Elliott Manufacturing | Defense

DEFENSE

Choose our precision-manufactured products designed to meet military standards.

Our Products

FLEXIBLE SHAFTS

Flexible shafts can transmit rotary motion over, under and around obstacles where a solid shaft cannot be used. Elliott flex shafts have a unique, robust design that addresses the special conditions that occur in military operations, like extreme temperature ranges, chemicals, moisture, salt spray, intense torque load and continuous operation at high speeds.

Flex shafts are available in a broad range of materials, core constructions and sizes. Elliott also can design and produce complex parts, including unique interface designs.

CONTROL CABLES

Elliott control cable assemblies are available in countless variations including groove or bulkhead end configurations. Among our standard end fittings, we offer built-in swivels that allow for an 8-degree deflection on each side of center, with a conical deflection of nearly 20 degrees in total to accommodate control arm movement. Control cables are available in 30-, 40-, 60- and 80-series cables.

Cable size is determined within our engineering department, through testing, experience and based on the length of the cable, normal and extreme usage, resistance, operating life and conditions.

REMOTE VALVE ACTUATION

This operation system (also known as Uniflex-Stow), is a comprehensive solution for remote operation of valves, allowing the point of operation to be better located in a safe or convenient place. It is a simple alternative to a powered (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic) actuator.

Our system has:

  • No exposed moving parts
  • Valves that can operate virtually anywhere, even under water.
  • A minimum number of moving components
  • A remote valve position indicator
  • An easy installation process, with minimal engineering and no special tools needed

Elliott’s remote valve products can be used as primary or back-up systems and are ideal for under-water or other hazardous environments.

Why choose an Elliott design?

Elliott produces flex shafts to highly exacting standards, and we use state-of-the-art, ultra-precision manufacturing through our CNC machine tools and multi-axis lathes. The integration of these capabilities ensures cost-effective production, shortened lead times and the quality to meet military standards.

Elliott has extensive engineering expertise, from concept, design and development (life, performance and validation testing) to the ability to design and produce complex parts, including unique interface designs. We offer a broad range of materials, core constructions and sizes.

With more than 75 years of industry experience, you can depend on Elliott for established performance and reliability. We are a leader in innovative, technological advancements to optimize efficient performance, including materials, methods, coatings, lubricants, tribology and interfaces, plus we are ISO and AS9000 certified.

Customer Resources

Defense: Choosing the best system for your valve operation

Defense: Choosing the best system for your valve operation

When choosing an effective and efficient valve operation system, it’s important to consider data such as valve torque and type, number of turns required for valve operation and the preferred connection to the valve. Review our valve operation materials and datasheet.

Defense: Flex Shafts in Action

Defense: Flex Shafts in Action

Elliott’s dependable flexible shafts are used in a range of applications. Our products will solve your power transmission problems when direct alignment is an issue.

Defense: Solutions Guide

Defense: Solutions Guide

Reduce your design time and safely lower your assembly and maintenance costs without the use of exposed universal joints, gears, pulleys or couplings. Consider Elliott flexible shafts early in your design process to take full advantage of our ability to solve demanding drive problems efficiently and economically.

FAQs

Visit our FAQ page to learn more.

What is a flex shaft?

A flex shaft is a complete mechanism capable of transmitting rotary power or motion between two points that need not be co-linear. Flex shafts are available in a wide range of configurations and materials to meet your needs. Flex shafts are very durable and can operate in demanding environments, even if continuous operation at very high speed is required. There are two primary types of flex shafts:

  • Power drive: Designed for continuous operation at speeds exceeding 100 RPM where torque is carried in one direction of rotation. It may also be used where intermittent operation is an application requirement.
  • Remote control: Designed for intermittent operation at speeds of 100 RPM or less. Remote Control Flex Shafts generally handle higher torque loads than Power Drive Flex Shafts and can rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise without adverse effects.
What are the parts of a flex shaft?

Generally, a flex shaft is made up of the following:

  • Core: Wire wound in layers in opposing directions around a center wire.
  • Casing: Flexible conduit that supports the core during operation. Many of Elliott’s flex shafts come with a casing comprised of a steel liner, steel and cloth reinforcing braids and an elastomer cover.
  • Motor connection: This is what attaches the flex shaft to a power source. There are many different motor connections ranging from the simple single fitting to a more complex multi-faceted system.
  • Fitting: A core fitting is attached directly to the core to mate to the power source.
  • Ferrule: A ferrule attaches to the casing to support it in a uniform bend and to keep it from rotating.

Some systems will have each of these components while others may only have a few.

Would a flex shaft work in my system?

We can help you determine if the torque, speed and environment of your application are appropriate for a flex shaft. Visit our Markets pages to learn more about how our products are used.

What should I know before speaking to an application engineer?

Our Core Specifications is a good place to start. You should know the power you need to transmit, operating speed, direction of rotation, minimum bend radius and torsional deflection. We can figure it out for you if you need help.

Contact Elliott

Can’t find the answer to your question or need more detail? Elliott’s customer service team is here to support you. Please contact us for assistance.