Increased Production of Constant Velocity Joints for Propeller Shafts

Production Capacity Worldwide to Double
North American Production to Increase 10-fold

NTN Corporation is significantly increasing the production capacity of Constant Velocity Joints (CVJs) for propeller shafts. Production facilities at NTN Driveshaft Inc. (Indiana, U.S.) and Iwata Works (Iwata-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) are being bolstered. With the increase at these production facilities, NTN's global production capacity will reach 600,000 units per month in FY2008, twice the current capacity. In North America, capacity will increase to 160,000 units per month, ten times the current production capacity. A capital investment of approximately 2 billion yen has been allocated for the build-up of production facilities.

Propeller shaft CVJs used in 4WD and independent rear suspension vehicles - have become popular replacements for the conventional Cardan Joint (CJ). Constant Velocity Joints provide a quieter and more comfortable ride. Constant Velocity Joints have long been used in vehicles in Japan, where consumer expectations regarding low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) in their cars has been required for many years. In recent years, however, overseas demand, particularly in North America, has skyrocketed.

NTN's approach to the production of propeller shaft CVJs is based on a global system with production centers in Japan and North America. Increased production will follow the principles of "local production" and "production at the most appropriate site in the world."

NTN has identified CVJs, including those for propeller shafts, as a strategic product and is concentrating its energies on boosting sales. Sales for the year ending March 2006 are expected to reach 129 billion yen, a 16 percent increase over the previous period. Our long-term vision is: "No. 1 in global market share in 2010." NTN will aggressively pursue effective measures to achieve this goal.

[Propeller Shaft-type CVJ (HEDJ with a Cutout Section)]

[About CVJs for Propeller Shafts]

Structurally, CVJ's for propeller shaft are basically the same as driveshaft CVJs. Both are made up of an outer and inner race, and rolling elements (balls or rollers). CVJs are divided into two types depending on use: fixed type (BJ) and sliding type (LJ, DOJ, TJ). Whereas driveshaft CVJs need to rotate at less than 3,000 min^-1, propeller shaft CVJs must achieve high-speed rotation capacities up to 10,000 min^-1.

NTN is developing and commercializing HEBJ, HLJ, HEDJ and HETJ (for propeller shaft use) under its E-series nomenclature. Compared to the conventional BJ, LJ, DOJ and TJ models that NTN has been producing to date, the E-series models have superior high efficiency, lightweight, compactness and high-speed rotation capacity, while maintaining load capacities and durability. In addition, environmental protection has been taken into consideration with the use of lead-free grease (specially made for propeller shafts) to lubricate these CVJs and a Hexavalent chromium-free material used on parts that require surface treatment.

[Structure of Propeller Shaft CVJs]

[Propeller Shaft with CVJ]

[About CVJs for Automobiles]

In front-engine, front-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, the differential gear and CVJ deliver torque from the engine to the front wheels. Due to vertical and longitudinal eccentricities between the differential gear center and the wheel center, CVJs always operate at variable angles. As the wheels are turned right or left and as the vehicle travels over uneven road surfaces, the joints must rotate at constantly changing angles. It is the driveshaft CVJ that allows the shaft to rotate at a constant velocity despite the various angles and allows for the smooth transfer of torque to the wheels.

NTN, through its constant pursuit of technological innovations, produces compact, lightweight and low-vibration CVJs of world-class quality.

Since starting production in 1963, NTN has responded to worldwide demand for CVJs through continual evolution of its products. To date, NTN has produced a total of over 300 million units. As of 2004, NTN holds 40 percent of the Japanese market and 20 percent of the global market, making it the world's second-largest producer of CVJs (based on NTN estimates).