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Introduction
This article contains a complete guide to planetary gears and their use.
You will learn:
What is a Planetary Gear?
How are Planetary Gears Made
The Different Types of Planetary Gears
And much more �
Chapter One: What is a Planetary Gear?
A planetary gear set, also known as an epicyclic gear system, features a central sun gear that acts as the input gear. Surrounding this central gear are three or more planet gears that revolve around it. These planets engage with a surrounding ring gear, which has the form of an internal spur gear. This specific arrangement of gears in planetary gear systems enhances their robustness and adaptability to various gear ratios.
Serving as efficient speed reducers, planetary gears are employed in automotive and off-road transmissions, wheel drives, and industrial conveyors. Their reputation for high ratio capability, space-saving design, and robustness makes them optimal for diverse and specialized uses. The resilience of planetary gears results from an even load distribution among the sun gear and planet gears, allowing them to endure higher torque and offering greater reduction capabilities due to multiple gear mesh points.
Chapter Two: How Planetary Gears are Made?
Planetary gear sets, sometimes referred to as epicyclic gear trains or planetary gear assemblies, are precisely engineered mechanisms used to convert reciprocating motion into rotary motion � a vital function in countless power transmission systems. Developed by William Murdoch in 1781, planetary gears were first introduced as a more efficient alternative to cranks in steam engines. Modern applications utilize planetary gears for achieving significant speed reduction and torque multiplication within a confined space, making them critical components in automotive transmissions, industrial machinery, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and robotics.
The core components of a planetary gear system include the sun gear (central gear), several planet gears, an outer ring gear, and a planet carrier. This arrangement ensures system stability through the even distribution of mass and rotational stiffness, resulting in a highly durable and compact gear train. In a planetary gearbox, torque is applied radially to the gears and seamlessly transmitted throughout the system without excessive pressure on the gear teeth, enhancing mechanical efficiency, load distribution, and minimizing wear over time.
Sun Gear
The sun gear acts as the central gear in a planetary gear system, receiving input from the input shaft or power source. As the sun gear rotates, it drives the surrounding planet gears, which in turn transmit movement to the ring gear. The configuration of a planetary gear system ensures that the pinions of the planet carrier—which securely supports the planet gears—are engaged with the sun gear for optimal force transfer. By varying which gear (sun, ring, or carrier) is held stationary, planetary gears can achieve multiple gear ratios, supporting both high and low-speed operations in a single, compact unit.
Planet Gears
The planet gears, rotating and simultaneously revolving around the sun gear, are mounted on a carrier and follow the motion set by the input. As the planet gears rotate, their teeth continuously mesh with those of the ring gear, distributing load and torque across multiple contact points. This arrangement reduces vibration, increases torque capacity, and enhances overall durability. A planetary gear system can include three or more planet gears, maximizing load-sharing and transmission of power for heavy-duty applications such as automatic transmissions, industrial reducers, and servo drives used in precision equipment.
Ring Gear
The outer ring of a planetary gear system, known as the ring gear or annulus gear, features internal teeth on its inner circumference while remaining smooth and robust on its outer edge. The inward-pointing teeth of the ring gear mesh with the planet gears to complete the gear train. The ring gear is typically fixed or held stationary in many gear reducers, but in some configurations, it can serve as the output or input, allowing for different gear reduction ratios and torque outputs. As the planet gears orbit the sun gear, they simultaneously engage with both the sun gear and the ring gear, helping to drive the ring gear in the same or opposite rotation direction, depending on the design of the planetary gearbox.
Carrier
The planet gears are mounted on a carrier that aligns their centers with the sun gear, ensuring proper meshing and smooth, slip-free rotation as their pitch circles roll. Typically, the carrier is a movable component and rotates relative to the sun gear, effectively supporting and housing the planet gears. The simplest planetary gear system includes a single sun gear, multiple planet gears, a ring gear, and one carrier. In contrast, compound planetary gear systems feature multiple instances of each gear type (stacked or parallel arrangements), dramatically increasing the number of gear ratios, torque outputs, and overall power density for use in high-performance drives, heavy machinery, and continuous-duty gear reducers.
