About Precision Gearboxes For Servomotors
What Are Precision Gearboxes for Servomotors?
Precision gearboxes for servomotors are high-accuracy mechanical speed reducers specifically engineered to interface with AC/DC servo drives. Unlike standard industrial reducers, they deliver tightly controlled backlash , high torsional stiffness, and concentricity tolerances that enable closed-loop motion control systems to achieve repeatable, sub-millimeter positioning.
In CNC machine tools, collaborative robots, semiconductor pick-and-place systems, and medical imaging gantries, the servo gearbox is the critical link between electrical command and mechanical output. Poor gearbox selection results in positioning error, resonance, and premature wear.
Sango manufactures precision gearboxes for servomotors across planetary, bevel-helical, and right-angle configurations , and supported by in-house non-standard design capability for applications where catalogue solutions fall short. With production lead times of 24 weeks and direct factory pricing, Sango delivers the technical rigour of servo gearboxes at a cost structure suited to volume OEM programmes.
Types of Servo Gearboxes And Key Technical Specifications
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Gearbox Type
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Backlash
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Efficiency
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Ratio Range
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Best Application
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Cost Tier
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Planetary Gearbox
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15 arcmin
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9597%
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3:1 100:1
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CNC, robotics, linear axes
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Mid
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|
Harmonic Drive(Strain Wave)
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Near-zero
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8090%
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50:1 320:1
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Collaborative robots, medical
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High
|
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Helical Inline Gearbox
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310 arcmin
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9698%
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5:1 400:1
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Conveyor, packaging lines
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LowMid
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|
Bevel-Helical Gearbox
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38 arcmin
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9497%
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5:1 200:1
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Right-angle servo axes
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Mid
|
|
Cycloidal Gearbox
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1 arcmin
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9095%
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10:1 87:1
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Heavy-duty servo indexing
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High
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Parameter
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Definition
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Typical Range
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Impact if Misspecified
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Output Torque
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Maximum continuous torque at output shaft
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5 50,000 Nm
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Gearbox overload, fatigue failure
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Backlash
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Dead-band angle at output under zero load
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1 10 arcmin
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Positioning error, servo hunting
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Torsional Stiffness
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Output twist resistance under torque
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5 1,000+ Nm/arcmin
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Resonance, control instability
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Reduction Ratio
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Input-to-output speed ratio
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3:1 320:1
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Torque deficit or excess motor speed
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|
Emergency Stop Torque
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Peak torque during E-stop cycle
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23 rated torque
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Gear tooth fracture on sudden stop
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Radial / Axial Load
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Bearing capacity for external forces
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App-specific
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Premature bearing wear
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Industry Applications
CNC Machine Tools
Rotary tables, spindle orientation, and multi-axis interpolation demand 3 arcmin planetary drives with high torsional stiffness.
Industrial Robotics
6-axis articulated arms require compact harmonic or planetary servo gearboxes at every joint for repeatable TCP positioning.
Semiconductor & SMT
Wafer handling and pick-and-place gantries use ultra-low-backlash servo gearboxes for micron-level placement accuracy.
Medical & Life Science
CT/MRI gantries, surgical robots, and infusion pumps rely on near-zero-backlash servo gearboxes for patient-safe motion profiles.
Packaging Automation
High-cycle indexing tables and servo-driven forming stations use helical-planetary gearboxes for throughput and durability.
AGV & Mobile Robotics
Drive-wheel servo gearboxes with high shock-load ratings enable precise navigation in warehouse automation fleets.
Flange Mount Design for Reliable IntegrationThe flange mount configuration ensures quick and stable attachment to servo motors, making installations in automation systems fast and straightforward. This mounting style is favored in industrial settings due to its secure fixation and easy alignment with motor shafts, reducing the risk of misalignment and potential mechanical wear.
Superior Efficiency and Low MaintenanceWith synthetic grease lubrication and lifetime-sealed construction, these gearboxes operate efficiently for up to 20,000 hours with minimal maintenance. The planetary design and precision-machined alloy steel gears deliver up to 97% efficiency, significantly reducing energy losses while supporting continuous, high-load applications.
FAQ's of Precision Gearboxes For Servomotors:
Q: How do I install a flange-mount precision gearbox for servomotors?
A: To install this gearbox, align the flange holes with the corresponding mount on your servo motor. Securely fasten the bolts, ensuring proper alignment of the coaxial shaft with the motor's shaft. No additional lubrication is required since the unit is lifetime-lubricated with synthetic grease.
Q: What benefits does an IP65-rated housing provide for planetary gearboxes?
A: An IP65 rating offers robust protection against dust and low-pressure water jets, making the gearboxes suitable for challenging industrial environments. This ensures consistent performance and longevity, even in harsh automation or processing conditions.
Q: When should these precision gearboxes be chosen for automation applications?
A: Choose these gearboxes when your application demands high precision (under 3 arcmin backlash), high torque (up to 400 Nm), compact footprint, and minimal maintenance. Their efficiency and noise levels make them ideal for robotics, conveyors, and high-speed automated systems.
Q: Where can these planetary gearboxes be used effectively?
A: These gearboxes are effectively used in servo-driven automation equipment, robotics, CNC machinery, packaging machines, and any application requiring precise motion control, bidirectional movement, and compact, high-torque transmission.
Q: What is the process for selecting the appropriate gearbox ratio?
A: Determine the required output speed and torque based on your application. Then, select a gearbox ratio that balances these needs while ensuring the output speed matches your equipment's requirements. The maximum input speed for these gearboxes is 6000 rpm.
Q: How does lifetime lubrication benefit the end user?
A: Lifetime synthetic grease lubrication eliminates routine maintenance checks, reducing downtime and operating costs. This ensures continuous and reliable gearbox operation throughout its 20,000-hour service life at rated load.