How does a flexible shaft work? Flexible shafts are made of layers of high-tensile wire wound over each other at opposing pitch angles. When torque is applied to the flexible shaft, the wire layers expand or contract depending on the direction of the rotation.
What is shaft flex and why does it matter?
Mitsubishi Rayon (MRC) and Fujikura told us about how shaft flex is a guideline for connecting swing speed to a particular shaft. Regardless of the semantics, we’re talking about the flexibility of the shaft . A shaft that’s X-Stiff will be very rigid and hard to bend. A shaft that’s Senior or A-Flex will be very loose and easy to bend.
What happens when torque is applied to a flexible shaft?
When torque is applied to the flexible shaft, the wire layers expand or contract depending on the direction of the rotation. If the torque causes the outer layer to contract, the layer underneath will expand.
Which golf shaft flex do I Need?
Determining which golf shaft flex your need (stiff, regular, senior, etc.) requires club fitting and testing. Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex.
When should you flex your shafts?
If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex. If your swing speed is faster than 95 mph, then you should try a stiff shaft.

What is a flexible drive shaft?
A “Flexible Drive Shaft Assembly” consists of a rotating shaft (sometimes called a core) with end fittings for attachment to the driving and driven mating parts. A protective outer casing is used when necessary. This casing has its own fittings, called ferrules, which keep it stationary during use.
What is a flex shaft used for in jewelry?
The flex shaft is a motorized machine designed to assist with drilling, cutting, carving, and polishing jewelry. This article will familiarize novice jewelers with basic options and attachments for this versatile tool.
What are rotary shafts used for?
They are commonly used with food processors, cement manufacturers, and electric vehicles. More specifically, rotary shaft seals create a seal around the shafts of: Screw conveyors.
What is a flex shaft for rotary tool?
A flex shaft rotary tool separates the motor and the handpiece (the business end that holds the bits) by means of a flexible shaft, usually around three feet long. The speed is most commonly controlled by foot pedal, though you can also find models with hand dials.
How do you polish a flex shaft?
5:0818:07How To Polish Anything With A Dremel or Flex Shaft - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf we're using the flex shaft and we're gonna be using some small little hard calico mops like thisMoreIf we're using the flex shaft and we're gonna be using some small little hard calico mops like this calico mops.
How do you use a flexible shaft grinder?
0:281:39How to put a Flex Shaft on a Rotary Tool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've inserted the core tighten the nut back up all while continuously pressing down on theMoreOnce you've inserted the core tighten the nut back up all while continuously pressing down on the collet lock button use the included wrench to ensure that the flex shaft does not come loose.
What is flex shaft made from?
A flexible shaft is a device for transmitting rotary motion between two objects which are not fixed relative to one another. It consists of a rotating wire rope or coil which is flexible but has some torsional stiffness. It may or may not have a covering, which also bends but does not rotate.
What are linear shafts used for?
A linear shaft is used when a sliding motion is needed, especially when that motion needs to be guided and fine-tuned. The loads and requirements of the motion dictate the shaft size and precision.
Does bearing rotate with shaft?
Bearings are "parts that assist objects' rotation". They support the shaft that rotates inside the machinery.
How do I fix my flex shaft?
2:386:06Dremel flexshaft cheep repair, repair your dremel flex shaft for ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a hole there look it locks that up turn it off change your bird put your new bird tighten itMoreThere's a hole there look it locks that up turn it off change your bird put your new bird tighten it up you're good to go see out done so there's no shaft in this right now because I broke. It.
How do you maintain a Dremel flex shaft?
1:445:47How-to Maintain your Flex Shaft - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt when you buy a flex shaft it will come with a set though. So go ahead and tuck that back in it'sMoreIt when you buy a flex shaft it will come with a set though. So go ahead and tuck that back in it's spring loaded. So you need to push it down in there place the cap.
How does a flexible shaft work?
When the shaft is bent, wires within the layers exert forces on each other causing internal friction — part of the dynamic process of transmitting torque through a curve. As the bend radius gets smaller, internal friction increases.
Why use flexible shafts?
System designers opt for flexible shafts when rigid shafts just won’t work. But flexible shafts also eliminate alignment problems because they do not require tight tolerances. This gives designers more options when positioning motor and drive components, and they permit a full 180° offset while maintaining efficiency.
Why are rotary motion devices engineered?
Conventional rotary-motion devices must be engineered early on because of their rigidness, defined configurations, and large mass. One-piece flexible shafts permit greater design freedom because they eliminate the complex coordination of multiple components.
