Needle-bearing universal joints from Ruland are designed for applications with increased speeds, low-to-moderate loads and requirements for extended service life in industries such as medical, packaging, and robotics. Also called cardan joints, they are comprised of high-quality needle-roller bearings, precision machined trunnions with hardened and ground journals and a choice of alloy or stainless-steel yokes for reduced friction and increased performance in applications requiring precision and an extended service life. The needle bearings are pre-lubricated and require no maintenance, reducing machine downtime and increasing service life. Most u-joints include dust seals for the bearings.

Friction bearing type pin-and-block universal joints from Ruland are designed for applications with moderate-to-high-torque requirements in a wide variety of industries. Also called cardan joints or pin-and-block universal joints, they are manufactured from alloy steel for high strength or stainless steel for better corrosion resistance. They are comprised of precision machined, selectively heat-treated and ground components (yokes, pins and blocks) to maximize performance and service life. Single plain bearing universal joints are best suited for space constrained applications and are capable of angular misalignment up to 45°, significantly more than commodity style single u-joints. Double u-joints are better suited for applications with a wide distance between shafts or requiring angular misalignment up to 90°.

1/2pillow blockbearings

Needle-bearing universal joints are available with stainless steel yokes for better corrosion resistance. Boots are recommended for corrosive, washdown or sanitary applications as the trunnions and bearings are alloy steel. Bores can be customized for blind configuration, preventing shaft penetration into the center joint components and providing added protection against contamination.

3/8pillow blockbearings

Large jaw couplings are now being offered for bore sizes up to 1-3/4” or 45 mm and torque capacities of 2,655 in-lbs (300 Nm). These new large jaw couplings are designed for use in precision systems with high deceleration and acceleration curves, such as those found in semiconductor, solar, conveyor, and warehouse automation applications.

Pre-assembled modular mounting systems are designed for adjustability across many mounting applications. Conveyor mounting systems emphasize strict parallel installation using a flange-bolt base and a conveyor rail guide. Sensor mounting systems offer flexibility in a mounting application with adjustable or 90-degree connectors, two-way bases, and various mounting brackets. Both systems include stainless steel rods (with or without scale) from 100mm to 300mm in length, zinc clamping levers, and connectors that allow adjustment of the rods’ position.

Mountable shaft collars with face holes are designed to mate directly with components such as sprockets, pulleys, and metallic plates. Ruland manufactures them with drilled holes for mounting flexibility or threaded holes for the most secure connection between the collar and mated component. They are offered in steel, aluminum, and 303 stainless steel in bore sizes ranging from 3/8” to 2” and 10mm to 50mm.

Ruland friction universal joints are available in OD sizes ranging from 3/8” to 4” in bore sizes ranging from 3/16” to 2” or 5mm to 35mm. They can have finished bores with or without keyways or machinable bores allowing the user to make custom sizes or geometries. All bore configurations can include a set screw.

Boot cover kits protect the universal joint from unwanted contaminants such as dust and can be packed with grease for lubrication retention. Boot kits come with a pair of zip ties that seat into grooves on each yoke of the universal joint to ensure a tight seal. Boots are made of Nitrile for durability and abrasion resistance, helping to protect the boot from being damaged and grease leaking out or contaminants entering the joint. Nitrile also has high resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, silicone greases, hydraulic fluids, water, and alcohol which are commonly present in operating environments where this universal joint is used.

Ruland needle-bearing universal joints are available in OD sizes ranging from 3/4” to 2” a plain bore or bore w/ keyway in sizes from 3/8” to 1” or 8mm to 25mm. All bore types are available with a single set screw.

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Ruland universal joints are available in single and double configurations with friction or needle bearings. Single U-joints are comprised of two yokes and a trunnion assembly to allow for use in confined spaces and angular misalignment up to 45°. Double U-joints are comprised of two yokes, two trunnion assemblies, and a center yoke to allow for larger gaps between shafts, parallel misalignment, and angular misalignment up to 90°. U-joints are manufactured from high-grade alloy steel for high strength and stainless steel for corrosion resistance. They are precision-machined, selectively heat-treated, and utilize ground components for tighter tolerances, better performance, and longer life than commodity style universal joints. Universal joints are available with or without keyways in bore sizes ranging from 3/16” to 2”, 5mm to 35mm, or machinable bores for custom applications. Inch to metric conversion couplings and step bores are available by special order. Boot covers are available to prolong the life of the U-joint. Universal joints from Ruland are manufactured by Belden Universal in Illinois, USA.