Planetary Gear Construction
Planetary gears operate with multiple inputs to achieve a specific output, providing flexible gear reduction and high torque transmission. The sun gear, centrally positioned within the planetary gearbox assembly, meshes directly with the teeth of the planet gears. These planet gears are small, robust, and mounted on a precision-engineered carrier framework, which is typically manufactured from high-strength materials such as hardened steel, aluminum alloys, or cast iron to ensure longevity under heavy loads.
Each planet gear is supported by a shaft or pin within the carrier, which surrounds the sun gear and is encased by the ring gear. The construction of a planetary gear set can include spur or helical gears. Spur gears have a zero-helix angle and offer straightforward machining and high efficiency, making them ideal for simple gear trains and low-noise applications. Helical gears, on the other hand, feature a helix angle of 10 to 30 degrees. Their angled teeth enable smoother and quieter operation, higher torque transmission, and increased load-carrying capacity � crucial for applications requiring precision and reliability.
Bearings play a significant role in the torque transmission and lifespan of a planetary gear set. Needle bearings, although compact, are typically unsuitable for tolerating the high axial forces found in planetary arrangements. Instead, tapered roller bearings are often preferred as they can withstand both radial and axial loads, enhancing stability and reducing friction. Advanced planetary gearboxes may also incorporate double-row bearings or ceramic bearings for ultra-high efficiency, reliability, and extended maintenance intervals in demanding environments.
Today, planetary gear systems are custom-engineered for diverse industries and application-specific requirements, including automotive automatic transmissions, gear reduction units for electric motors, wind turbine drive trains, power tools, medical devices, and aerospace actuators. When evaluating planetary gears for your project, consider key factors such as maximum torque requirements, gear ratio options, efficiency, service life, lubrication needs, and the specific material composition of each gear component to ensure reliable, low-maintenance operation. For detailed selection advice, it is recommended to consult with a manufacturer experienced in precision planetary gear design and fabrication.
Chapter Three: What are the Types of Planetary Gears?
Planetary gears, also called epicyclic gear trains, are renowned in the mechanical power transmission industry for their performance, efficiency, and versatility. While each type offers unique gear reduction, torque multiplication, and speed variation capabilities, their intricate interplay of rotational elements can be challenging to design and analyze. Typically, a planetary gear (or gearhead) system features a single sun gear at the center, multiple planet gears mounted on a carrier, and an outer ring gear with internal teeth. This classic configuration is used in everything from high-precision robotics to heavy industrial gearboxes.
Because planetary gear systems can display counterintuitive behaviors due to the interactions between sun, planet, and ring gears, in-depth analysis is both complex and fascinating. Planetary gear sets are valued for their high torque output, optimal torsional stiffness, compact size, and minimal operating noise. Their diverse configurations, along with options for single or multi-stage reductions, make them a popular choice in the design of planetary reducers, industrial equipment, and advanced mechanical drive systems.
Below is an overview of the most common planetary gear types used in modern machinery and mechanical systems:
Single-stage planetary gear set
Multi-stage planetary gear train
In-line planetary reducer
Offset (parallel shaft) planetary gear system
Coaxial planetary gearbox
Right-angle planetary drives
Harmonic drive (strain wave gear)
Differential planetary gear set
Simpson compound planetary gear set
Ravigneaux planetary gear assembly
While the above ten planetary gear sets provide a cross-section of popular options, many specialty planetary gears and custom gearboxes are engineered for demanding and highly specific applications—from aerospace actuators and automotive transmissions to precision industrial robots and wind turbine gear drives. Each planetary gear configuration brings its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks, making it essential to match the gearbox type (and gear ratio) to the unique technical requirements, load profiles, and environmental conditions of your application.
