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Mechanical engineering blog | Rotary Dampers | Ball Bearings | One-Way Clutches | Torque Limiters

October 27, 2021 | No comments

TOK’s rotary dampers










A rotary damper is generally a mechanical component that uses the viscosity of oil to enable smooth slowdown. It is effective for giving the application a constant speed movement, smooth opening and closing, safety enhancement, and high-quality operation.

TOK rotary damper is roughly divided into partial rotation angle dampers and continuous rotation dampers. Among partial rotation angle dampers, there are three types: Horizontal-use type, Vertical-use type, Horizontal & Vertical-use type.


 








Partial rotation angle damper

A partial rotation angle damper has a limited opening angle. Due to the limited angle and limited oil flow, it is relatively easier to generate high torque.










Horizontal-use type

Horizontal-use type is applied to the case where the final position of an application (moving object) becomes horizontal. This rotary damper torque increases gradually as the position of the application (moving object) becomes horizontal.


 








Vertical-use type

Vertical-use type is applied to the case where the final position of an application (moving object) is suspended vertically. This rotary damper torque increases gradually as the position of the application (moving object) becomes vertical.

 

 








Horizontal & Vertical-use type

Horizontal & Vertical-use type can achieve high torque at all opening angles. This rotary damper generates high torque when an application (moving object) is in both the horizontal and vertical positions.


 








Continuous rotation damper

Continuous rotation damper does not have a limit on an opening angle and generates torque endlessly. Combined with rack gear, linear motion can be buffered at a constant speed.


You can choose TOK rotary damper according to your requests. We are pleased to help you make your choice of rotary damper so please feel free to contact us.

Next time, we are going to introduce horizontal-use type rotary dampers in detail. Please look forward to it!

September 28, 2021 | No comments

Introducing K-Series, examples of TOK’s custom bearings.



There are 4 main types of “K series“ custom bearings:

1) Unit assembly, which includes the manufacture of accessory parts, bearings, and assembly as a unit.

2) Full customization, where all parts are custom made.

3) Reassembly of existing parts.

4) Partial customization, in which the bearing is partially modified.


Our custom bearings can be prototyped in as little as one month.


1. Unit assembly
　 
   Example: Guide roller with integrated bearing 




TOK can design & assemble units with integrated bearings and guide rollers for production.

In the past, the customer only purchased TOK bearings.
However, we proposed to produce the guide rollers and assemble them with the bearings as a one-stop resource.
This has contributed to production efficiency by reducing the burden of product maintenance and inventory management.
 
We also design complex units.

And you will benefit greatly from our one-stop resource that handles everything from unit production to bearing assembly.


2. Full customization




Even special bearings are designed and produced to meet the customer's requirements.
In the case of fully-customized products, the design range is expanded to accommodate special forms and conditions.

 

For example, TOK's plastic bearings are used in the safety doors of injection molding machines.

In the past, metal bearings were used, but there was an issue that metal equipment and metal bearings made contact with each other, resulting in severe wear and short end life.

By proposing a combination of plastic bearings and metal equipment, it is possible to extend the life of both.

In this way, we also offer suggestions for solving the problem.


3. Reassembly of existing parts


It is also possible to customize the bearing to suit your application by combining existing parts.

The photo above shows a custom bearing that combines an existing outer race and a wide type inner race.

There is no extra cost because we only change the combination.
Various combinations are possible, so please contact us with your requirements.




4. Partial customization




As shown in the photo above, only one part, such as the outer race or inner race, can be customized.
The inner race can be customized in the case of cutting process, which does not require a mold.


Thank you for reading to the end.
We have introduced TOK bearings in three articles so far.
Please take a look at the past articles as well.


If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

 

August 13, 2021 | No comments

Introducing TOK’s special function bearings. (Chemical resistance/ conductivity, etc.)

   Contents:

1. Chemical resistant bearings (PK/PE series)
2. Conductive bearings (ER series)
3. Non-magnetic bearings (C series)
4. Rust-resistant bearings(S/SS series)




TOK offers 4 types of special bearings that are chemical resistant, conductive, non-magnetic, and rustproof.

You can select the most suitable bearing for your application.


1. Chemical resistant bearings (PK/PE series)




In environments to chemicals, such as cleaning with chemicals, plating, etching, and chemical treatment, metal bearings can have problems with corrosion.

In the PE/PK series, the outer races, inner races, and balls are made of plastic, so they are less likely to deteriorate due to chemicals.

There are many types of plastic materials, each with different chemical resistance, so we will select the most suitable bearing and material according to the chemicals used.

Application examples : Cleaning machines (Glass/Film cleaning, Semiconductors, Electronic-related equipment, etc.)




2. Conductive bearings (ER series)







As plastic is an insulator, some plastics may be prone to static electricity.

The ER series, with its good conductivity and anti-static properties, protects your applications by preventing the adsorption of dust and other debris such as paper dust.

Application examples : High-speed scanners, Guide rollers



3. Non-magnetic bearings (C series)



The C series has excellent non-magnetic and chemical resistance, because its components are made of ceramic.

For example, MRI machines in hospitals use powerful magnets to examine the inside of the body, so magnetic materials cannot be used in the machine itself, and they always check to see if the patient is not wearing any precious metals.
This is where non-magnetic bearings (C series) come in handy.

Application examples : Hospital inspection equipment, Measuring instruments

Click here to view the S/SS series bearing catalog. (P.23)


4. Rust-resistant bearings(S/SS series)









Since all the components are made of stainless steel, 
there is no cause for concern about rusting or corrosion even in environments where the product is exposed to water, seawater, or steam.

In environments where normal metal bearings cannot be used or are difficult to use, rust-proof bearings (S/SS series) can be used to increase the life of your applications.

