Line shafts (distance couplings)
Connecting shaft, distance coupling, cardan shaft up to 6m

HA-CO Connecting Shafts
Flexible distance couplings for bridging large shaft distances
When two drive components are positioned at a greater distance from each other, a reliable and precise connection between the shafts is essential. HA-CO connecting shafts are designed for applications where centre-to-centre distances of up to six metres need to be bridged.
The product range includes different coupling types and materials. A key common feature is the use of an intermediate tube with variable length. This allows the connecting shaft to be optimally adapted to the specific dimensions and technical requirements of the machine.
Depending on the version, the connecting shafts can be used as backlash-free distance couplings, connecting shafts, universal-joint shafts or synchronous shafts.
What is a HA-CO connecting shaft?
A connecting shaft is a mechanical drive solution used to connect two shafts positioned at a distance from each other.
HA-CO connecting shafts use an intermediate tube whose length can be adapted to the specific application.
This makes it possible to bridge relatively large centre-to-centre distances without requiring a conventional intermediate shaft construction with several additional bearing points.
A HA-CO connecting shaft can be used for:
Bridging large centre-to-centre distances.
Connecting two drive components positioned at a distance from each other.
Creating a backlash-free distance connection.
Synchronising two shafts.
Compensating for certain types of misalignment.
Simplifying long drive connections.
German quality from HA-CO
The connecting shafts from HA-CO GmbH are developed for demanding applications in industrial drive technology and mechanical engineering.
HA-CO focuses on high-quality mechanical components and drive solutions where precision, reliability and long service life are important.
By combining different coupling types, materials and variable-length intermediate tubes, the connecting shafts can be adapted to a wide range of machine designs.
OpenSupply supplies high-quality HA-CO connecting shafts and drive components to companies looking for reliable solutions for complex drive systems.
Key benefits
HA-CO connecting shafts combine a large bridging distance with a flexible and compact construction.
The main benefits include:
Large centre-to-centre distances – suitable for bridging distances of up to six metres.
Variable-length intermediate tube – the length can be adapted to the specific application.
Backlash-free design – depending on the selected coupling type, precise and backlash-free torque transmission can be achieved.
Flexible configuration – different coupling types and materials are available.
Misalignment compensation – particularly suitable for compensating significant parallel misalignment.
Fewer bearing points – in many applications, a conventional intermediate shaft construction with additional intermediate bearings can be avoided.
Compact drive solution – suitable for long connections without a complex construction.
Precise torque transmission – suitable for applications where reliable synchronisation is important.
Versatile use – can be used as a distance coupling, connecting shaft, universal-joint shaft or synchronous shaft.
Suitable for customer-specific applications – the construction can be individually adapted to the machine.
Different versions for your application
Because every machine has a different construction and drive arrangement, HA-CO offers different versions of connecting shafts.
The different versions can vary in areas such as:
Coupling type.
Material.
Intermediate tube length.
Shaft diameters.
Type of shaft connection.
Required misalignment compensation.
Required torsional stiffness.
Maximum rotational speed.
This allows a connecting shaft to be configured according to the specific technical requirements of the machine.
Variable intermediate tube for large distances
An important component of the HA-CO connecting shaft is the variable-length intermediate tube.
This intermediate tube connects the two coupling elements and can be adapted to the required centre-to-centre distance.
This provides a major advantage in machine designs where the distance between two drive points is not standard.
Instead of using a conventional intermediate shaft with multiple separate components, an integrated connecting shaft can be used.
This can simplify the overall drive system.
Bridging distances of up to six metres
HA-CO connecting shafts are designed to bridge large distances between two drive points.
Depending on the version, centre-to-centre distances of up to six metres can be achieved.
This makes connecting shafts particularly interesting for machines where drive components are installed at different locations within an installation.
Examples include:
Long machine constructions.
Conveyor and transport systems.
Industrial production lines.
Large machine frames.
Drive systems with remotely positioned components.
Machines where multiple shafts need to be synchronised.
Compensation of parallel misalignment
Small alignment errors can occur between two shafts during machine assembly and operation.
These can be caused by:
Manufacturing tolerances.
