Belden introduces corrosion-resistant universal joints and drive shaft assemblies for the packaging and conveying industry. According to a company press release, joints can be manufactured to withstand the corrosive environment found in packaging, conveying and food applications while meeting the standards set by these industries. Heavy duty, high strength and needle bearing universal joints from Belden fit applications such as casing, wrapping, labelling, marking, placing, bottling, canning and inserting. Machined from stainless steel, the universal joints are resistant to sterilizing solutions, nitric acid, inorganic chemicals, foods, and to most organic chemicals and dyes. Stainless steel universal joints offer durability and versatility in any equipment or machine running in harsh environments or exposed to a washdown or water for long periods of time, even in the most extreme operating conditions. The single universal joint design can be modified to make double-butted or true compact double universal joints as well as complete drive shaft assemblies with a telescoping feature for easy- on/easy-off installation. Needle bearing universal joints provide precise positioning and operate continuously at high speeds. Hub materials are available in various grades of stainless steel including 303, 304 and 316. Bores can be customized for any inside diameter and depth to attain a blind configuration, preventing shaft penetration into the center joint components and added protection against contamination. The universal joint assembly can also be passivated to remove impurities. Universal joints can be manufactured in both inch and metric sizes and operating angles up to 35°.