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This section provides an overview for universal joints as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 40 universal joint manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked universal joint companies as of December, 2024: 1.G&G Manufacturing Co., 2.J.W. Winco, Inc., 3.GMB CORPORATION.
Table of Contents
A universal joint is a joint that connects two rotating shafts or pipes. enabling them to rotate freely even when the shafts are not concentric (meaning their longitudinal centers are not the same) or when there is an angle between them. The term "universal joint" is also used as a synonym.
For example, drive shafts that transmit power are installed in a limited installation space, so there are cases where the shafts cannot be concentric with each other. By using a universal joint, a drive shaft and a driven shaft can be connected.
Universal joints are used in situations where two rotating shafts or tubes cannot be joined concentrically due to structural or installation space limitations.
Examples of universal joints include propeller shafts and drive shafts in automobiles, steering wheels, steering shafts, and steering gearboxes.
Universal joints are also used when pipes are not concentric with each other but are at an angle.
In universal joints, the shaft centers of the two pipes are inclined at an angle α. When shaft 1 (drive side) rotates at a constant angular velocity ω1, shaft 2 (driven side) rotates at an angular velocity ω2, calculated by the following equation:
(θ = angle of rotation of shaft 1)
ω2=(COS α / (1-SIN2 θ x SIN2 α)) x ω1
Between Shafts 1 and 2 of a single universal joint, the speed increase and decrease are repeated every half revolution, and constant speed rotation is not achieved. Therefore, when a single universal joint is used, it is used only for applications where this unequal speed is not so important.
When three shafts, shaft 1, shaft 2, and shaft 3, are arranged in the same phase in a row with two universal joints, this unequal velocity is canceled out between Shaft 1 and Shaft 3, resulting in constant velocity.
Typical types of universal joints are as follows:
This type of joint consists of two shafts that are split at one end (U-shape), and a metal fitting with pins arranged in a cross shape is inserted in the two shafts.
One shaft incorporates an "outer race" and the other an "inner race." Grooves are machined on the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race, which are connected by both races, for the placement of steel balls.
The movement of the steel balls allows the transmission of rotational speed even if the shafts are angled toward each other. Even when the Barfield-type shaft coupling is used singly, shafts 1 and 2 rotate at a constant speed.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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SDP/SI was founded in 1950 and is situated in New Hyde Park, New York. SDPP/SI is a manufacturer of precision gears and high-quality mechanical components used in the aerospace, industrial manufacturing, medical technology, and robotics fields. The company manufactures parts in a variety of materials including alloy steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, nylon, and titanium. The company also provides coating services such as heat treating, zinc plating, and painting. Additional custom options are available including manufacturing to customer drawings and specifications.
J.W. Winco was originally founded as Ganter in 1894 in Germany. Winco specializes in parts manufacturing. Parts offerings the operating parts segment including handles, adjusting, and positioning parts; clamping parts segment featuring tensioning, clamping, switching, and levers; and finally the machine parts segment with indexing, locking, mounting, connecting elements, guides, spindles, rollers, magnets, casters, and wheels. Winco’s complete catalog contains over 75,000 standard parts. Winco is also ISO 9001 certified. Winco offers free CAD downloads and technical documentation for many arts.
Ondrives US, founded in Freeport, NY, in 2011 is a manufacturer of standard, modified, and custom precision gears, gearboxes, pulleys and mechanical components. The company's product portfolio includes gear hobblers, gear shapers, CNC vertical mills, bar fed CNC lathes and laser engraving. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including two dimensional drawings of 3D CAD models, product selection, national distribution and customer support.
G&G Manufacturing Co. is an American manufacturer of power transmission products and parts that was founded in 1943. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the company produces over 3,500 standard transmission components including light duty sheaves and bushings, sprockets, power take-off (PTO) drivelines, and roller chains. These are used by clients in the material handling, military, mining, and agricultural sectors. G&G also offers engineering and fabrication services for customer projects that have unique specifications.
Lovejoy was founded in the 1920s and is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois as a subsidiary of Timken. The company is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of couplings, universal joints, hydraulics, and vibration demeaning products serving customers located around the world in the energy, fluid power, food & beverage, and paper & steel industries. The company carries many types of couplings including grid, flexible, disc, and gear type and is the inventor of jaw type couplings.
Ruland Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The ISO 9001:2015-certified company began by creating a wide range of products such as bicycle tire pumps and various fittings. The company pivoted strategies in the 1970s to manufacture fittings such as shaft collars and couplings, which are now used in medical devices, robotic systems, food processing, and in machine tools. The company’s current product list includes machine components, rubber bumpers, rollers, couplings, and indexing plungers.
