Flexible Shaft

A flexible shaft is a device for transmitting rotary motion between two objects which are not fixed relative to one another. The flexible shaft consists of the inner core, the protective outer casing and the connecting parts. The inner core consists of layers of high tensile steel wire, which is flexible but has some torsional stiffness, alternate layers being wound in opposite directions to provide flexibility. And the outer casing is designed to provide protection for the Inner Core, the size and type of outer casing chosen will depend on the anticipated working conditions and core diameter. The typical high power drive outer casing is built up as follows: Spring Steel liner, Oil-resistant Rubber impregnated fabric, Brass coated Steel wire braid reinforcement and Rubber outer cover.

Flexible shaft are popular accessories for handheld rotary tools, and integral parts of rotary tools with a remote motor, which are called "flexible shaft tools". They are used to transmit power to some working parts. They are also sold to connect panel knobs to remote potentiometers or other variable electronic components. Applications include the remote control of valves, abattoir knife drives, failsafe systems in elevators, aircraft thrust reversers, automotive powered seats and tacho cables, concrete vibrator, flexible shaft submersible pump,brush cutters.