UNIVERSAL JOINTS KEEP INDUSTRY MOVING

1 min read

Wherever an application requires the transmission of rotary motion between two unaligned shafts, couplings specialist, WDS offers a simple and reliable solution with its universal joints.

The universal joint, also known as the Cardan joint after Gerolamo Cardano, is a specialist coupling design that allows two rotating shafts to be coupled, even in the event of shaft misalignment. The simple design consists of two yoke ends which are positioned at 90° to each other with a connecting cross shaft joining them in the middle. The result is a rigid rod that is capable of transmitting torque through variable angles as the two yokes rotate around each other. WDS offers its customers a range of reliable steel universal joints which are capable of transmission speeds of up to 3,000RPM. With shaft diameters varying from 8mm to 28mm (unit weights: 38g to 1,025g) the maximum torque spans from 33 NM up to 1,074 NM. Options available include either plain or needle roller bearing. To ensure robust performance the yokes and pins are made from tempered steel. No matter what the application or the environment, the universal joints will perform reliably with minimal maintenance even when subjected to heavy use, the company claims. And as well as the standard range, WDS can also provide a number of different types and sizes on request. Made to fit rubber gaiters are also available from stock to keep these joints dust and grime free. As is the case with the majority of WDS's standard parts, the complete range of universal joints is kept in stock in the company's Leeds based warehouse; meaning that most orders can be satisfied next day. There are no small order surcharges, meaning that end users can easily order the desired quantity, from 1 to 100,000, either by phone or by using the online checkout. Prior to ordering, end-users can find details about the exact dimensions and tolerances of the entire range and even download 2D and 3D Cad files and technical drawings from the WDS website.