Universal joints are available in steel or in thermoplastic body members. For maximum load-carrying capacity, for a given size, a steel universal joint should be selected. Universal joints with thermoplastic body members are used in light industrial applications in which their self-lubricating feature, light weight, negligible backlash, corrosion resistance, and capability for high-speed operation are significant advantages. Ball-jointed universals are used for high-speed operation and for carrying large torques. They are available in miniature and standard sizes.
SDP/SI pioneered the concept of combining the exceptional qualities of selected plastic materials with different metals to create products that incorporate both. “SUPER-PLAST” designs have the following advantages:
• Inexpensive replacement of metal components
• Dampens vibration
• Corrosive and chemical resistant
• Electrically insulated
SDP/SI offers an extensive selection of inch and metric-dimensioned universal joints available in steel, stainless steel, acetal, and acetal with brass spider and inserts as standard catalog items.
The molded universal joints can be manufactured to special requirements:
• Bores molded to accommodate square, “D” shape, or hexagonal shafts
• Shafts molded into the components
• Zero backlash or components with built-in backlash
• Gears, pulleys, or other components molded or assembled to couplings or universal joints