Universal Joints

Universal joints, or u-joints are flexible mechanical connectors used to transmit rotary motion from one shaft to another shaft that is not in line with the first, or when alignment varies during service.  There are two types of universal joints, defined by their number of bending joints.  The first, the single joint, has only one bending aspect.  As a result, it is capable of operating at up to a 45-degree angle.  The second style is the double joint style.  By utilizing two bending joints, the double u-joint can operate at angles up to 90 degrees.  Additionally, it also accommodate parallel offset between 2 shafts with an operating angle of the central section from 0 to 45 degrees. Universal joints vary based on their material composition, hub type and the applications for which they are designed.  Steel is the most common material used, either in stainless form; or alloyed with other metals to handle greater torque and temperature.  Plastics and thermoplastics are often used in constructing universal joints, as this lends greater rust and corrosion resistance, as well as electrical and magnetic insulation in applications where this is required.

U-joints are available with two hub styles: solid or bored.  There are a number of style variations within the bored types.  Solid hub universal joints, are, us the name implies, solid.  They have not been machined, and as a result, do not have a hole. This style requires user modification before they can be applied.  Bored styles of u-joints generally derive their name from the shape of the hole in their hub, as with round, hex or square styles.  Two styles deviate from this convention: splined, with longitudinal grooves inside of the bore, and keyed, which have keyways to prevent rotation of the u-joint on the corresponding shaft.

Mechanical components covers a wide range of items and devices designed to handle, induce, or drive mechanical systems. In almost all cases, these components were manufactured to be part of a greater system, and do not have the ability to function on their own. The mechanical components family includes the following products: bearings and bushings, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, clutches and brakes, couplings, collars and universal joints, enclosures, fans and electronic cooling, gears, industrial heaters and heating elements, industrial tools, limit switches, mechanical fasteners, power transmission (mechanical), process equipment, pulleys and belts, seals, solenoids, springs, switches, and universal joints.

Power transmission areas cover the wide spectrum of gears, locknuts, and other couplings that are used to secure shafts or transmit power throughout drive systems. The gears included in this family are bevel, herringbone, worm, helical, hypoid, miter, and spur and strait tooth, as well as the associated gear stocks and blanks. All of these gears are available in both English and metric configurations. Additional members of this family include roller chains, belts and belt pulleys, shaft collars, ratchets and pawls, sprockets, and universal joints.

Drive components and power transmission areas cover the wide spectrum of gears, locknuts, and other couplings that are used to secure shafts or transmit power throughout drive systems. The gears included in this family are bevel, herringbone, worm, helical, hypoid, miter, and spur and strait tooth, as well as the associated gear stocks and blanks. All of these gears are available in both English and metric configurations. Additional members of this family include roller chains, belts and belt pulleys, shaft collars, ratchets and pawls, sprockets, and universal joints

• Universal Joints and Driveshafts: Analysis, Design, Applications
  Universal Joints and Driveshafts: Analysis, Design, Applications Updated to reflect the latest state of the art, this book is intended to serve as a textbook and a work of reference for all...
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• Taking torque around corners
  There are only a few coupling methods that work with high misalignment angles in rotating equipment. A spring retainer on the pins lets users quickly disassemble individual joints. A splined shaft...
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• Synchronizing
  Master-slave systems are common in web presses where one or more axes must follow the speed and acceleration of a master axis. This synchronization is needed to keep the web from stretching, tearing,...
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Part Numbers for Universal Joints