This section provides an overview for drive shafts as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 19 drive shaft manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked drive shaft companies as of November, 2024: 1.KWS Manufacturing Company Ltd, 2.Johnson Power, Ltd., 3.Kalyani Group.
Table of Contents
A drive shaft is a mechanical element that transmits power from an actuator, such as a motor, to a driven shaft via a transmission mechanical element.
Transmission elements include gears, timing belts, V-belts, and chains. Drive shafts must be able to rotate with high precision under high loads.
Therefore, they must be stronger and more precise than driven shafts. Drive shafts also require keys and other fastening mechanical elements to connect with the transmission mechanical elements.
Drive shafts are used in a wide variety of industrial machinery. Examples include construction machinery, machine tools, and various types of manufacturing equipment. Drive shafts are used in machines powered by motors to transmit the rotation generated by the motors.
Drive shafts are designed and manufactured arbitrarily according to the environment and machine system in which they are used. However, drive shafts of frequently used shapes are standardized and lined up as products by various FA equipment parts manufacturers.
Drive shafts are usually supported by bearings to ensure rotational accuracy. The bearing must support the rotating shaft of the drive shaft so that it does not shake while receiving the torque that the shaft is subjected to. The shaft part is generally manufactured with h6 or h7 tolerance.
Drive shafts must be strong enough to withstand high torsional torque and wear resistance. Heat treatment, such as high-frequency quenching, is required for this purpose. Here, carbon steel for machine structural use such as S45C is used, and the surface hardness is quenched to HRC50 or higher.
To improve corrosion resistance, surface treatments such as iron tetroxide coating or electroless nickel plating are applied. For food or clean environments, SUSU304 is used.
A driven shaft is a shaft that is driven by power transmitted from the drive shaft through mechanical elements such as gears and joints. The driven shaft is the output side, while the drive shaft is the input side, and is set to output the values intended by the designer, such as rotational speed and torque. Therefore, the power transmission mechanism must be selected after calculating the reduction ratio and rotation speed.
The drive shaft is an input shaft to obtain some output and is always used in combination with a driven shaft. If there is no driven shaft, the name drive shaft is not used because the input shaft is not used to obtain an output. A drive shaft is the name used for the shaft that inputs power. However, any shaft that is moved by power transmitted from the drive shaft is called a driven shaft. Therefore, shafts other than the final output shaft may also be called driven shafts, and propulsion shafts and transmission shafts are categorized as driven shafts.
To design a drive shaft, it is first necessary to determine the magnitude of the input power and the desired output power. The input power is determined by the device used for power, such as an engine or motor, and the reduction ratio and rotational speed are calculated to obtain the output value.
Based on the calculated rotational speed and torque, a material is selected that is strong enough to withstand the load that the drive shaft is subjected to. The most important loads to which the shaft is subjected include rotational moment, torsional load, impact, and frictional force, but the most important are static strength and fatigue strength due to shaft torsion.
Since drive shafts are used in combination with bearings, not only the shaft material but also the diameter and length of the shaft are important. If the diameter of the shaft is too thin, it will not be able to support the torsional load sufficiently, resulting in a rupture. If the length of the shaft is too long, it will be affected by bending moments, leading to shaft deformation. The point where the shaft is supported by the bearing is also important. The distance from the bearing to the end of the shaft should be as short as possible to maintain the strength of the rotating shaft.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Kalyani Mobility Drivelines, founded in 2022 and based in Michigan, USA, is a manufacturer in the eMobility sector. The company is a part of the Kalyani Group and offers products and solutions for chassis, powertrain components, and assemblies. It excels in producing CV half shafts, drive shafts, and custom-engineered solutions for a diverse range of industries, including commercial trucking, off-highway vehicles, and aerospace. The company has a quality lab equipped with cutting-edge tools such as CNC Zeiss CMM, laser OD Mic, optical comparators, and various inspection devices.
KWS Manufacturing Company Ltd., founded in 1972 with headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer of bulk material handling systems and processing equipment. The company's products include bins, chutes, conveyor equipment, and various conveyor systems, such as vertical screw conveyors, drag conveyors, and bucket elevators. KWS Manufacturing Company Ltd. also provides full custom design, engineering, and production of custom conveyor systems to meet specific requirements, as well as process improvement, troubleshooting, and plant survey services.
Johnson Power Ltd. is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial universal joint drive shafts, composite drive shafts, gear couples, repairs and custom components. The company was founded in 1866 and established at Mba USA. The company specializes in shafts, gear, pumps used in steel and paper mills, water treatment plants, and other industrial power hauling machines. The Markets Johnson Power Ltd serve includes steel and paper mills, pump, and other industrial applications.