Single-Stage Planetary Gear Set
The single-stage planetary gear set is the foundational design for many planetary gearboxes. It comprises a sun gear, three or more planet gears, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. Power transmitted from the input shaft rotates the sun gear, which simultaneously drives the planet gears within the ring gear. The carrier, supporting the planets, links directly to the output shaft. By adjusting gear tooth counts and diameters, engineers can achieve different speed reduction ratios and torque outputs. Single-stage planetary gearboxes offer an excellent balance of compact size, lightweight construction, and high torque density, making them a staple in heavy machinery, industrial automation, and vehicular transmissions where space constraints and efficiency are top priorities.
Multi-Stage Planetary Gear Set
Multi-stage (or compound) planetary gear sets incorporate two or more planetary stages in series, greatly broadening the achievable overall gear ratio and load-handling capabilities. Each additional stage multiplies the reduction ratio and enhances torque transfer, while retaining a compact envelope. In this configuration, the carrier of one stage is often connected to the sun gear of the successive stage, optimizing the use of available space. Multi-stage planetary gearboxes are ideal for systems demanding extremely high torque output and multiple speed selections, such as in wind energy generators, industrial conveyor drives, and precision robotics. Though slightly more complex, these gear systems maintain high mechanical efficiency and durability under continuous heavy loads.
In-Line Planetary Gear Set
An in-line planetary gear set is characterized by its coaxially arranged input and output shafts. This direct alignment supports a central sun gear encircled by multiple planet gears inside a ring gear. The planet gears, mounted on a carrier, evenly distribute applied load and rotate concentrically with the sun gear. As a result, in-line planetary gearboxes deliver highly efficient power transmission, superior torque density, and minimal backlash—qualities that are crucial in servo drives, packaging machinery, and industrial automation equipment. Such gear reducers excel in conveying smooth rotary motion, high positional accuracy, and compactness.
Offset Planetary Gear Sets
Offset planetary gear sets—sometimes classified as parallel shaft planetary or eccentric planetary gearboxes—feature input and output shafts that are parallel but not colinear. They use the same core planetary gearing layout but position the shaft axes next to each other. Innovative gear design can allow the input and output shafts to share a common centerline by adding an idle gear of the appropriate diameter. These gear units are beneficial in machinery design applications where space limitations or drive geometry dictate a non-standard orientation. Offset planetary gearboxes are often utilized in printing presses, material handling systems, and specialty industrial equipment requiring a unique footprint.
Right-Angle Planetary Gear Sets
Right-angle planetary gearboxes are engineered with their input and output shafts set at a 90-degree angle, usually achieved by integrating a bevel gear set or hypoid gears with the core planetary gear mechanism. This allows torque and rotary motion to be efficiently redirected within a compact right-angle housing, saving valuable installation space in complex machine layouts. These gearbox types are vital in applications like conveyor drives, machine tools, and automated guided vehicles where space and mounting flexibility are paramount.
Harmonic Drive Planetary Gear Set
Harmonic drive planetary gear sets (also known as strain wave reducers or precision cycloidal gearboxes) leverage a flexible metal cup (wave generator) and a circular spline to achieve exceptionally high reduction ratios and near-zero backlash operation. The primary components—the wave generator, flexspline, and circular spline—work together to deform and engage gear teeth in a unique manner, resulting in ultra-precise, highly efficient, and low-maintenance performance. Harmonic drive gearboxes are prized in robotics, CNC machinery, aerospace actuators, and any application requiring high positional accuracy, repeatability, and compactness.
The movement of the wave generator deforms the flexspline along its entire circumference, selectively and smoothly engaging with the circular spline's teeth. This configuration allows for stable high-torque transfer, resistance to shock loads, and reduced maintenance, further supporting demanding automation and motion control environments.
