Wittenstein Galaxie miniaturised gearbox

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The miniaturised Galaxie gearbox from Wittenstein is a high-precision gearbox with axial power transmission that is said to offer true zero backlash throughout its entire lifetime. These characteristics are suitable for applications in medical and precision robotics, semiconductor and wafer handling systems or high-end machine tools.

Power transmission in the gearbox is axial, not radial. The single teeth in the tooth carrier, which are arranged in a gear ring, are axially driven by a polygonal disc with two high points into the flat wheel with special helical crown gearing, similar to a screwing movement. This axial kinematic is responsible for the compact outer dimensions of the Galaxie in the standard sizes typically encountered in robotics applications.

The teeth of the miniaturised Galaxie gearbox are fundamental to the axial function principle. They are designed as so-called ‘crown’ teeth, in other words they have more flanks per tooth and thus more flank surface, enabling almost complete surface contact when in mesh — in contrast to strain wave gearboxes with linear contact. In addition, the movement of the polygonal disc in the Galaxie means the majority of the crown teeth constantly contribute to torque transmission and torsional rigidity. The crown tooth concept also allows the gearbox to achieve ratios of i=60/61, which is a key performance requirement in robotics applications.

The entire Galaxie range ships in sizes from 90 to 300 mm outer diameter with maximum acceleration torques from 150 to over 7500 Nm.

Originally published here.