Belden now offers corrosion resistant universal joints and complete shaft assemblies for ultra high vacuum (UHV) applications. For use in a UHV environment, special materials, extreme cleanliness and baking of the entire system to remove traces of water and gases is required. In UHV chambers, universal joints are often used for the handling or operating mechanisms that manipulate or move materials that are researched or modified in these chambers, or to control the process that is used for that.
Universal joints and complete shaft assemblies are manufactured from a variety of stainless steel grades, including AISI 303 (1.4305), 304 (1.4301) and 316L (1.4404) to prevent outgassing. Outgassing is a major issue for UHV systems and can be minimized by utilizing materials with low vapor pressure such as stainless steel. The yokes of the universal joints as well as the pins and block are machined from the same selected stainless steel material. The joint can be supplied free of grease and lubricants to minimize the effort necessary to clean the parts for installation. Lubricants and a wide range of plastics are not permitted in UHV applications since the outgas of these materials hinders establishing ultra high vacuum.
Belden's specialty is custom assemblies made to specific applications and exact operating criteria. Belden provides an extensive line of precision engineered universal joints with complete shaft assemblies for a wide range of applications.