Simpson Planetary Gear Set
The Simpson planetary gear set is a compound system consisting of a central sun gear and two or three interconnected planetary carriers in sequence. This arrangement enables up to four gear ratios, including three forward speeds and one reverse, making it a mainstay in traditional, multi-speed automatic transmissions for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Its compact form factor and reliable gear shifting performance have led to widespread adoption across automotive engineering sectors.
The interdependence of the gear sets within a Simpson assembly—stemming from their shared sun gear and coordinated planet carriers—facilitates seamless transitions between gear ratios. The design's robustness and simplicity continue to be a benchmark for conventional automatic transmission technology.
Ravigneaux Planetary Gear Set
The Ravigneaux planetary gear set is an advanced, space-saving alternative to the Simpson set, incorporating two sun gears and two sets of planet gears on a single, shared carrier. With both a large and small sun gear driving their corresponding planetary gear sets, the Ravigneaux assembly offers a greater variety of gear ratios, lighter weight, and enhanced efficiency. This unique configuration is prevalent in modern multi-speed automatic transmissions, where high reliability, compact packaging, and optimal fuel efficiency are crucial.
The interactions between the smaller and larger sun gears, together with dual ring gears, result in sophisticated gear-changing capabilities suitable for modern automotive and high-performance drive systems. By compactly integrating multiple reduction pathways, Ravigneaux planetary gearboxes can deliver both seamless shifting and robust torque output in limited installation spaces.
Differential Planetary Gear Set
Differential planetary gear sets are essential in drive train applications, especially for vehicles where wheels must spin at different speeds—such as when maneuvering turns. These gear arrangements distribute input power evenly between two output shafts, ensuring balanced power delivery and improved vehicle safety, traction, and stability. Early drive systems often transmitted force to only one wheel, creating potential hazards; differential planetary systems were engineered to solve this by enabling each wheel to turn independently while maintaining overall drive force.
Modern differential planetary gearboxes employ a combination of sun, planet, and ring gears—sometimes paired with bevel gears—to change drive shaft rotation and split torque between wheels. With a carrier supporting the planet gears and the ring and sun gears attached to opposing wheel shafts, these gear systems are found in automotive axles, off-highway vehicles, and heavy-duty machinery. Their precision balancing characteristics enhance traction, prevent slip, and contribute to more predictable vehicle dynamics in challenging conditions.
Planetary Gearboxes: Applications and Output Configurations
Planetary gearboxes, also called planetary reducers or gearheads, form the backbone of many motion control systems across diverse industries. They can be powered by hydraulic motors, electric motors, or internal combustion engines, providing high efficiency in torque transmission, speed reduction, and energy transfer. Their precision engineering and scalable design allow integration as standalone components or as part of a complete mechatronic system. Planetary gearboxes are well-suited for demanding tasks in industrial automation, automotive drivetrains, wind turbines, medical devices, robotics, and beyond.
Wheel Drive
Wheel drive planetary gearboxes are engineered for direct mounting onto wheels, streamlining installation and simplifying power transmission in mobile equipment such as forklifts, AGVs, and construction vehicles. With the carrier housed inside the gearbox and the wheels integrated over the enclosure, this arrangement contributes to a compact drivetrain architecture. Wheel drive planetary gearboxes are known for delivering high torque output and efficient rotation while saving valuable installation space in mobile and off-road machinery.
Shaft Output
Shaft output planetary gearboxes utilize the same foundational gearing concept. The sun gear transmits power to the planet gears, mounted on a rotating carrier, while the ring gear remains fixed—translating planetary movement directly into shaft output. Secure mounting of the gearbox housing and precise alignment of the rotating shaft enable efficient energy transfer, commonly seen in conveyors, mixers, and various automation applications demanding reliable shaft drive solutions.
Spindle Output
Spindle output planetary gearboxes are distinguished by their flange-based output configuration rather than a conventional shaft. This allows for direct connection to rotary tables, spindles, or other machine elements requiring high radial or axial stability. The spindle output design is particularly advantageous in machine tools, robotic welding arms, and applications where robust, precision mounting and minimal runout are essential for system performance.
