GEARS & GEARBOXES COMPACT ZERO-BACKLASH GEARHEAD LAUNCHED
A new zero-backlash gearhead, enabling a DC or brushless DC (BLDC) drive system to achieve the highest level of precision, has been launched by maxon. The GSW A gearhead is based on strain wave technology and offers a high
reduction ratio in a compact footprint, capable of delivering up to 71Nm torque. These features provide an advantage for applications that demand optimum control in a small, lightweight package, the company explains. Based on elastic deformation, the strain wave operating principle ensures continuous engagement of the gear teeth, removing the lowest
tolerances of mechanical play to increase precision. The operation of the strain wave design includes a flexible cup with external gear teeth, known as the flex spline. This cup is deformed by the wave generator, a rotating disc that compresses the flex spline into an elliptical wave that continuously engages with the gear teeth of a third, outer ring.
This transmission process ensures zero backlash combined with smooth torque transmission, optimising high-precision motion. The gearhead achieves high torque generation as the design can engage a greater proportion of
gear teeth, improving load distribution and optimising torque density. The gearhead delivers up to 27Nm continuous torque, as well as 37Nm intermittent torque, and 71Nm overload torque. High reduction ratios in a single stage are also available, including up to 100:1, as well as 80:1, and 50: 1. While high torsional rigidity enables the GSW A gearhead to transmit motion without
delay, low mass enhances high dynamics, with designs available in 300g and 460g options. Furthermore, the gearhead can also operate at input speeds up to 8,500 rpm intermittent duty. Backdrive is an important feature of the GSW A gearhead, enabling
the output shaft to drive the input shaft in reverse. Allowing manual intervention of a robot arm, this is an important safety feature, which can also be used for robot teaching. The form factor of the strain wave design lends
itself to integration into space-restricted applications. With a flat profile, the 55mm diameter version is just 30.3mm in length, while the 62mm diameter design is 32.4mm long. The gearhead also features a hollow bore, enabling through routing of cables. According to the company, the GSW A gearhead offers benefits to robot designers, particularly in applications that demand the highest precision, such as distal arm joint control for surgical robots. Low mass also makes the gearhead design a preferred choice for aerospace applications where every gram counts. maxon also integrates its GSW A gearhead within its HPJ High Precision Joints modules for
robot designers. Integrating a brushless DC motor, the strain wave gear, plus a dual encoder layout, the complete HPJ unit matches control precision with ease of design integration.
maxon
www.maxongroup.com
PRECISION PLANETARY GEARBOXES CAN BE ‘BUILT TO ORDER’ TO SUIT REQUIREMENTS
Precision planetary gearboxes, with a wide selection of frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges, and body configurations to accommodate a range of motion control requirements, are now available from Teknic. Customers are able
to either choose from in-stock ‘Fast-ship’ models or alternatively they can go for a ‘built-to-
order’ configuration to meet application demands, the company explains. The gearboxes can be paired with most NEMA 17, 23, 34, or NEMA 56/143 (available soon) servo or stepper motors, including Teknic's ClearPath integrated servos and Hudson BLDC servo motors.
Teknic
https://teknic.com/
NOVEMBER 2025 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 27
PRODUCTS
GEARED MOTORS FOR A RANGE OF APPLICATIONS
Apex Dynamics has launched the SGM range of compact motors and geared motor units. The AC and DC geared motors are suitable for low torque machines requiring a DC, single-phase AC or three-phase AC supply. Furthermore, the SGM motors and geared motor units come in a range of different specifications, including inline, right-angle and hollow shaft variants, and motors with either flying lead or terminal box connection. The easily configurable geared motors and geared
motor units fit into compact machines, delivering a cost-effective solution with a wide ratio range. Applications for these products range from small
conveyors, sealing and filling machines, to label heads, check weigher and vision systems. The company showcased these products at the
recent PPMA show, where its stand also featured demonstrations of precision motion control solutions. One demonstration showed the precision of the company’s planetary gearboxes using a fragile 0.5mm pencil lead and two counter-rotating discs, each controlled by a servo set up. Another demonstration showcased Apex’s rack and pinion solutions with a lubrication system. Products highlighted at the show also included:
Apex’s recently-launched range of elastomer and disc couplings; the BKM hypoid gearboxes for general purpose machine applications; and the high torque, high driving transmission efficiency, compact GV/GVR/GL gearboxes specifically designed for AGV/AMR applications. Items from its wide range of planetary gearboxes were also on show. Apex Dynamics offers 50+ ranges of precision
gearboxes, rack and pinion systems, and a variety of elastomer and disc couplings. Its gearbox products are said to include the largest range of drop-in replacements and ratios for any planetary gearbox manufacturer. The company also provides a market- leading five-year guarantee and delivery within 21 days on all its products, in additional to excellent customer service and support.
Apex Dynamics UK
www.apexdynauk.com
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