Installation deviations.
Thermal expansion.
Deformation of machine frames.
Movement during operation.
Especially parallel misalignment can play an important role in long drive connections.
Depending on the selected version, HA-CO connecting shafts can significantly compensate for these deviations. This can help reduce loads on connected machine components while maintaining reliable torque transmission.
Less complex intermediate shaft constructions
For long distances, a conventional solution often consists of an intermediate shaft with multiple bearing points.
Such a construction can require:
Multiple intermediate shafts.
Additional bearing housings.
Intermediate bearings.
Several couplings.
Additional mounting structures.
This can result in a more complex design and a greater number of components within the drive system.
In many applications, HA-CO connecting shafts can provide an alternative where much of this additional construction is not required.
This can make the overall drive system simpler.
Backlash-free distance coupling
Depending on the selected version, HA-CO connecting shafts can be used as a backlash-free distance coupling.
A backlash-free connection is particularly important in applications where movement and positioning need to be transmitted accurately.
Examples include:
Servo drives.
Synchronisation systems.
Positioning systems.
Precision drives.
Automation systems.
The reliable mechanical connection allows movements and changes in torque to be accurately transmitted between the two drive points.
Connecting shaft, universal-joint shaft and synchronous shaft
The versatility of the HA-CO system allows for different applications.
Depending on the selected configuration, the connecting shaft can be used as:
Connecting shaft
For directly connecting two drive components positioned at a distance from each other.
Distance coupling
For bridging larger distances between two shafts.
Universal-joint shaft
For applications where the drive connection needs to be arranged at an angle.
Synchronous shaft
For synchronously transmitting movement and rotation between different drive points.
The different configuration options allow the connecting shaft to be adapted to the geometry and requirements of the machine.
Materials for different applications
The product group includes connecting shafts made from different materials.
The material can be selected according to the specific application and the operating conditions in which the connecting shaft will be used.
Factors that may be important when selecting the appropriate material include:
Required mechanical strength.
Weight.
Rotational speed.
Operating temperature.
Environmental conditions.
Corrosion resistance.
Required torsional stiffness.
This makes it possible to use suitable connecting shafts in both lightweight and heavily loaded drive systems.
Applications of HA-CO connecting shafts
HA-CO connecting shafts can be used in various industrial machines and drive systems where large distances between two shafts need to be bridged.
Examples include:
Mechanical engineering.
Automation systems.
Industrial production lines.
Conveyor and transport systems.
Long drive lines.
Synchronisation systems.
Positioning systems.
Servo drives.
Large machine frames.
Industrial drive systems.
The combination of a variable-length intermediate tube, different coupling types and misalignment compensation makes the connecting shafts suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Easy integration into your drive system
When designing a long drive line, it is important to select the correct connecting shaft.
Factors to consider include:
Required centre-to-centre distance.
Required torque.
Maximum rotational speed.
Shaft diameters.
Available installation space.
Coupling type.
Required misalignment compensation.
Required torsional stiffness.
Operating conditions.
Material selection.
By determining these specifications in advance, the connecting shaft can be optimally matched to the machine.
Buy HA-CO connecting shafts from OpenSupply
With a HA-CO connecting shaft, you choose a flexible solution for reliably bridging large distances between drive components.
OpenSupply supplies HA-CO connecting shafts for various industrial applications and supports you in finding the right version for your machine or drive system.
Do you require a specific centre-to-centre distance, shaft diameter, torque capacity or material? The technical specialists at OpenSupply can help you find a suitable solution.
OpenSupply can also assist with customer-specific versions and complex drive connections.
Choose flexible drive technology with HA-CO
A well-designed connecting shaft makes it possible to reliably bridge large distances between two drive points without an unnecessarily complex intermediate shaft construction.
HA-CO connecting shafts combine variable length, different coupling types, reliable torque transmission and misalignment compensation for a wide range of industrial applications.
HA-CO connecting shafts – high-quality German drive technology for bridging large centre-to-centre distances, precise torque transmission and flexible integration into industrial machinery.
Order your HA-CO connecting shaft from OpenSupply or contact our technical specialists for advice on the right version for your application.





