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Planetary gearboxes are widely known for their high efficiency, compact design, and excellent torque handling. Depending on application requirements—such as torque capacity, speed, orientation, and precision—planetary gearboxes come in various types. Each type is engineered to deliver optimal performance for specific use cases in industries like robotics, automation, automotive, and aerospace.
Here are the most commonly used types of planetary gearboxes:
An inline planetary gearbox has the input and output shafts aligned on the same axis. This compact configuration is ideal when space constraints exist and coaxial power transmission is required.
Compact and symmetrical design
High torque output in a small package
High efficiency and precision
Commonly used with servo motors and stepper motors
Robotics
CNC machinery
Packaging systems
Conveyor belts
This gearbox redirects motion by 90 degrees using a bevel gear set or a worm gear in conjunction with a planetary stage. It’s ideal when the direction of power needs to change to fit system layouts.
Space-saving in angular installations
Maintains high torque output
Ideal for tight machine designs
Available in various mounting options
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
Industrial automation
Compact lifting equipment
Also called concentric or inline planetary gearboxes, these maintain axial alignment of the input and output shafts. They are known for even load distribution and high stiffness.
Smooth torque transmission
Low backlash and high precision
Supports multi-stage gear reductions
Great for high dynamic loads
Servo motor drives
Robotics
Printing presses
This type features two or more planetary stages, allowing for greater reduction ratios and higher torque handling.
Extended gear reduction (e.g., 10:1 to 100:1 or more)
Increased torque capacity
Suitable for applications requiring low output speed and high torque
Industrial winches
Lifting systems
Wind turbines
Automated material handling
Designed specifically for motion control and automation, these gearboxes offer extremely low backlash, high accuracy, and rigid construction.
Backlash as low as 1 arcminute
Ultra-smooth rotation
High repeatability
Used with high-end servo systems
Medical imaging devices
Aerospace positioning systems
Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Uses helical gears instead of straight-cut gears within the planetary system. Helical gears provide better tooth engagement for smoother and quieter operation.
Lower noise levels
Higher torque transfer capability
Greater durability under continuous load
Increased efficiency due to gradual meshing
Automotive transmissions
Food processing machines
Robotics and automation
This design includes a flange-mounted output shaft, allowing for easy and secure mounting in a wide variety of machinery and assemblies.
Quick integration into industrial systems
High radial load support
Ideal for rotary tables and tooling systems
Indexing tables
Printing and packaging lines
Robotics tooling setups
| