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Flexible shaft

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A flexible shaft is a clever tool. It helps two objects spin together. These objects are not fixed in one place. They might be far apart or move around. The shaft sends rotary motion from one part to the other. This makes it very useful for many jobs.

Flexible shaft motor
Flexible shaft motor

This tool works using a special wire. The wire can be a rope or a coil. It is flexible so it can bend easily. It also has torsional stiffness. This means it stays firm while it turns. Some shafts have a covering over the wire. This cover bends but it does not rotate.

Flexible shaft motor
Flexible shaft motor

Many different people use these shafts. Plumbers use them in tools called snakes. These snakes help clear out pipes. Dentists use them in their dental tools. People who make jewelry use them too. They are even used to power sheep shears.

Flexible shaft motor
Flexible shaft motor

These tools can do many types of work. Some shafts carry a lot of power. Other shafts only carry motion. They might carry very little power at all. They can also connect knobs to electronic parts. These parts are called potentiometers. They help change how a machine works.

Flexible shaft motor
Flexible shaft motor

You might see these tools in many places. They are common in the jewelry industry. You can find them in many industrial jobs. They are also used in handheld rotary tools. Some rotary tools even have a remote motor. This makes them flexible shaft tools.

Flexible shaft motor
Flexible shaft motor
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