Product type
JFK rod ends
Precision and reliability for every application
Not sure which type is the right choice for you? The "Selection guide" section at the bottom of this page will help you identify the best solution for your application. Alternatively, contact us directly for technical assistance.
For transmitting loads through control rods and transmission systems with misalignment
Relubricable, maintenance-free, angular and straight ball joints: the complete range
JFK rod ends, also known as uniballs or spherical rod ends, are mechanical components with external or internal threads designed to transmit tensile and compressive loads without requiring perfect alignment. Thanks to their internal spherical surface, they allow angular and oscillating movements while accommodating misalignment between the connected components.
JFK Group offers relubricable and maintenance-free rod ends, as well as angular and linear spherical plain bearings. Available with right-hand or left-hand threads, in male and female versions, and in AISI 316 stainless steel on request. All sizes comply with DIN 648 K and UNI ISO 12240 standards.
For transmitting loads through control rods and transmission systems with misalignment
Relubricable, maintenance-free, angular and straight ball joints: the complete range
JFK rod ends, also known as uniballs or spherical rod ends, are mechanical components with external or internal threads designed to transmit tensile and compressive loads without requiring perfect alignment. Thanks to their internal spherical surface, they allow angular and oscillating movements while accommodating misalignment between the connected components.
JFK Group offers relubricable and maintenance-free rod ends, as well as angular and linear spherical plain bearings. Available with right-hand or left-hand threads, in male and female versions, and in AISI 316 stainless steel on request. All sizes comply with DIN 648 K and UNI ISO 12240 standards.
Find the product
Four types for every load transmission requirement
The four types of rod ends differ in terms of material combination, maintenance requirements and application range. The choice depends on the operating conditions, type of load and maintenance requirements.
JFK maintenance-free rod ends
PTFE lining between the spherical inner ring and the rod end body. Suitable for unidirectional and limited alternating loads, and for slow movements. Series: JMT (male), JFT (female).
JFK angular ball joints
For connecting perpendicular components while transmitting alternating forces and allowing angular movements at low speeds. Series: RBL..RS, SA (DIN 71802).
JFK straight ball joints
For connecting components that are aligned along the same axis. They accommodate lack of parallelism and concentricity in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. Series: RBI..RS.TECHNICAL COMPARISON
Which rod end for which application
Comparison by material combination and typical application. For specific sizing requirements, the JFK technical team is available for direct support.
| Type | Material combination | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Steel/steel relubricable | Steel/Steel | Alternating and shock loads |
| Steel/bronze relubricable | Steel/bronze | Alternating loads, adjustment thread |
| Maintenance-free | Steel/PTFE | Unidirectional loads, slow movements |
| Angular joint | Depending on design | Connection of perpendicular components |
| Linear joint | Depending on design | Hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder ends |
SELECTION GUIDE
Start by identifying the operating conditions
JFK rod ends cover a wide range of applications, from alternating and shock loads on transmission rods to angular and linear movements in complex mechanisms. Start by selecting the operating condition that best describes your application.
Alternating and shock loads
Steel/steel or steel/bronze versions for applications involving alternating and shock loads where periodic lubrication is available.
Clean or hard-to-reach environments
The PTFE lining eliminates the need for relubrication, making it ideal for unidirectional loads and slow movements in environments requiring cleanliness or where maintenance access is difficult.
Connection of perpendicular components
When the components to be connected form an angle with each other, angular joints transmit alternating forces while allowing angular movements at low speeds. Axial connection on cylinders
For axial connections requiring compensation for lack of parallelism and concentricity, typical of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder ends.
Have a specific requirement?
Haven’t found the right operating condition?
JFK’s technical team analyses loads, speeds and operating conditions to identify the right solution.