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Chapter Four: What considerations should be taken into account for planetary gears?
Planetary gears are a widely used gear reduction method. In their basic configuration, they consist of three sets of gears, each with its own degree of freedom. The planet gears rotate and mesh with both the sun gear and the ring gear. The interaction between the sun gear and the ring gear ensures that torque is transmitted in a straight line.
Reduction
Simple planetary gear sets can achieve speed reductions of up to 10:1, while more complex gear sets with multiple planetary gears can provide even greater reductions. In compound planetary gear sets, the initial gear set serves as the input, and as power flows through the successive planetary stages, the reduction increases progressively. When a right-angle turn is needed, such as in differential planetary gear sets, bevel or hypoid gears are integrated with the inline planetary gear system.
Wear
One major advantage of planetary gear sets is their ability to eliminate radial loads caused by tangential forces that could damage the bearings. In a planetary gear set, these forces cancel each other out, preventing radial forces from impacting the shaft bearings. Adding more planet gears enhances load capacity and torsional rigidity, distributing the load more evenly and reducing wear on the gear teeth.
Planetary gear sets can efficiently handle large loads despite their compact size. For applications requiring significant load capacity, helical gears are often used instead of spur gears, as they engage more teeth simultaneously. However, the axial forces generated by helical gears can place additional thrust loads on bearings, potentially causing damage.
In planetary gear sets, wear is typically absorbed by the small bearings that support the planet gears. Although larger bearings could offer advantages, the compact design of planetary gear sets necessitates the use of smaller bearings to fit within the limited space.
Balancing
To achieve optimal performance from a planetary gear set, the load on the planet gears must be perfectly balanced. Imbalances can occur if one of the planets is misaligned with the sun's axis or if the carrier axis is off-center. As the number of planet gears increases, so does the potential for balancing errors. Depending on the nature of the imbalance, which can be minor, the gear set may gradually wear into it and better distribute the load over time.
Designing planetary gears is a meticulous process that demands attention to even the smallest details. Minor imbalances can lead to significant issues and potentially cause gear set failure. To ensure accuracy and precision, design engineers use high-quality components and materials. During the design phase, potential sources of imbalance are identified and corrected to prevent problems.
Soft mounts can accommodate small radial movements of the sun gear or carrier, allowing for slight adjustments to balance uneven loads. While this method can address balancing issues, most planetary gear systems are designed to be rigid and stiff to maximize efficiency.
Quiet
Planetary gear sets are generally quieter due to the lower pitch line of the smaller gears. However, noise can still be an issue because multiple planet gear teeth engage at the same frequency, and the input shaft may also contribute to noise. Using high-quality spur gears can help minimize noise, while helical gears, with their smoother and more rapid tooth engagements, can further reduce noise levels.
A key factor in reducing noise from planetary gear sets is proper mounting. When planetary gear systems are mounted vertically to a motor, it ensures that the motor is well-centered on the gear set. Proper mounting allows the gear set to be placed in various orientations, significantly decreasing the noise levels.
Phasing Types
Phasing refers to the alignment of multiple gear meshes that operate at the same frequency. Understanding phasing is crucial when discussing planetary gear meshes, as it involves examining how each gear interacts within the gear set.
In-Phase
In-phase phasing occurs when each gear mesh has the same phase angle. Planetary gear sets with in-phase gear meshes benefit from enhanced torque distribution, as thrust forces are effectively canceled out by radial forces.
Sequential Phase
Sequential phasing involves different phase angles for each subsequent gear mesh. This configuration results in canceled torque and thrust forces, while reinforcing radial forces within the gear set.
Counter Phase
Counter phase occurs when opposing planets have opposite phase angles, resulting in the cancellation of all excitation forces.
Mixed Phase
In mixed phase phasing, various combinations of the different phasing types are present, often occurring with unequally spaced planets. This requires careful calculation of gear mesh phase angles.
