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This section provides an overview for knuckle joints as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 6 knuckle joint manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked knuckle joint companies as of April, 2025: 1.NOV Inc., 2.SMC Corporation., 3.Hunting PLC.
Table of Contents
A knuckle joint is a mechanical connection that provides a finger-like range of motion.
This type of joint is used in machinery and vehicles to transmit rotational motion. Knuckle joints facilitate flexible movement between axes, enabling them to adapt to vibrations and angular changes effectively. They are designed to be both rigid and precise in transmitting motion.
Additionally, knuckle joints are known for their robustness and durability, capable of withstanding high loads and vibrations while maintaining stable performance over prolonged use. To ensure smooth operation, grease is often applied. However, inadequate sealing can lead to grease leakage, resulting in insufficient lubrication and potentially affecting the joint’s performance and lifespan.
Knuckle joints are vital components widely employed in various industries. The following are some common applications:
In automobiles, knuckle joints are integral to the front suspension system. They absorb vibrations and impacts between the vehicle body and wheel hubs, contributing to a smoother ride. These joints connect the steering shaft to the wheel hubs, enhancing maneuverability and steering efficiency.
They are also crucial in drivetrains, which transfer power from the engine to the drive wheels, facilitating forward or backward movement of the vehicle.
Knuckle joints are frequently used in industrial machinery and robotic arms to control joint and rotational movements. Their ability to improve the range of motion and mobility of machines enables precise motion and positional control.
These joints are also used in presses for bending and drilling operations.
In aircraft, knuckle joints find various applications. They are used in control systems to transmit steering operations and control surface motions. Additionally, they are employed in retractable mechanisms.
Knuckle joints are typically made of metal, with stainless steel or iron being common choices due to the need for strength. The main components include the body, pins, and split pins:
The body is the external structure that houses the pins and split pins. Made of robust metal, it serves to hold each component securely. It is threaded for attachment to devices by screwing.
The pin functions as an axis for motion transmission. It is typically cylindrical and serves as the central axis for the joint, enabling rotational movement.
The split pin secures the pin in place. Inserted at one end of the pin, it can be fastened by spreading, preventing the pin from dislodging and ensuring secure fixation.
Knuckle joints are categorized based on material and size, with common types being 1-pile and 2-pile knuckle joints:
A 1-pile knuckle joint has a single pinhole in the body and is typically used when the joint object is U-shaped.
A 2-pile knuckle joint features two pin-through holes in the body and is used in conjunction with a 1-pile knuckle joint.
Typically, 1-pile and 2-pile joints are used as a set, allowing for flexible shaft movement.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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SMC corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. SMC Corporation manufactures and sells automatic control equipment and filtration equipment. SMC has production facilities in 30 countries, technical development centers in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China, and sales offices, globally. SMC product lines divided by them include filter replacements, condensation prevention, heat resistance, thermos-chilling, and others. SMC provides a video library as well as product selection guide to assist customers in finding solutions and optimizing product efficiency.
Hunting PLC is a global manufacturer, trader and renter of equipment for the energy sector. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and was established in 1870. The company designs and manufactures perforating systems, energetics, instrumentation, and associated hardware. Hunting PLC products and services such as perforating and logging systems, 3D render of perforating tools, connection technology and OCTG, subsea technologies, advanced manufacturing and well intervention equipment. The company's products and services are used in energy, aerospace, medical and power generation industries.
NOV Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer specializing in equipment used in the oil and gas industry. It was founded as Oilwell Supply in 1862 before merging with National Supply in 1987. The company produces equipment, consumables, and digital products used in oil drilling operations. These include drilling rigs, coiled tubing units for well intervention, and data analysis software or hardware. The company also provides customers with oilfield services such as equipment inspection, maintenance, and repair. Some of its notable clients include Halliburton, ExxonMobil, and Transocean.
SMC Corporation of America, established in 1977 and located in Noblesville, Indiana, is a manufacturer of pneumatic equipment and motion control products used in the automation, controls, and process industries. It is the North American subsidiary of Japan’s SMC Corporation, and it offers a broad range of products, including actuators, directional control valves, and airline equipment. The company is ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified and has an education division that teaches technical skills and the latest developments in industrial automation. It also runs a sales development program for training outside sales at the company.
Ranking as of April 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunting PLC |
22.6%
|
| 2 | NOV Inc. |
22.6%
|
| 3 | SMC Corporation. |
22.6%
|
| 4 | Peak Well Systems |
16.1%
|
| 5 | SMC Corporation of America |
12.9%
|
| 6 | ROCKY-ICHIMARU Co., Ltd. |
3.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the knuckle joint page as of April 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
2 | 100.0% |
68 products found
68 products
ROCKY-ICHIMARU Co., Ltd.
410+ people viewing
Last viewed: 22 hours ago
A knuckle joint is a universal piping joint used between movable piping and fixed piping. Since the spherical surface of the ball joint and the sph...
8 models listed
Robotena Co., Ltd.
760+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Used for angular power transmission. *Other product numbers are available.
10 models listed
Sugatsune Industries Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
■Features ・A ball joint type torque unit with a wide range of motion. - Wide range of motion, allowing for fine angle adjustments. - Structure tha...
Sugatsune Industries Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
■Features ・A ball joint type torque unit with a wide range of motion. - Wide range of motion, allowing for fine angle adjustments. - Structure tha...
Sugatsune Industries Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
■Features ・A ball joint type torque unit with a wide range of motion. - Wide range of motion, allowing for fine angle adjustments. - Structure tha...
Magever Co., Ltd.
300+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
■Summary A ball joint consists of a joint body and a ball part. The ball is supported by the magnetic force created by the magnet and yoke inside t...
4 models listed
Tsukiji Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
190+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Magna Co., Ltd.
490+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
The ball joint magnet is a magnet that supports the ball part only by magnetic force by the combination of magnets and yoke in the joint. Therefore...
6 models listed
Nakajima Koki Co., Ltd.
550+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
4 models listed
Nakajima Koki Co., Ltd.
710+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
4 models listed
Nakajima Koki Co., Ltd.
330+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
5 models listed
Nakajima Koki Co., Ltd.
130+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
Impact ball joint (19.0mm drive)
Nakajima Koki Co., Ltd.
240+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
3 models listed
Nakajima Koki Co., Ltd.
120+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
Impact ball joint (short type)
Suekage Tools Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features Convenient for working in complex and narrow spaces.
Suekage Tools Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
■Features Convenient for working in complex and narrow spaces.
Suekage Tools Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
■Features Convenient for working in complex and narrow spaces.
Suekage Tools Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