How much offset does a flexible shaft have?
Engineers can use flexible couplings or universal joints, but they allow only 5 to 30° offset and reduce efficiency by 40 to 50%. Flexible shafts in general are 85 to 95% efficient, which is typically better than gears, universal joints, and belts and pulleys, which lose efficiency because of higher frictional losses.
What determines the diameter of a flexible shaft?
Torque will determine the shaft diameter and its construction. A larger diameter typically equates to higher torque capacity. A flexible shaft is made of layers of wires. The number of layers, the number of wires per layer, and the size of the wires within each layer are all variables in flexible-shaft construction.
What are the variables to consider when designing a flexible shaft?
Regardless of the application, the most important variables to consider when choosing or designing a flexible shaft are the torque, directional operation, minimum bend radius, deflection, and speed. In some applications it is useful to additionally determine the point of helix and axial stretch. Keep in mind for any application the operating environment could change the type of material chosen as well as other design elements.
What happens when torque is applied to a flexible shaft?
When torque is applied to the flexible shaft, the wire layers expand or contract depending on the direction of the rotation. If the torque causes the outer layer to contract, the layer underneath will expand.
Description
Flexible shafts provide rotary power transmission along curved or adjustable axes. They are used in a wide variety of remote control, valve actuation, and power transmission applications.
Types
Unidirectional shafts rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as viewed from the motor or drive-end of the shaft. They are used for power transmission along non-linear axes in industrial automation, heavy-duty, and specialized applications such as agricultural equipment, speedometers, dentistry, woodworking, and jewelry tools.
Applications and Materials
Flexible shafts differ in terms of materials and applications. Most products are made of
Related Standards
DIN 75532-1 - Transmission of rotary motions; types of connection to gears, intermediate gears, flexible gears, fexible drive shafts and equpment
What is shaft flex?
Mitsubishi Rayon (MRC) and Fujikura told us about how shaft flex is a guideline for connecting swing speed to a particular shaft.
How to measure shaft flex?
The most common way is to clamp the butt end of the shaft, attach a weight to the tip, displace it, and measure the CPM (cycles per minute) or frequency that the shaft oscillates . This can also be done in reverse – clamp the tip and weight and displace the butt.
Is there a standard way to measure flex?
Given that there’s not a standard way of measuring flex, you can correctly assume that there is no standard for labeling flex either. What one manufacturer calls “stiff” might be “regular” to another. This is why they universally emphasize the importance of fitting.
Is flex only one part of the equation?
While they didn’t agree on much, every shaft manufacturer that we spoke to said that flex is only one part of the equation . MRC noted that torque values will vary widely from model to model, and that has a big impact on performance.
How to determine golf shaft flex?
Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex. If your swing speed is faster than 95 mph, then you should try a stiff shaft.
What to know about golf shafts?
In today’s guide we will review everything you need to know about golf shafts. Picking out the proper golf shaft is very important as it will impact several components of your golf swing. For example, picking the wrong golf shaft flex can cause you to hook or slice the golf ball. It also can hinder the total distance the ball flies by having too much spin or too low of launch. But don’t worry, at the end of reading today’s guide you’ll be much more educated on the buying process and how to pick out the right golf shaft. Lets Get Started!
What is the best shaft for golf?
Steel – A steel golf shaft is usually stronger and more durable (less likely to snap) than a graphite shaft. It’s also less expensive and sometimes stainless steel is used in the creation of the steel shaft. There is also two variations, stepped steel and rifle steel.
Why does my golf shaft have a slice?
When the golf shaft is too stiff, it doesn’t unload properly at impact. This can lead to the face staying open and result in a slice golf shot. Beware, a slice isn’t always an indication the shaft is too stiff so if you already have a slice, it could be caused by another fault in your golf swing.
What shafts do golfers use?
For most golfers, a graphite shaft works great. Most iron sets are made with graphite shafts as well so you get that material type by default usually unless you specifically seek out steel shafted irons. With steel shafts, you may find that golf shots are easier to control.
Why do golf clubs have shafts?
During the golf swing the shaft causes deflection (bend) that causes the clubhead to be in a forward and toe downward position relative to the grip of the club.
What is the most common shaft material used in golf clubs?
Graphite Shafts. Graphite – this type of shaft is usually lighter weight compared to a steel shaft but it’s less durable and more expensive to make. Graphite is one of the most common shaft types used in golf clubs and can arguably be considered the main shaft material used, beating out steel.
