A leading global food processing company experienced failures of its standard needle-bearing u-joints, stemming from the wash-down phase of its automation equipment.
After discussing operating conditions and specifications, Belden custom-engineered a stainless steel, hybrid "pin-and-block / needle-bearing" joint with composite bushings. This hybrid design delivered both the higher torque capacity of a friction-bearing pin-and-block component, and the speed, durability and low backlash of a needle-bearing joint. The end result was a wash-down-safe component, without corrosion, contamination, burnout, and joint seizure issues, operating at high-RPM over extended periods with low backlash, minimal maintenance.
END HUB CONFIGURATIONS
Belden offers a wide variety of end hub configurations. The six most conventional hub types, in either male or female, are available in inch or metric sizes.
MINIATURE JOINTS TO LARGE OUTSIDE DIAMETERS
Belden offers miniature joints with an outside diameter of 0.315" [8 mm] or smaller if required. Materials include stainless and heat-treated alloy steel. Customization and double universal joints are available for operational angles above 35 degrees.
We are also equipped to manufacture universal joints and shaft assemblies with outside diameters up to 10 inches. Just fill out the RFQ to get pricing and more information from one of our application specialists.