Accurate Bushing Co., Inc. established in 1938 and based in Garwood, New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision needle roller bearings. The company's product lineup includes cam follower needle roller bearings in both inch and metric sizes, stainless steel cam followers for special corrosive applications, and Smith-Trax with tapered roller bearings for thrust load applications, among others. used in industries such as Aerospace, Military, and Industrial Manufacturing, these products are pivotal for engine, airframe applications, and thrust load operations. Its services include custom product manufacturing, precision machine component creation, and specialized assembly.
The Rowland Company was founded in 1732 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when Benjamin Franklin was just 25 years old. Today the Rowland Company specializes in the distribution, fabrication, and assembly of industrial power transmission products, including application engineering, and modification of products to customer needs. Industries served include commercial laundry, amusement parks, marine, metalworking, power generation, pulp & paper, transit, water treatment and wastewater treatment Rowland Company’s product categories include air starters, brakes, clutches, crane controls & electrification, flexible couplings, friction and wear materials, gearboxes, industrial lighting & signals, mobile crane brake parts, universal joints, and driveshafts.
ContiTech, established in 1871 with operations in more than 40 countries, is a manufacturer of rubber and plastic products serving the machine and plant engineering, mining, agriculture, and automotive markets. The company has numerous products, including air spring systems, anti-vibration systems, coated fabrics, compensators and connecting pipes, and conveyor belt systems. ContiTech, with over a century of experience, provides custom aggregate solutions to clients, including asset inventory management, assembly and installation tools, conveyor belt system consulting, and custom production.
Comer Industries S.p.A., established in 1970 and headquartered in Reggiolo, Italy, is an industrial and agricultural mechatronic components and solutions manufacturer. The company's agricultural products include planetary drives, gear boxes, and hydrostatic traction drives. Its industrial products include tractor attachments, electric motors, and single-drum compactors. These products are used in road construction vehicles, mining machines, and construction equipment. The company also owns a number of brands, including Walterscheid, Walterscheid Services, and Mechanics Drive Shafts.
JBJ Techniques Limited, founded in 1974 and based in Redhill, Surrey, is a manufacturer of industrial machinery. It offers mechanical and fluid power products, including couplings/bell housings, gearboxes/ clutches, printed wiring boards, pumps/ motors, seals, level indicators and more. The company offers ISO-9001-certified and BS ISO-45001:2018 certified goods and services from specification to technical support, as well as, manufacture to after-sales support to its customers in the UK and across the globe.
Hangzhou Chinabase Machinery Co., Ltd., founded in 1992 and based in Hangzhou, China, is a manufacturer specializing in an array of products, including power transmission components. Its key products encompass chains and sprockets for industrial power transmission, gearboxes to enhance torque and reduce speed, couplings for shaft connections, and gears used across industrial applications. Its products find applications in automation, conveyor technology, packaging, food, pharmaceuticals, and more. The company maintains quality and sustainability, holding certifications like ISO 9002, ISO 9001, API, ISO/TS 16949:2002, and ISO 10012 measurement management system.
GMB Corporation, established in Japan, in 1943, is a manufacturer engaged in auto parts for the global the global automotive industry. The company's product range includes engine drive systems, transmission parts, drive line components, cooling systems, and electronic water pumps. In 1976 the company established the subsidiary GMB Universal Joints Inc. in the USA. In 1988, GMB Universal Joints Inc. and GMB Universal Joints (West) Inc. merged and had a new company name - GMB North America Inc.
JTEKT was born from the merger of bearing maker Koyo Seiko and machine tool maker Toyoda Machine Works. JTEKT focuses on environmental sustainability to create automotive-specific components as well as industry-agnostic components including sensors, gears, displays, storage devices, and hydraulic units. JTEKT also creates and designs machine tools and equipment necessary for machine production. JTEKT is also developing "internet of everything" (IoE) solutions for modern industry.
Carbon Light Pvt. Ltd., founded in 2021 and headquartered in Uttar Pradesh, India, is a manufacturer of carbon fiber composite components. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing carbon fiber composite components for various industrial, medical, aerospace, and defense applications. It offers a diverse product range, including carbon fiber drive shafts, laminated sheets, and tubes. With expertise in filament winding, roll wrapping, and pultrusion, The company excels as a carbon fiber composite manufacturer, providing solutions for UAV structures, drone parts, and assemblies.