In addition, S series bearings can be used without grease, so there is no need to worry about grease flowing out even when exposed to moisture, liquid, or steam.

Application examples: Special pumps, Fountain-related equipment


Next time, we are going to introduce TOK custom bearings.
From single part replacement to full customization, these can meet your needs.

If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.



July 27, 2021 | No comments

Introducing I-Series, TOK’s ultra-silent bearings for high load capacities.

  Contents:

1. Features of TOK I-series bearings
2. Three types of TOK I-series bearings
3. Application examples


1. Features of TOK I-series bearings

One of the best features is that the sleeves are made of satiny-smooth engineering plastic, which allows for ultra-quiet operation under high load capacities.

In addition, the steel parts are plated to prevent rusting and various types of inner races are available, providing a range of installation methods to suit your application needs.






2. Three types of TOK I-series bearings

I-series is available in three types: IN type, ID type, and IDS type.
You can choose the most suitable bearing for your application.















＊Operation temperature: 0° to 40°
＊Rotation speed: 300 rpm
＊Durability: 1,000,000 cycles

The following are examples of major applications for each bearing type.


IN series: Display cabinet drawers
                Suitable for applications that are moved frequently or are subject to high force.

ID series: Refrigerator drawers/Rollers for sliding doors
                 Durable and does not require regular replacement.

IDS series: Cash registers, kitchen cabinet drawers
                   It has a particularly high load capacity among the I series so it is ideal for heavy applications.


Click here to view the TOK bearing catalog.
 

Next time, we are going to introduce special function bearings. (Chemical resistance/electrification, etc.)


If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.



June 21, 2021 | 1 comment

Introducing TOK small bearings with a big load capacity

 Contents:


1. Features of TOK A-series metal bearings





(1) Small size and high load capacity

The best feature of this product is its small size with a 19mm outer diameter, yet it has a load capacity of up to 50kg.


(2)Anti-corrosion function

A-series bearings are plated, so they are less likely to rust and you can use the bearing longer than normal metal bearings.


(3)Easy to install

Screw and rivet types are available for easy installation.

The screw type can be installed with a common tool like a screwdriver, while the rivet type is suitable for installation in small spaces.

You can choose the bearing type that best suits your application.






Click here to view the A series bearing catalog.


2. Application examples

Used in a variety of places such as money machines (ATMs) / vending machines / production facilities / store fixtures / cash drawers etc.


Metal bearings inserted in resin are also available.

In addition to having a high load capacity, it is possible to make the operation noise quieter.

Click here to view the TOK bearing catalog.



Next time, we are going to introduce  “I-Series”, metal bearings inserted in resin, in more detail.


If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.








 
May 21, 2021 | No comments

Introducing TOK's damper with a wide temperature range

 Contents:

1. Two advantages of TD69 damper
2. Specifications of TD69 damper
3. Application examples

1. Two advantages of TD69 damper






Wide temperature range  

The best feature of TD69 is that it can be used in a wide range of temperatures. 

It can be used at temperatures between -5 and 80°C, compared to TOK’s typical  damper that is used from 0 to 40°C.

High torque and lightweight

The TD69 weighs about 12g each and is available in a wider range of torque types. 

TOK is able to achieve this lightweight and wider torque range through the use of high-performance plastic.


2. Specifications of TD69 damper

Damping torque: 1.5 to 4.0N･m

Temperature range: -5 to 80°C

*The temperature range of 3.5/4.0N･m would be different.

Product detail: http://tok-inc.com/en/products/td43.html

Motion and installation: http://tok-inc.com/en/contents/applications.html


3. Application examples





Copy machines

In case of competitors' dampers,  high heat decreases the damping effect and it doesn't work well. 

However, TD69 could solve that problem because it can be used at high temperatures.


Toilet seats

 If you use dampers in wet environments, that will cause rust.


 However, there is no need to worry about the problem, because TD69 is made of high-performance plastic that has chemical resistance and supports high torque.



Introduction of other needs


 ・Car glove boxes

Lightweight (using light resin instead of die-casting parts)


 ・Range hoods

High temperature (high-performance plastic)


・Washing machine lids

Rust prevention(using resin instead of die-casting parts)



Next time, we are going to explain about a robust steel bearing that has an outer diameter of Ø22mm and load of 80kg.

See you next time.

 

If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.


April 21, 2021 | No comments

TOK's initiatives for the SDGs

 The world has various social problems such as poverty, natural disasters, climate change and protection of children. TOK is also addressing these social issues in addition to its mechanical component manufacturing business. We are going to introduce our initiatives for "SDGs".

*The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

（Source）: What are the Sustainable Development Goals? by UNDP


Five initiatives for “SDGs”





1.    Collecting used stamps to donate vaccines

Polio vaccines equal to the weight of used stamps collected at our office will be donated to developing countries through volunteer organizations.

We donated enough stamps for 25 vaccines. (As of the end of the September, 2020)














2.    Collecting old clothes to donate vaccines

We donated old clothes to volunteer groups.

Old clothes are used in developing countries for reuse / job creation / vaccine donation (1 bag for about 5 people).

We have already shipped 28 bags in February 2021.






3.    Cleanup activity

We hold cleanup activities around the office once a month.




4.Making TOK eco-bags to reduce plastic waste

We made TOK original eco-bags/ reusable water bottles, and distribute them to company member. They reduce plastic waste.





5.    Planting of trees for environmental conservation

We present trees to employees to celebrate memorials.

It leads to environmental conservation such as ecosystem conservation / controlling global warming / replenishment of water source / CO2 reduction.




We will continue to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs through such initiatives.

If you have any questions, please contact us.