Atlanta Drive Systems, founded in 1943 and located in Farmingdale, New Jersey, is a supplier of drive systems. The company’s broad range of products includes gear racks, pinion ears, servo reducers, linear actuators, and washdown gearboxes. These products play a fundamental role in automation and robotics for precise and controlled movement, industrial machinery for applications like material handling and manufacturing, motion control for regulating speed and torque, linear motion systems for accurate positioning, and the food and beverage industry. The company’s products are used to enable precise movement, control, and efficiency in mechanical and automated systems across diverse sectors.
GMB, founded in 1943 with headquarters in the USA, is a global manufacturer of OEM and aftermarket automotive parts, components, and accessories. The company's extensive product line includes car batteries, electric water pumps, fan clutches, timing belt kits with water pumps, and universal joints. GMB brand auto parts are available to consumers through a diverse range of suppliers, including Amazon, Auto Parts Warehouse, Auto Tech Warehouse, Mizumo Auto Parts, and Summit Racing. Wholesale product supply is available through AutoBarn, AutoPride, Cold Air Distributors, Fisher Auto Parts, and many more distributors.
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.
Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA is a manufacturer of a wide range of products and solutions across various industries based in Germany. Established in 1867, the company operates in multiple sectors, including energy, oil and gas, power, raw materials, paper, transport, and automotive. This wide industry scope allows the company to provide a diverse range of solutions tailored to different market needs. Its product portfolio includes hydropower generation, advanced drive systems, paper machines, bulk material handling equipment, transmission and drivetrain systems, and various automotive components.
CCTY Bearing Company, founded in 1996, and headquartered in Zhenjiang, China, is a manufacturer of bearings and assemblies. Its comprehensive range includes ball joints, spherical plain bearings, rod ends, mast guide bearings, as well as metallic & self-lubricating bushings, providing smooth movement, stability, and reduced friction in mechanical systems for efficient functioning and performance of equipment across different sectors such as agriculture, automotive, construction, mining, and transportation. Notably, their quality management systems hold ISO 9001 and TS certification.
IMADA, founded in Japan, in 1947 is a manufacturer of force gauges and Force Measurement related equipment. The company's product portfolio includes Load Cells (Force Sensors), Force Test Stands, Torque Testers, Torque Test Stands Attachments, and Grips & Fixtures. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. They also provide services such as technical and commercial consultation of force measurement products, repair, calibration and global distribution.
Hangzhou Ocean Industry Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer and a supplier of transmission spare parts, headquartered in Century City District, Hangzhou, China. The company offers a full range of products, including chains, sprockets, couplings, timing pulleys, and V-belt pulleys. Additionally, it provides shafts, gears, gear racks, and various other transmission spare parts. All of its production procedures adhere to ISO9002 standards. Moreover, it possess the capability to design and manufacture non-standard products to fulfill specific customer requirements.
NDE Clarke Pitchline Limited, established in 1973 and headquartered in Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of power transmission parts and components. The company's main products include universal drive shafts, gear couplings, and gear spindles. It also offers a range of machining services, which include gear and spline hobbing, gear shaping, and keyway cutting for one-off production and large volumes. The company's services include engineering, obsolete part sourcing, and driveshaft and prop-shaft restoration and repair.
SIT S.p.A., founded in 1968, and based in Cusago, Italy, is a manufacturer of industrial automation products and systems. The company offers a diverse product portfolio, featuring poly-V belt drives, timing belts, V pulleys, couplings, and rod ends. These components find applications in power transmission, enhancing productivity and reliability in industrial processes. The company is known for its certifications, such as ISO 9001 and VISION 2000, underscoring its adherance to quality and sustainability through partnerships like EcoVadis.
SYZ MACHINE, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer of suspension components for aircrafts, automobile, boats, industrial machines and many others. The company's range of suspension components include ball joints, suspension arms, linkage suspension, various rod ends and related products like spherical balls and bearings, jam nuts and rebuildable flex joints. The company also offers custom parts and custom machining services like CNC machining, stamping, bending, welding and laser cutting based on a product sample or a drawing. The company's infrastructure facility includes R&D, engineering and prototyping as well as shock assembly, dynamometer testing and pull testing facility.
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.
KTR Systems GmbH, established in 1959, is a manufacturer headquartered in Rheine, Germany, specializing in industrial drive technology. The company offers a range of mechanical components for drive technology, including couplings and torque limiters, designed to enhance energy efficiency and power density. In 2014, KTR Brake Systems GmbH was established as a subsidiary, offering hydraulic brake systems known as KTR-STOP and electromechanical brake systems called EMB-STOP. Additionally, KTR Systems develops hydraulic components and provides cooling systems for stationary hydraulics and mobile machines. The company's products are utilized in various industries, including the wind power, agriculture, machine tools, and automation sectors.
