Harmonic Drive

Advantages

Excellent Positioning Accuracy and Repeatability

Harmonic Drive Gears are available with positioning accuracy of better than one minute of arc and repeatability within a few seconds of arc.

High Torque Capacity

Since power is transmitted through multiple tooth engagement, Harmonic Drive gearing offers high output torque capacity equal to conventional gears twice its size and three times its weight.

Zero Backlash

Harmonic Drive Gears may operate with essentially zero backlash between mating teeth because of natural gear pre-load.

High Single-Stage Reduction Ratio

With only three elements the single-stage reduction ratios range from 30:1 and 320:1.

High Efficiency

Operating efficiencies of up to 85 % can be obtained. Ratings are based on actual shaft-to-shaft tests.

Minimal Wear, Long Life

In Harmonic Drive Gearing the teeth come in contact with an almost pure radial motion, and have essentially zero sliding velocity, even at high input speeds. Tooth friction losses and wear are thus negligible.

High Torsional Stiffness

Harmonic Drive Gears exhibit very high torsional stiffness over the whole speed range. The nearly linear stiffness characteristics guarantee optimum operating behaviour.

Back Driving

Harmonic Drive units are reversible and can be back-driven in an emergency.

Central hollow shaft

Harmonic Drive gears can feature a large central hollow shaft, which can be used to pass shafts, cables, laser beams etc. along the rotational axis of the gear, so greatly simplifying many designs.