Apex Universal Joints

Superior torque transfer solutions for the toughest applications - in zero gravity, at 25,000 feet, or on the factory floor.

Apex Universal Joints

APEX has been supplying universal joints for military and commercial applications since 1933. Over these 80+ years we have provided engineered solutions for thousands of demanding applications worldwide. Today APEX is recognized as the “Less downtime, more Lifetime” leader in pin and cube universal joint designs and applications.

APEX meets the demanding requirements for military applications such as gun systems, remote valve control, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), thrust vector control systems, and fan drive universal joints.

Commercial, military, business jets, and private aircraft all utilize APEX universal joints. Typical uses include flap/ slat actuation, “hinges'' for cargo doors and windows, mechanical linkages for steering, trim control and door latching mechanisms. APEX double universal joints have even been used to replace gear boxes. These high strength-to weight ratio universal joints have excellent torsional freeplay (i.e., backlash) characteristics suited to this environment.

Applications include steering columns, a variety of mechanical linkages and power take offs. Also included are custom designs for specialty equipment (e.g. fire trucks.)

Our MS series of universal joints have become the standard by which all other universal joints are measured. The same aerospace design considerations are applicable in this competitive market. Primary uses are for steering, shift linkages, and chassis adjustment applications.

This represents the most diverse area of applications. Some typical uses are steel leveling equipment, links to conveyor systems, pump drive systems, multiple spindle drill heads, bowling alley pin setters, canning equipment, centerless grinders, bottling machines, industrial sewing machines, control linkages, mixing equipment, packaging machinery, and industrial scales. This list represents only a fraction of the applications where APEX universal joints are used. Our “quick change” universal joints are extremely popular in this area. They eliminate precision alignment requirements and allow for quick repair of critical machinery and assembly/conveyor lines. 

APEX universal joints consistently deliver performance in process industries where continuous operation is the norm and equipment availability/uptime is critical. Whatever your application, you can depend on APEX universal joints to provide rigidity and exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratios with less deflection, superior fatigue resistance and high overload capacity. Add to this APEX’S wide selection of elastomeric covers that seal lubrication in and protect the universal joint from harsh operating environments (e.g., dirt, water, abrasive slurry, etc.), and you have unsurpassed reliability for your application. All of these features can be incorporated into single, double, telescopic, or quick-change universal joints. We specialize in make-to-order products engineered to optimize your application and reduce operating costs. APEX is the Performance Authority for pin and cube universal joints.

Available options

Universal Joint Configurations

In addition to the standard plain bearing design, there is also a “Press Fit” design which improves fatigue life in reverse loading applications. For higher RPMs, we offer a needle bearing line.

Materials

Alloy steels (4140, 4150, 4340), Austenitic stainless steel (303, 304, 316, Nitronic 60), Martensitic stainless steel (416, 440C, 13-8, 17-4, 15-5), carbon steel (1020, 8620) and specialty steels (such as Stressproof and S-2 Modified)

Bearings

APEX utilizes plain, rolling element and polymer bearings in its designs. Selecting the right bearing maximizes the performance the universal joint, minimizes/eliminates maintenance, and increases the life of the universal joint

Heat Treatment

Advanced heat treat, selective through hardening, induction hardening, and case hardening

Surface Treatment

Light oil, cadmium (electrolytic and vacuum), electrolytic zinc, nickel (electrolytic and electroless), black oxide, phosphate (manganese and zinc), solid film lubricant, and a variety of paint solutions.

Cover Materials

Silicone, Nitrile, EPDM, Viton, Neoprene, FDA approved food polymer, vinyl, Silicon/Dacron, Fluoro-Silicone/Nomex.

Cover Styles

Bulbous, flat, and convoluted.

Lubricants

High pressure gear oil, “natural” grease, synthetic grease, synthetic grease with additives (improves “dry start” characteristics), non outgassing grease, food grade grease, graphite powder, and solid film lubricant.

Geometry

Square, Hex, Threaded, splines (involute or straight sided), gears, split collar with lug bolt, keyways, precision diameters (.0002”), gears, whistle-notch, and quick release. Where applicable, these are available in male or female.

Performance Features: 

• Efficient operation up to 35°standard (higher operating angles available) 
• Designed-in overload capacity for greater reliability. (Temporary torsional overloads up to 80% and axial overloads up to 150% of the rated ultimate capacity can occur without harmful binding.) 
• Advanced heat treat of alloy steel maximizes “toughness” 
• Available with covers that seal in lubrication and greatly improve service life.