Introducing helix angle planetary phasing does not alter the fundamental principles of phasing. Each planetary gear mesh generates a specific meshing frequency. Helix angle gears add axial forces into the gear meshing process. The crucial aspect to consider with planet mesh phasing is its impact on vibrations within the planetary gear set. It is influenced by factors such as the frequency harmonic number, the number of ring gear teeth, and the number of planets. Mesh phasing is not specific to any one planetary gear set but is affected by cyclic symmetry and the response of the mesh frequency.
Lubricating a Planetary Gear Set
There are three primary methods for lubricating a planetary gear set: grease, oil splash, and forced oil. The choice of lubrication method depends on factors such as the operating speed of the gear set, the lubricant application method, and the types of gears used.
Grease Lubricant
Grease lubrication is suited for low-speed planetary gear sets as it does not provide cooling and is not suitable for continuous or heavily loaded applications. It is essential to apply the correct amount of grease: too little can lead to inadequate lubrication, while too much can cause drag and reduced efficiency.
Oil Splash Lubricant
Oil splash lubrication is commonly used with helical and bevel planetary gear sets. In this method, gears dip into an oil reservoir, causing the oil to splash onto the other gears and bearings. A potential issue with oil splash lubrication is churning, where gears must push through the lubricant, which can affect performance. This lubrication method is typically designed for tangential speeds of up to 3 m/s.
Forced Oil Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication is employed for high-speed planetary gear sets and can involve methods such as oil mist, spray, or drops. The oil mist technique uses atomized oil to saturate all gears. The oil spray method involves spraying lubricant directly onto the gears. The oil drop method delivers oil drops directly to specific areas needing lubrication and is often used alongside the oil splash method. In all these approaches, oil is supplied from an oil reservoir.
Chapter Five: What are the uses for planetary gear sets?
Planetary gear sets are widely used due to their compact size, low weight, and efficient design. They function as speed reducers, slowing down motors while increasing torque. These gears are popular across various industries for their ability to generate significant torque and distribute loads among multiple gears, thanks to their increased contact surfaces. This load distribution enhances their durability and resistance to damage.
Planetary gear sets are well-suited for rugged applications due to their robust design, which can handle high torque and reductions. Their even load distribution and self-aligning properties enable them to endure high shock and overhung loads effectively.
Wheel Drives
Planetary gear sets are commonly used in wheel transmissions due to their lower induction losses and fewer gear changes. They offer advantages in terms of weight, efficiency, and noise reduction compared to larger transmissions, with a torque capacity of up to 332,000 Nm. Additionally, planetary gear sets are employed in various applications including feed machine tools, presses, and conveyors.
Track Drives
Track drives and trolley systems are used to power the main drives of railway systems such as locomotives, stationary electric motors, self-propelled lawn mowers, and military tanks. Switching gears in planetary gearboxes increases the torque necessary to accelerate and brake trains. The wide range of output speeds and torque provide the power necessary for the traction to move a train and improve safety.
Conveyors
In contrast to wheel conveying systems, planetary gearboxes offer enhanced point-to-point reliability at higher speeds. Their compact design makes them well-suited for high-speed product movement. With their higher torque capacity, planetary gearboxes help maintain acceptable vibration levels, reduce drive failures, and minimize operator fatigue.
Pumps
Planetary gearboxes are employed in pumping systems because of their efficiency, quiet operation, and durability. They deliver the necessary performance and torque for these systems. Additionally, planetary gearboxes excel in harsh conditions and offer a cost-effective installation solution.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines need gearboxes that can amplify rotor speed, making planetary gearboxes a preferred choice due to their high power density and concentric input and output. The substantial load from the blades requires robust gear systems. Planetary gearboxes excel in load sharing, which enhances power density and allows for increased gear ratios and power capacity within a compact space.
