Precision dream team

Cycloidal drives and strain wave gears complement each other perfectly and together form a real dream team for robotics and automation. They achieve top values for precision and are the key to maximum efficiency, flexibility and economy. Nabtesco Precision Europe GmbH has both technologies in its product portfolio and is the only manufacturer worldwide to cover a torque range from 7 to 70,000 Nm.

Almost every application, machine or system has larger and smaller axes. The choice of gear unit has a significant influence on the performance of the robot or automation system. If precision is a key requirement, precision gears are the means of choice. Various technologies have become established on the market, but only cycloidal gears and strain wave gears meet the highest requirements in terms of precision, torque capacity and torque density. When combined, they achieve impressive performance. If the larger axes of a robot or machine are equipped with cycloidal gears and the smaller axes in the area of the end effector are equipped with strain wave gears, the best possible precision can be achieved by linking all axes. Cycloidal gears and strain wave gears are therefore a real dream team for robotics and automation.

Cycloidal and strain wave gears from a single source

Nabtesco Precision Europe GmbH is one of the world's leading specialists in precision gears. The product portfolio includes both cycloidal gears and strain wave gears – developed and produced in Limburg an der Lahn (Ovalo GmbH site) – and is the most extensive and diverse in the field of precision gears on the market. Full scalability from 7 to 70,000 Nm guarantees a consistent gear strategy and perfectly coordinated systems. The result: maximum performance, more efficient processes, perfect compatibility and maximum cost-effectiveness. With just a single point of contact for all gear units, design processes can also be optimized and development cycles accelerated.

A well-practiced team

A typical application for the precision duo is the 6-axis robot. Axes 1 to 3 are usually equipped with cycloidal gears. Strain wave gears are often installed in the manual axes 4 to 6 (incidentally, this is also the case in the other axes of the smaller cobots). This makes it possible to achieve the highest precision, outstanding dynamics and maximum efficiency. The use of both technologies also results in optimized processes in machine tool manufacturing.

While the high-torque cycloidal gears in the swivel table ensure precise positioning of the components, the backlash-free strain wave gears in the tool head ensure absolute precision during machining. The situation is similar for laser and waterjet cutting machines. The large axis under the machining table is perfectly suited for cycloidal gears and the machining head that guides the laser or water jet is the ideal application for the small strain wave gears. Other applications that benefit from the combined strength of precision gears include C-arm scanners in medical technology, antennas, rotary tables, milling machines and welding positioners.

Comprehensive consulting and engineering services

Of course, the cycloidal and strain wave gear reducers from Nabtesco Precision Europe are not only available in a double pack. The high-performance precision gear reducers are also a real asset on their own. In most cases, the geometric size is the deciding factor for or against one of the two technologies. However, there is also an area in which both gear reducer types can be used. The customer application is the deciding factor in determining which technology is the right one. Nabtesco is familiar with the specific challenges and offers comprehensive consulting and engineering services as well as complete support from design to assembly.

combined power

Whether robotics, machine tool manufacturing, medical technology, logistics or mobility, whether pick & place, handling or positioning: the combination of cycloidal gears and strain wave gears opens up new possibilities in terms of precision, power density and integration, and is a guarantee for efficient, future-proof processes.