Nabtesco's cycloidal gears and shaft gears are a real dream team

When it comes to precision gearboxes, Nabtesco Precision Europe is the undisputed leader. The technology and innovation leader has both shaft gearboxes and cycloidal gearboxes in its product portfolio and covers a torque range from 7 to 70,000 Nm. This complete scalability is unique on the market and guarantees a consistent gearbox strategy and optimally coordinated systems. The result: maximum performance, more efficient processes, perfect compatibility, and maximum cost-effectiveness.

Whether robotics, machine tool manufacturing, medical technology, logistics, or mobility, whether pick-and-place, handling, or positioning: almost every application, machine, or system contains larger and smaller axes. Nabtesco Precision Europe's cycloidal and shaft gearboxes are at home in all industries and achieve top marks in precision. Together, they are a real dream team and the key to greater efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Cycloid gears and shaft gears are a real dream team

When it comes to precision, torque capacity, and torque density, cycloid gears and shaft gears are unbeatable. This combination results in impressive performance, especially when used together. If the larger axes of a robot or machine are equipped with cycloid gearboxes and the smaller ones in the end effector area with shaft gearboxes, the best possible precision can be achieved from the overall interlinking of all axes. No other type of gearbox can match this.

Cycloid gearboxes: Specialists for higher torques

A typical application for this precision duo is the 6-axis robot. Axes 1 to 3 are usually equipped with cycloid gearboxes. High torsional rigidity, robustness, and durability are essential here. The two-stage reduction principle ensures excellent performance in terms of dynamics and smooth running, as well as high repeatability and path accuracy. The integrated angular contact ball bearings absorb axial and radial loads and bending moments and contribute to high tilt rigidity and resistance to shock and overload (up to 500% of the rated torque). Power transmission via cam discs and rollers ensures almost complete contact and even force distribution within the gearbox, resulting in high rigidity. This allows very high torques to be transmitted with maximum precision and smooth running. Even over a long period of time, the increase in backlash is negligible.

Small, backlash-free shaft gearboxes

Wave gears are often installed in manual axes 4 to 6 (and in the other axes of smaller cobots). The compact precision gearboxes are characterized by absolute freedom from play, outstanding repeat accuracy, maintenance-free operation over their entire service life, and high torque capacity (up to 15% higher than conventional shaft gearboxes) – all this with small dimensions and low weight. They are manufactured to automotive standards at the Ovalo GmbH site in Limburg (Lahn) and meet the highest quality standards. All shaft gearboxes can also be individually designed and their performance, geometry, material, and interfaces can be precisely tailored to the respective application, including functional, component, and system integration if required. Gearbox properties can also be customized. This means that customers do not have to compromise on the design of their machines and robots.

High-precision processes

In machine tool manufacturing, the use of high-reduction precision gearboxes also results in high-precision processes. While the high-torque cycloid gearboxes in the swivel table ensure precise positioning of the components, the backlash-free wave gearboxes in the tool head guarantee absolute precision during machining. A high reduction ratio has the advantage that the mass moment of inertia ratio between the application and the motor is very low. This improves the control quality of the motor and reduces the risk of vibrations in the drive train. As a result, positioning can be very dynamic. This reduces downtime and makes the machining process more economical.

The situation is similar for laser and water jet cutting machines. The large axis under the machining table is perfect for cycloid gearboxes, and the machining head that guides the laser or water jet is the ideal location for the small wave gearboxes. This enables maximum precision, outstanding dynamics, and maximum efficiency to be achieved. Applications such as C-arm scanners in medical technology, antennas, rotary tables, milling machines, and welding positioners also benefit from the combined strength of both technologies.

Steer-by-wire platform for autonomous driving

Another interesting application is Nabtesco's CV-EPS (CV-EPS = Commercial Vehicle Electronic Power Steering). This is an innovative, modular steer-by-wire platform for autonomous driving (mechanical kit with software-based customization). Thanks to the combination of a cycloid gear (transmission of the main torque for steering) and a wave gear (pre-stage between the steering wheel and the cycloid gear), power is transmitted in the smallest of spaces with maximum rigidity and transmission accuracy. This results in an extremely compact design.

Precision gears for every requirement

Of course, the cycloid and shaft gearboxes are not only available as a double pack. The high-performance precision gearboxes are also a real asset when used individually. In most cases, the geometric size is the decisive criterion for or against one of the two technologies. However, there is also an area in which both types of gearboxes are suitable. The right technology depends largely on the customer's application. If high torques are the focus, cycloid gearboxes are ideal. If zero backlash is important, shaft gearboxes are the best choice.