The Cardan Shaft is basically a coupling used for the connection of the input of a driven device and the output of the power motor.

The overall function of a Cardan Shaft can be subdivided in 3 single functions:

• Torque and speed of Cardan Shaft.
• Changing distance between power input and output of Cardan Shaft.
• Changing angle between power input and output of Cardan Shaft.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CARDAN SHAFT (UNIVERSAL JOINTS SHAFTS) ARE:

• It's capacity of compensating high angles, thus allowing the transmission of the torque between to shafts not in line.
• In its version with double extensible joint, a universal joint will allow both radial and axial displacements.
• It can transmit very high torques.
• It requires a very reduced maintenance.
• It's easy to install.

All this is permanently elapsed by shocks resulting in vibrations and additional torsion forces. Basing on these extreme conditions of operation considerable power is arising being consumed partly by the Cardan shaft on its own, partly by the drive elements combining it. These high pressures and difficult operating conditions are demanding high standards to the drive shaft. At the same time, lots of power transmission applications are solved easily and cost consciously by the use of cardan shaft.