Driveline Services of Portland, Inc., founded in 1974 and based in Portland, USA, is a distributor of driveshaft assemblies, parts, and repairs. The company specializes in driveshaft solutions for industrial power transmission, marine applications, and vehicles. Its products serve various industries, such as paper and steel mills, offshore vessels, and original equipment manufacturers. Its comprehensive support includes global parts, repair, and solutions for demanding driveline needs. The company is an authorized distributor for international brands like Spicer, GWB, Elbe, and others.
Pat's Driveline, established in 1975 and based in Canada, is a manufacturer and service provider in driveline manufacturing. The company excels in engineering and designing power transmission systems for diverse applications, including wastewater treatment plants and marine ventures. Its expertise extends to various applications, including steel, pulp, and marine environments. The company partners with famous manufacturers like GWB and Voith and meets the evolving needs of its clients in the oilfield, forestry, and agricultural sectors.
Mighty Co., Ltd. (MIGHTY CORPORATION, LTD.), established in 1973 with headquarters in Nagoya City, Japan, is a manufacturer of transmission parts and components. The company's product line includes universal joints, friction clutches, safety clutches, and transmission couplings. Its coupling and safety clutches are available for consumer devices and general machinery, as well as RoHS-compliant heavy-industry components. These products are used as parts for motors, industrial automation robots, and photocopying machines, among others. In 1982, the company obtained an API (American Petroleum Institute) license for its large oil pumping reducer.
EDS, established in 2002 and based in Germany, is a manufacturer and distributor of cardan shafts for automotive and industrial applications. The company’s product range includes main drive shafts and Scania drive shafts. Its expertise lies in its EDS and EDS PLUS brands, which provide a full range of original quality cardan shafts. The company also excels in offering bespoke solutions. Its products cater to various industries, from automotive to mechanical and plant engineering.
Dayton Clutch & Joint Inc. (DCJ Inc.), established in 1956 and based in the United States, is a manufacturer in the automotive and industrial component sectors. The company manufactures custom hoses and develops complete wet line systems in hydraulics. It specializes in producing, customizing, and repairing vehicle and industrial components for OEMs and walk-in customers. It also excels in custom cable assembly for all applications and offers cost-effective clutch rebuilding for diverse models, including vintage and agricultural. The company also provides quick-response driveline manufacturing and repair services, encompassing heavy-duty equipment, trucks, and personal vehicles.
Cyner Industrial Co. Ltd. was founded in 1978 in Taichung, Taiwan, and is a manufacturer, developer, and designer of various OEM parts. The company manufactures gears, shafts, and transmission parts for automobiles, motorcycles, electric cart parts, tractors, and machinery. It is a supplier for several major OEM factories in the global market, including in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company also designs high-precision products, including 250cc to 8,000cc gasoline and diesel engine parts, and is ISO-9001 certified.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | KWS Manufacturing Company Ltd |
16.7%
|
2 | Johnson Power, Ltd. |
10.7%
|
3 | Kalyani Group |
9.1%
|
4 | Cyner Industrial Co., Ltd. |
5.6%
|
5 | The Rowland Company |
5.6%
|
6 | Driveline Services of Portland, Inc. |
5.2%
|
7 | Accurate Bushing Co., Inc. |
5.2%
|
8 | JTEKT Corporation |
5.2%
|
9 | GMB CORPORATION |
4.8%
|
10 | Carbon Light Private Limited |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the drive shaft page as of November 2024. 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.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 6 | 40.0% |
Japan | 2 | 13.3% |
Germany | 1 | 6.7% |
Italy | 1 | 6.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 6.7% |
China | 1 | 6.7% |
India | 1 | 6.7% |
Portland | 1 | 6.7% |
Canada | 1 | 6.7% |
33 products are listed.
Nano Precision Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Fortune Cross (Thailand) also supplies motor shafts to the air conditioner and electrical field. It supports all kinds of metal shafts, from thick ...
Nano Precision Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
For automobiles, the axis of the in -vehicle motor is supplied. We supply precision shafts for various in -vehicle motors that require high -precis...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
100+ people viewing
The linear bearing exclusive axis is equivalent to the inner ring of the ball bearing, so various requirements such as dimension accuracy and hardn...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
The linear bearing exclusive axis is equivalent to the inner ring of the ball bearing, so various requirements such as dimension accuracy and hardn...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
The linear bearing exclusive axis is equivalent to the inner ring of the ball bearing, so various requirements such as dimension accuracy and hardn...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
The linear bearing exclusive axis is equivalent to the inner ring of the ball bearing, so various requirements such as dimension accuracy and hardn...