Precision Planetary/Cycloidal Gearboxes

Norck Robotics -  Expertise in Precision Planetary/Cycloidal Gearboxes Manufacturing

Norck Robotics engineers and manufactures compact, lightweight, durable, and highly efficient high-precision gearboxes for demanding motion control applications. Whether your motion control system requires the torque density of precision planetary gearboxes or the shock-resistant design of precision cycloidal gearboxes, we provide a motion solution that meets your exact requirements in robotics, aerospace, and industrial automation. Norck Robotics makes sure every unit is constructed for low backlash, smooth power transmission, and long-term life in dynamic load conditions.

Low backlash, high-precision gearboxes

for maintaining positional control in robotics, automation, and indexing applications

Compact, high-torque

for achieving high output torque in small installation spaces

Precision planetary gearboxes

designed for high-speed, low-noise operations

Cycloidal options for shock load

precision cycloidal gearboxes designed to absorb the impact and reduce wear in harsh shock load applications

Norck Robotics expertise support

guidance weaving from selection of the gearbox to implementation of a complete motion system.

Ready to automate your future? Get a quote from Norck Robotics now!

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Whether you need a single robotic cell prototype or full-scale factory automation, Norck Robotics engineers are ready to collaborate with you to bring your concept to life.

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What are the characteristics of precision planetary gearboxes used in actuators?

Precision planetary gearboxes consist of a central sun gear, multiple planet gears riding on a carrier, and an internal ring gear. Key attributes include:

High torque density

Load is shared among several planet gears, allowing up to 20:1 ratios in compact housings while delivering continuous torque up to several hundred Nm.

Exceptional efficiency (>95 %)

Rolling contacts minimize friction; typical losses are under 5 %, reducing heat buildup.

Low backlash (<1 arc-min)

Precision manufacturing and preloaded carriers keep play under one minute of arc, ensuring tight positioning.

Long service life

Even load distribution and high-grade steels (often carburized or induction-hardened) yield L10 bearing lives beyond 10 000 hours under rated loads.

Integrated lubrication

Factory-filled synthetic grease or oil bath options support continuous or intermittent duty with minimal maintenance.

Wide speed range

Rated for input speeds up to 8 000 rpm—ideal for high-speed motor applications without derating.

What are the characteristics of cycloidal reducers used in actuators?

Cycloidal reducers use an eccentric input cam to drive a lobed plate that meshes with stationary pins, producing output via inverse motion. Their hallmarks are:

Ultra-high reduction ratios

Single-stage units commonly achieve 30:1 to 100:1; multi-stage designs exceed 10 000:1 without stacking large gear sets.

Near-zero backlash

The cycloidal motion inherently cancels clearance, delivering true zero-play positioning critical for precision robotics.

Extreme shock-load capacity

The cam-to-pin contact area handles impact loads up to 500 % of rated torque without damage.

Robust durability

Few sliding surfaces and a rolling-element bearing on the eccentric cam portends maintenance intervals beyond 20 000 hours.

High static stiffness

The multiple-lobed rotor and ring pin engagement resist elastic deformation under load, preserving precision under varying forces.

Efficiency around 90–93 %

Slightly lower than planetary types due to localized sliding, but sufficient for intermittent-duty, high-torque applications.

WHY NORCK ROBOTICS?

Access Broad Integration and Project Capacity

In addition to its own expert engineering team, Norck Robotics provides access to a network of hundreds of top-tier system integrators, robot manufacturers, and component suppliers across the United States, Germany, and Europe.

Create Resilience in Your Supply Chain

Working with Norck Robotics reduces dependency on manual labor, increases production consistency, and secures your operations against unforeseen disruptions, quality issues, and fluctuations. This enhances your company's supply chain resilience.

Technology-Driven Solutions

Norck Robotics advances digital automation by developing custom-designed robot grippers, advanced vision systems, and innovative simulation software. With an AI-driven, data-centric approach, it enables smarter system design, optimal performance, and predictive maintenance solutions.

Environment-Focused Approach

Norck Robotics encourages its partners to be carbon-neutral by reducing energy consumption and material waste through the efficiency of robotic automation, and prioritizes environmentally conscious suppliers.

How does gearbox type affect a rotary actuator’s performance?

The choice between planetary and cycloidal gearing influences an actuator’s core metrics:

Torque & speed envelope:

Planetary gearboxes deliver continuous torque at high rpm, while cycloidal units provide exceptional peak torque at low speeds.

Backlash & repeatability:

Although both can achieve under 1 arc-min, cycloidal drives guarantee absolute zero backlash under load, yielding < 10 µm positional drift.

Thermal behavior:

Planetary units run cooler at continuous high speed; cycloidal reducers generate more localized heat under shock loads but disperse it quickly.

Size & weight:

For a given continuous torque, planetary gearboxes are typically 20 % smaller and lighter. Cycloidal units, though slightly larger, handle intermittent overloads with longer lifespans.

Maintenance & life:

Planetary gears rely on optimized lubrication and periodic inspection; cycloidal drives’ minimal wear surfaces often allow sealed-for-life operation.

When might you choose one type over the other inside an actuator?

Precision planetary gearbox
  • Best for: High-speed robotic joints, CNC rotary tables, spindle drives.
  • Why: Superior efficiency at speed, compact form, sub-arc-minute accuracy and moderate shock tolerance.
Cycloidal reducer
  • Best for: Heavy-payload robots, press feeders, indexing conveyors.
  • Why: Peak torque bursts, zero backlash under load, exceptional shock-load resistance and infinite reduction ratios in minimal stages.

Your selection hinges on whether your application prioritizes sustained high-speed performance and minimal heat (planetary) or extreme torque capacity with ultimate precision under intermittent, heavy loading (cycloidal).

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