A universal joint, (universal coupling, U-joint, Cardan joint, Hardy-Spicer joint, or Hooke's joint) is a joint or coupling in a rigid rod that allows the rod to 'bend' in any direction, and is commonly used in shafts that transmit rotary motion. It consists of a pair of hinges located close together, oriented at 90° to each other, connected by a cross shaft. The universal joint is not a constant velocity joint.

No machine element other than a cardan shaft allows power transmission of torque between specially offset driving and driven shafts whose position can be changed during operation.

Spatial angular motion and changes of axial length are ensured by advanced constructional elements.

Thus, cardan shafts have become an indispensable transmission component in automotive engineering and industry.

Cardan shafts offer

##### » multifunctional application

##### » excellent efficiency

##### » high reliability

##### » low maintenance

##### » easy use

They are an integral part in almost all industries with mechanical drives.

Convince yourself that our products will solve your drive problems to your complete satisfaction

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Selection and use of cardan shafts

Cardan shafts being used for various applications. So it is impossible to select their size and predict their lifetime with reliable accuracy with just one general rule. The familiar failure probabilities for roller bearings apply to cardan shafts as well.

The size of the cardan shaft should be chosen so that its maximum momentary torque rating, is not smaller than the maximum torque to be transmitted in your application. Additionally parameters like deflection angle, speed, length, operating conditions (kind of drive, temperature, dust etc.) should be considered. Therefore please refer to our technical questionnaire. Our experts will evaluate your information given in this questionnaire, to find the best choice for your application. If you need more detailed calculations like determining lifetime, stability etc. please contact us.

Installation instructions

All anti- corrosion paint should be removed carefully from the cardan shaft flanges before the shaft is installed. Anti- corrosion agent on the cardan mounting flanges reduces frictional adhesion (not with flange yokes with staggered tooth arrangement).

Cardan shaft maintenance

It is necessary to grease the moving parts of a cardan shaft at certain intervals to remove used lubricant and foreign matter, if any, and replenishing the lubricant.

Lubrication is required after cleaning with high pressure or a steam jet.

General notes

» The installation of cardan shafts requires expertise and careful workmanship!

» Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions forinstallation and repair.

» Parts to be installed in universal drives must bein perfect working order and approved for the specific application in hand.

» Make sure that cardan shaft locating centres are properly seated and that the flange surfaces are in perfect contact!

» The operation ratings must never be exceeded.

» Do not use high pressure (water, stream, air) for cleaning to prevent damage of the bearings and sealings!

SWC-BF standard flex welding type cardan shaft basic size