| Established in 1952 (323) 582-7348 |
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Page: 4270 Thursday, May 23, 2013 |

There are times when the integrity of a kinematic coupling must be assured. In these cases, the most straight forward approach is to secure the two platforms together with a threaded fastening system, or a multiple fastener system. In the simplest form, you will have a nut on a threaded shaft, tightened in place and locked down.
The clamping mechanism will need adequate clearance around the threaded shaft to allow for any misalignment in the “X” and “Y” axii. A spherical tilt will also be required, adjacent to the clamping nut, to compensate for any rotational or tilt errors around the “Z” axis.
To provide “Z” axis dimensional repeatability, the nut should have an indicating or clocking mark, so that it can be tightened to the same exact place, time after time.
In addition, there will usually be a jam nut to lock everything in place.
On sophisticated systems, there will need to be an antifriction thrust bearing to decouple the torque associated with tightening the clocking nut.
The same exact component parts and techniques that are used for “fail safe” applications will provide a mechanical preloading for the kinematic system.
For more information, and to order the coupling, see: Page 4450, Mechanical Clamping.