Advantages

Harmonic drive gearing is in a class of its own when it comes to motion control and mechanical power transmission. With operating principles and construction that maximize output torque and minimize size and weight, harmonic drive gearing offers advantages such as high reduction ratios in a single stage, zero backlash, and high precision that cannot be equalled by conventional gear trains.

Excellent Positional Accuracy and Repeatability - Positional accuracy may be minimized within one arc minute and repeatability within a few seconds.

High Torque Capacity - Since power is transmitted through multiple tooth engagement, harmonic drive gearing offers high output torque capacity equal to drives twice its size and three times its weight.

Single-Stage High Reduction Ratio - With only three elements, the single-stage reduction ratios range from 50:1 to 320:1 with the same weight and mechanical dimensions.

Zero Backlash - Cup-type harmonic drive gearing operates with zero backlash between mating teeth because of natural gear preload and radial tooth movement. The only shaft-to-shaft backlash that exists, originates in the input coupling (oldham coupling) and ranges from 2-36 arc-sec depending on unit size and reduction ratio. This coupling can be eliminated if necessary, resulting in zero backlash for the entire drive.

In - Line Configuration - Harmonic drive gearing input and output shafts are concentric, allowing machine designers to dramatically reduce the required packaging space compared to other high ratio, high torque drives.

High Torsional Stiffness - The new "S" tooth profile greatly improves the torsional stiffness of harmonic drive gearing allowing greater precision and higher servo gains.

Efficiencies - Operating efficiencies of up to 90% can be obtained. Ratings are based on actual shaft-to-shaft tests.

Back Driving - Harmonic drive units are reversible and can be back driven. If necessary, loads can be held in place by braking the Wave Generator when the servo system is not powered.