Motors
Planetary gearboxes are an important part of automatic transmissions and are widely used in DC motors and servo motors. This is due to the rigidity, compactness, and torque of planetary gearboxes. They work as coaxial speed reducers or increasers with speed reduction being their most important function. Planetary gearboxes are capable of increasing torque by slowing down brushed, brushless, or servo motors due to their many contact points.
With a 97% energy input efficiency and the capability to reduce speeds up to 10:1, planetary gearboxes transmit energy with minimal loss. These attributes make them the preferred choice for modern equipment and industrial machinery.
Robotics
Planetary gearboxes play a crucial role in the joints of robot limbs, determining their speed and direction of movement. A common type used in robotics is the harmonic drive, known for its higher transmission ratio and larger meshing teeth compared to other gearboxes. Harmonic planetary gearboxes effectively handle variations in kilowatt power used by robots, operating with minimal impact and noise. They are capable of functioning in vacuum conditions, corrosive environments, and harsh media, while enabling high-speed motion.
Chapter Six: What are five high-performance planetary gear sets?
Planetary gears are available in various forms, each designed for specific functions. Manufacturers produce high-quality planetary gears tailored to meet the unique requirements of any application. The key factors in their production are precision, accuracy, and strength—concepts essential to their performance.
AD-Series High Precision Planetary Gearbox from APEX Dynamics
The AD-Series features a one-piece planetary cage design with a rigid and precise rotating flange. This high-torque, low-backlash helical planetary gear set is compact, allowing it to fit into the smallest available spaces while delivering top-quality speed reduction without failure.
P2KA18 Planetary Gearbox from FLK
The P2KA18 planetary gearbox is designed for high-power unit solutions, available in 27 sizes and seven basic types. It supports torque ranges up to 2,600,000 Nm and transmission ratios of 4000:1. Its modular design makes it versatile for various industrial applications. The P2KA18 offers high performance at a reasonable cost, featuring compact size, exceptional reliability, ease of installation, and low maintenance.
GBPH-060x Planetary Gearbox from Anaheim Automation
The GBPH-060x is engineered with the highest torque density, making it ideal for motion control, automation, and robotic applications. It fits the NEMA 23 frame size and is compatible with servo, stepper, brushless, and AC or DC motors. The GBPH-060x aims to deliver a cost-effective, high-quality planetary gearbox, offering exceptional value for a wide range of applications and processes.
Rexnord Atlas Gear Drive
The Rexnord Atlas gear drive offers a gear ratio range from 4.39 to 1255 and a torque range of 43,000 to 26,000 inch-pounds. It features a foot-mounted drive that can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, and comes with accessories such as flanged motor mounting, slide base, top motor mounting, internal backstops, and shaft fans. The Rexnord Atlas gear drive is backed by a heavy-duty three-year warranty, ensuring its reliability.
Faulhaber GPT Compact Planetary Gearhead
The GPT gearhead is designed for high-torque applications, featuring up to six planets per stage. Its compact design delivers exceptional performance while maintaining a low volume. The GPT series utilizes hardened stainless steel gears for reliable force transmission. All components are welded and lubricated to ensure outstanding performance and durability.
Conclusion
A planetary gear is an epicyclic gear that consists of a central gear, referred to as the sun gear and serves as the input gear, which has three or more gears that rotate around it that are referred to as planets.
Planetary gears are speed reducers that are used for automotive and off-road transmissions, wheel drives, and industrial conveyors. They are known for their high ratio potential, compact design, and durability, which make them ideal for unusual and unique applications.
Planetary gear sets are a method for converting reciprocating motion to rotary motion. They were developed by William Murdoch in 1781 for use with steam engines as a replacement for cranks that were used to produce rotary motion. A common application for planetary gears is the reduction of speed in a limited space.
Planetary gears require the defining of multiple inputs to get a specific output.
The various types of planetary gears are separated by their performance, efficiency, and versatility. Each type has the ability to change two inputs into a single output, a factor that makes them complicated to design and analyze.
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