Rod Ends

By Author: Salvatore Andrea
Total Articles: 6261
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Rod Ends – their History and Development
When German aircrafts were seized during World War II, Allied Forces discovered a new part on the planes: a spherical rod end fashioned by airplane designer Willy Messerschmitt. The United States firm H.G. Heim Company was commissioned to create reproductions of the aircraft attachment that enabled German planes to outmaneuver their Allied counterparts. The device was later named the Heim joint, known today as a rod end.
Types of Rod Ends
There are two main types of rod ends: male and female. A male rod end has an outer body thread and enables metal-to-metal connection between position segments. The female rod end has inner threads and enables the same type of connection. Both types are available in various sizes for different purposes. Rod ends are generally made of metal alloys, with most having hard chrome or zinc plating. Both types are designed to be self-lubricating.
Rod ends and their Uses
Female rod ends are typically used in heavy industrial machines and for light to medium mechanical applications. Vehicles used in agricultural, construction and ...
... recreational transport systems usually have female rod ends. The male rod end is used for the same purposes; however, it is mainly used for applications requiring extreme precision control.
Characteristics of a Good Rod End
Rod ends, because they play a major role in a vehicle's steering, always should be lubricated. Without proper lubrication, a driver will find it difficult to steer the vehicle, and the rod end will become deformed. The rod end's casing should be non-penetrable by debris and other small particles, because that may cause the bearings to corrode. Rod ends should be manufactured as a single-piece rod, with the bearing components as the only moveable part. This can be achieved by heat treatments to help ensure its durability and resistance to deformity
As you can see there is so much more to rod ends and also to ball joints, if you would like more information then this can be found by entering the keywords ‘rod ends’ into an internet search engine. This search will allow you to search through a wide and varied search result.