W M Berg, founded in 1967 and based in Cudahy, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision industrial parts. The company delivers ISO 9001:2015 certified products and services, including assemblies, bearings, belts & chains, couplings & shafts, gears, fasteners & hardware, pulleys & sprockets and more. W M Berg provides designing, developing, manufacturing and testing facilities to its clients in the aerospace, medical and motion control industries. Its distributors include Applied Industrial Technology and Motion Industries.
Oren Elliott Products Inc., established in 1925 and is based in Ohio, United States, is a manufacturer of air-dielectric variable capacitors. The company offers a wide range of products, including air and vacuum variable capacitors, planetary reduction drives, vacuum tubes, and custom sub-assemblies. It's products are used in various applications, including microchip fabrication equipment, optical and cryogenic level meters, and radio frequency test equipment. Its Plant II facilities include CNC lathes, CNC vertical machining centers, and CNC and conventional Swiss screw machines.
Renold Canada Ltd. is based in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, and is a manufacturer of power transmission products established in 1920 as a subsidiary of Britain's Renold Plc. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of parts used for power transmissions. These include engineering chains, helical gears, and couplings used for vibration damping. The company also offers equipment for material handling or material separation, and customization options for skids and modules. It serves clients in the oil and gas, mining, and renewable energy 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.
Nakamura Jico Co., Ltd. (NJC) is a Tokyo-based, ISO-9001 certified manufacturer of heat exchangers, universal joints and rolling stock parts that was founded in 1929. The company offers a wide range of products including diesel vehicle parts like hydraulic transmissions, bogie parts like oil dampers, passenger cabin equipment, and other devices like safety fittings. NJC also offers design and repair services to clients in the railway, industrial machinery, marine, and chemical industries.
Technische Antriebselemente GmbH, established in 1964 and located in Hamburg, Germany, is a that provides technical drive elements and linear guiding systems. The company products include linear guides, roller guides, cam followers, ball screws, linear tables, and more. It also provides linear actuators and linear motors. Its products offer a reduction of energy consumption with motors from JVL. Moreover, it has achieved ISO 9001 certification. It is in the industry of engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing.
Princess Auto Ltd., founded in 1933 and based in Winnipeg, Canada, is a supplier of an assortment of tools and equipment with over 50 stores across Canada. In 1977, it opened its first store in Edmonton, Alberta, and became a retailer. The company serves several workers, including inventors, farmers, and tradespeople and stocks products such as outdoor power equipment, hand tools, and hydraulics. It sells items from several brands, such as Dealer’s Choice, Braber Equipment, and King Canada, and it also has a foundation that provides financial assistance to trades students enrolled at Canadian colleges.
ATB Automation, a company founded in 1950, based in Mijdrecht, Netherlands, is a supplier of power transmission and motion control components for automation and engineering. The company offers various products such as slewing ring bearings, oscillating mountings, tensioner devices, spiral bevel gearboxes, servo gears and electromechanical actuators. These products are designed to meet the needs of the customers in various sectors such as aerospace, marine, food and power. It offers customer services that include system solutions, digital printing, graphic design and engineering support.
Universal Technical Services, established in 1886 and based in Woods Chapel Rd, USA, is a distributor and supplier of drive shafts and power transmission components. The company's product range includes high-tensile strength universal joints, premium shafts, large industrial drive shafts, gear couplings, and brand-name universal joints and couplings. These products are used to ensure smooth power transmission across various equipment and machinery. It serves the metal processing, paper, industrial, marine, military, and agriculture industries. The company also offers solutions ranging from full replacements and repairs to custom builds, ensuring optimal power transmission for diverse applications.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G&G Manufacturing Co. |
7.0%
|
| 2 | J.W. Winco, Inc. |
6.3%
|
| 3 | GMB CORPORATION |
5.6%
|
| 4 | Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. |
4.6%
|
| 5 | Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument - SDP/SI |
4.6%
|
| 6 | Renold Canada |
4.2%
|
| 7 | GMB North America |
4.2%
|
| 8 | DRiV Incorporated |
3.9%
|
| 9 | Machine Service, Inc. |
3.5%
|
| 10 | Borgeson Universal Company |
3.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the universal joint page as of December 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
|
14 | 46.7% |
|
China
|
4 | 13.3% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 10.0% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 6.7% |
|
Italy
|
2 | 6.7% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 3.3% |
Australia
|
1 | 3.3% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 3.3% |
Netherlands
|
1 | 3.3% |
India
|
1 | 3.3% |
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