT ATTACHMENTS & END FITTINGS
CABLES AVAILABLE UP TO 200 FEET LONG
The Synchromesh Drive System represents an entirely new approach to synchronous drives. At the heart
of the system is a drive cable, which replaces conventional timing belts as well as other means of
transmitting synchronous motion. The cable consists of a core bundle of stranded stainless steel wires
encapsulated in a nylon jacket. Wound spirally around the nylon jacket is another cable of similar
construction. The spiral member is bonded to the core cable to provide functional stability under load. The
pitch of the spiral winding is carefully controlled during the winding and bonding processes.
The use of stranded wire and nylon resin produces an extremely flexible cable that opens up new design
possibilities, which were previously not possible with any other synchronous drives. The schematic
diagram shown below illustrates the geometric features of an x-y plotter. Synchromesh cables are capable
of changing operating planes, limited only by the size and proximity of adjacent pulleys. This unique
characteristic makes it possible to produce this plotter design without employing expensive lead screw
drive components. This is only one example of the countless possibilities offered with Synchromesh Drive
Systems.
Complementing the Synchromesh cables are the drive pulleys, which have helical grooves on their outside
diameter, to accurately engage the spiral convolutions on the drive cable. An additional radial groove of
half round cross section supports the core cable and provides lateral stability. Synchromesh cables can
be readily secured to other mechanism members in many different ways as well as those offered in the
catalog pages.
Please note, however, that the Synchromesh Drive Systems are intended for reciprocating motion
applications and cannot be made endless.
Synchromesh Drive Systems
