Belden Inc. offers corrosion resistant universal joints and complete shaft assemblies for Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) applications. For use in an UHV environment, special materials, extreme cleanliness and baking of the entire system to remove traces of water and gases is required.
Stainless steel double universal joint with custom hub, unlubricated.
Stainless steel single universal joint with blank hub, unlubricated.
Universal joints and complete shaft assemblies are manufactured from a variety of stainless steel grades, including AISI 303 (1.4305), 304 (1.4301) and 316L (1.4404) to prevent outgassing. Outgassing is a major issue for UHV systems and is minimized by utilizing materials with low vapor pressure such as stainless steel. The yokes of the universal joints as well as the pins and block are machined from the same selected stainless steel material. The joint can be supplied free of grease and lubricants to minimize the effort necessary to clean the parts for installation. Lubricants and a wide range of plastics are not permitted in UHV applications since the outgas of these materials hinders establishing ultra high vacuum.
Filed Under: Fastening + joining, Machine tools + subtractive manufacturing