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Universal Joints
Universal joints transport rotary motion between two shafts that are not lined up with one another. The two types of universal joints are single joint and double joint. The single joint style has one bending joint, allowing it to function at up to a 45 degree angle. The double joint style can function at up to a 90 degree angle because it contains two bending joints.
When selecting a universal joint, the hub type, material composition, and the applications for use are all important factors. Plastics are often used in the production of universal joints, but steel is the most common. While plastics provide better rust and corrosion resistance and electrical and magnetic insulation, steel can handle more torque and higher temperatures.
Gear couplings and universal joints are used in similar applications, most predominantly in the automobile industry. While gear couplings have higher torque density, universal joints induce lower vibration than gear couplings. The lower torque density in a universal joint is due to the limited cross section of its cross and yoke. Other applications for universal joints include metalworking machinery, military applications, packaging systems, printing processes, medical equipment, automotive steering purposes, and many more.
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