PRODUCTS GEARS & GEARBOXES


STRAIN WAVE GEARHEADS FOR SENSITIVE APPLICATIONS


maxon has added strain wave gears to its portfolio. Darko Lukic, head of development gears at maxon, looks into the advantages for applications that demand precision. • Benefits for motion control applications With strain wave gears, we can offer highly precise and compact drive solutions from a single source, including motor, gear, encoder and controller. This reduces integration effort, lowers technical risks, and speeds up time-to-market. For developers, this means less time spent on drive design and more focus on the actual application. • Advantages for applications requiring maximum precision and compact design Our strain wave gears feature up to 50% lower no-load friction, which improves energy efficiency and enables sensitive movements. They have efficiencies of up to 80%, and offer backlash-free operation, quiet performance, and long service


life, all crucial for sensitive environments. A practical benefit is that customers can source complete drive systems directly fromus, greatly simplifying integration. • Supporting high torsional stiffness and efficiency The core component is the flexspline which, together with the rigid circular spline, enables backlash-free power transmission. The optimised tooth profile and precise manufacturing reduce friction and increase torsional stiffness, ensuringmaximum efficiency and stability. • Fields of application Strain wave gears are mainly used in robotics and medical technology, but also in aerospace, optical systems, and semiconductor manufacturing. Wherever precision, compactness, and reliability are essential. • Technological innovations to improve performance These include optimised tooth profiles, new materials and lubricants, tighter manufacturing tolerances, and larger wave bearings and gearings with the same outer diameter. These result in less friction, reduced wear, and higher precision. • Supporting engineers with integration We supply complete, matched, and assembled drive units. We also provide CAD data and 3D models. In addition, our engineers offer application support to make integration as easy as possible. • The maxon portfolio advantage Our unique selling point is the combination of strain-wave gear, motor, encoder, and controller, all from a single source. A major advantage of the maxon portfolio is that all components can be perfectly matched. Added benefits include lower friction torque, higher efficiency, and renowned Swiss precision. • The future of strain wave gears We’re working on miniaturisation for micro-robotics, integrated sensors for condition monitoring, expanded sizes, and customised solutions. This allows us to open up new application areas and strengthen our position as a system provider.


maxon www.maxongroup.com/en HIGH RELIABILITY COOLING TOWER GEARBOX LAUNCHED


NewfromWEG is theWG50Cooling Tower gearbox. Delivering exceptional durability, heat dissipation and operational reliability, this sets a new benchmark for performance in cooling applications, the company states. Leveraging


Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, the gearbox ensures efficient oil circulation, improved thermal regulation and increased endurance under continuous operation. This enables high thermal capacity even


38 DESIGN SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 2026


in the harshest operating environments. The WG50 features a double seal


system that protects internal components from moisture and contaminants, while a specialised protective coating provides superior resistance to corrosion. A moisture- resistant filter further enhances the gearbox’s longevity. Built in compliance with AGMA 6013 standards, the gearbox features a cast iron housing


and helical gears, with shaft arrangements available in both


parallel and right-angle configurations to suit a variety of tower designs. This supports nominal torque values ranging


from 7.5 to 92 kNm and gear ratios between 6.3 and 22.48. Its mounting options, including housing and flange configurations, allow straightforward installation, while output shafts are offered in solid or hollow keyed solid versions to ensure compatibility with diverse system requirements. According to the company, its modular,


adaptable, design allows for extensive customisation, ensuring seamless integration into new or existing cooling tower systems.


WEG www.weg.net


www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk


SPIRAL BEVEL GEARS SELECTED FOR SmartGrind DEVICE


OMS, a measurements, inspection and remediation company based Essex, specialises in developing innovative solutions for the energy sector. This includes its SmartGrind product. A modular add-on to AUGA.node, OMS’s visual and laser inspection system, SmartGrind is designed to identify and solve weld defects at an early stage, ensuring potential problems are remediated rapidly. The device uses a mounted flap disc to shape welds, which improves coatability, strengthens surfaces and helps ensure project specifications are met. SmartGrind can carry out repairs on defects such as spatter and excess penetration, before re-scanning to confirm weld quality. For SmartGrind, OMS needed strong, reliable gears that


could withstand challenging conditions associated with the energy industry, such as severe weather conditions, extreme temperatures and 24/7 operation. To meet the demands, R. A. Rodriguez (UK) supplied spiral bevel gears from exclusive partner KHK. The gears are hardened to increase wear resistance and


ground to improve their precision and surface finish after heat treatment, which enhances durability, reduces noise and vibration, and increases the lifespan of the gear. “OMS uses KHK gears from R. A. Rodriguez in our


proprietary grinding system gearbox, commented Jack Parlane, chief design engineer at OMS. “Our grinding system is ground-breaking technology that uses a robotic crawler to deploy targeted smart remediation services within pipelines, particularly to areas that are hard to access.” He added: “Maintaining strength and reliability are vital


for our services, which operate in critical energy production environments, so KHK gears were the ideal choice for us. R. A. Rodriguez provides the high levels of customer service we require.” As a result, OMS


successfully delivered a robust and reliable SmartGrind system, an example of engineering and technology driving progress in the energy sector.


R. A. Rodriguez (UK) T: 01462 670044


www.rarodriguez.co.uk


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