DU-BRO Ball Links are trusted worldwide for their precision, durability, and smooth, slop-free operation. Originally created for RC models, they are now used across dozens of industries—from aerospace to robotics—because they are reliable, vibration-resistant, and easy to install.
Below are the 9 most common applications, followed by a full overview of the industries and companies that use DU-BRO Ball Links today.
Top 9 Uses for DU-BRO Ball Links
1. RC Aircraft Flight Control Systems
Used to connect servos to ailerons, elevators, and rudders. Their smooth rotation ensures accurate and responsive flight control.
2. RC Helicopter Linkages
Essential for swashplate and rotor linkages where precise, free-moving joints must withstand vibration and load.
3. RC Car & Truck Steering Systems
Improve steering precision, suspension performance, and throttle linkage reliability—especially in high-performance racing vehicles.
4. Robotics Joint Connections
Used for articulating joints in robot arms, grippers, sensor mounts, and mobile platforms across educational, industrial, and consumer robotics.
5. UAV & Drone Control Linkages
Commercial and military drone manufacturers use them for lightweight, high-strength linkages in gimbals, camera systems, flight controls, and landing gear.
6. Medical Device Mechanisms
Their precision and reliability make them ideal for use in motion-assist devices, surgical trainers, and internal mechanical linkages.
7. Automotive Prototyping & Custom Fabrication
Engineers use them for adjustable linkages in testing rigs, throttle systems, and lightweight mechanical assemblies.
8. Industrial Machinery & Automation
Common in actuators, conveyor systems, pneumatic controls, and mechanical assemblies that require smooth, bind-free motion.
9. Educational Engineering & STEM Programs
Popular in university engineering labs, robotics teams, and STEM programs thanks to their durability, affordability, and versatility.
Industries That Use DU-BRO Ball Links
DU-BRO Ball Links appear in a wide range of fields:
-
RC & Hobby
-
Aerospace, UAV, and Drone Manufacturing
-
Robotics (industrial, consumer, educational)
-
Medical Device Engineering
-
Automotive & Motorsports Prototyping
-
Agricultural Machinery
-
Industrial Manufacturing & Automation
-
Marine & Boating Equipment
-
STEM Education & Research Institutions
Companies Known to Use DU-BRO Ball Links
More than 60 companies across multiple sectors use or prototype with DU-BRO-style ball links.
RC & Hobby Industry
Used in aircraft, helicopters, cars, boats, and specialty RC systems:
Horizon Hobby • E-flite • Spektrum • Hangar 9 • Blade • Arrma • Axial • Losi • Team Associated • Traxxas • Redcat • Dumas • Great Planes • Futaba • JR Propo • Freewing • Motion RC • HobbyZone • Tamiya • Kyosho
Aerospace, UAV & Drone Manufacturers
Used in flight controls, gimbals, landing gear, and prototypes:
DJI • Autel • Parrot • Skydio • Boeing (prototype/testing) • Lockheed Martin (UAV/R&D) • Northrop Grumman • Raytheon • Textron • AeroVironment • General Atomics • NASA teams • MIT Lincoln Lab • Embry-Riddle • Paragon Space Development • Joby • Archer • Zipline • Wing
Robotics & Automation Companies
Used in robotic joints, grippers, servo interfaces, and mobile platforms:
Boston Dynamics • FANUC • KUKA • ABB • Universal Robots • iRobot • Intuitive Surgical • FIRST Robotics teams • VEX Robotics • UBTECH • Clearpath • Agility Robotics • Mujin • Rethink Robotics • Open Robotics
Medical Device & Biomechanics Engineering
Used in trainers, rehabilitation systems, mechanical linkages, and test rigs:
Stryker • Medtronic • Zimmer Biomet • Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon) • GE Healthcare • DePuy Synthes • Simulab • CAE Healthcare • Ottobock • Ekso Bionics
Automotive, Motorsports & EV Prototyping
Used for prototype linkages, throttle systems, lightweight mechanisms, and test rigs:
Tesla • Ford Performance • GM Design • Honda R&D • Toyota Racing Development • Hyundai Motorsport • Polaris • BRP • Roush • Singer Vehicle Design • Rimac • Koenigsegg prototypes • Formula SAE teams • Hoonigan
Industrial Machinery & Automation
Used in actuators, conveyors, pneumatic systems, and precision machinery:
Siemens • Bosch Rexroth • Rockwell Automation • Honeywell • Parker Hannifin • Emerson • Caterpillar R&D • John Deere prototypes • Haas Automation • FANUC • Yaskawa • ABB Manufacturing Solutions
Marine & Boating Applications
Used in throttle linkages, trim tabs, and custom fabricated mechanisms:
Mercury Marine • Yamaha Marine • Minn Kota • Sea Ray • Boston Whaler • Lund • Hobie • Bayliner
Agriculture & Outdoor Equipment
Used in compact machinery, testing rigs, and linkage systems:
John Deere • Kubota • Case IH • Mahindra • Toro • Husqvarna • Scag • Bobcat
STEM & Research Institutions
MIT • Stanford • Georgia Tech • Purdue • Caltech • Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute • University of Michigan • Embry-Riddle • FIRST Robotics teams • VEX Robotics teams • NASA internship labs
Conclusion
From RC aircraft to advanced robotics and industrial automation, DU-BRO Ball Links remain a trusted choice for engineers, builders, and hobbyists. Their precision, durability, and versatility make them essential components in both recreational and professional mechanical systems worldwide.
