This Belden alloy steel heavy-duty single pin-and-block universal joint is designed to connect two rotating shafts at angles up to 35 degrees. This universal joint compensates for angular misalignments and its single joint configuration provides one point of flexion for high torque transmission and torsional stiffness. The needle bearing joint is a sealed/lubricated cross and bearing style to provide low backlash for critical positioning while also adding a rigid axial stiffness for push/pull loads. The needle bearing design is appropriate for continuous applications with high rotational speeds. This universal joint is suitable for critical positioning applications required by robotics and instrumentation, among others.

Universal joints (also called U-joints, universal couplings, Cardan joints, Hooke’s joints, or Hardy-Spicer joints) are used to transmit motion and rotational power, or torque, between two shafts that are offset at an angle. Most universal joints consist of two yokes and a middle assembly; the hub end of each yoke attaches to a shaft while the yoke ears attach to and pivot around the middle assembly to accommodate shaft misalignment. The type of middle assembly determines its usage—pin and block joints are suitable for transmitting high torque, needle bearing joints are used to handle high rotational speeds, and ball and socket joints are used in applications requiring low backlash (play between moving parts). The body of the universal joint may include a single joint to accommodate only angular misalignments between shafts, or two joints to accommodate both angular and parallel misalignments. Available in a variety of materials and configurations, universal joints are used in applications including motor vehicles, conveyors, medical and optical devices, forestry and mining equipment, robotics and space exploration, and aeronautics, among others.

Belden manufactures precision universal joints and power transmission assemblies. The company, founded in 1939 and headquartered in Broadview, IL, meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 9001:2008.