100+ Years experience design & manufacturing of Flexible Drive
Flexible Drive & Tool designs and manufactures flexible shaft inner cores for power transmission, remote control and specialist industrial applications.
An inner core is formed from layers of high-tensile steel wire wound in alternate directions to combine torque transmission with flexibility. Core diameters from 3.4 mm to 22 mm are available, with layer construction and heat treatment selected for the required mechanical properties.
The wire lay is normally matched to the direction of rotation. Operating against the intended lay can reduce torque capacity by up to 30%. Right-hand, left-hand and bidirectional inner cores are available.
Core size should be selected for the power source, operating torque, speed and any sudden load changes.
Flexible power-drive assemblies are commonly between 5 and 10 metres. Remote-control applications can be longer, and inner core can also be supplied in drum quantities subject to diameter and manufacturing limits.
Bend radius and the number of bends affect power transmission. Tight bends increase friction and can generate heat, especially at higher speeds. The correct radius depends on the complete core and casing assembly.
