The motor rotating shaft is horizontal, the travel pinion spin axis is also horizontal. The problem is that these axes aren’t aligned, they are parallel to each other. The Cardan Shaft redirects the travel shaft to the drive pinion without changing the path of rotation.
Widely used in industry, cardan shafts have proven practical in applications where space is limited-as well while in situations where an component in the device train (e.g. paper roll) might need to end up being actuated (dynamically positioned) to another position when the equipment are not jogging. The universal joint allows for limited movement without uncoupling. To make sure ample lubrication circulation, which in turn prevents the universal joints from seizing, cardan shafts are usually installed with an angle from four to six 6 degrees at the universal joints. Encounter, though, has proven that the position between your shafts of the driver and driven unit 
ought to be kept to the very least, preferably significantly less than 4.36 mrads (0.25 degrees). Preferably, the angles between your driver and powered shafts and the cardan shaft, proven as β1 and β2 in Fig. 1, would be equal. Geometrically, this would mean zero angularity existing between your driver and driven device: In other words, the shafts of the driver and powered machine would be parallel to each other.
Usually it consists of a tubular shaft, two sets of Universal Joints and glove system – ferrule stepper, among others. It is definitely a component of the transmission system, its function is usually to redirect the engine turning movements, after moving through the gearbox and the travel to the wheel, going right through the ‘planetary and satellite’ system etc.
Our specialised personnel will gladly help you find the proper universal joint for the application or will develop a suitable solution according to your specific requirements.
Cardan shaft, also referred to as cardinal shaft, is an element of torque transmission.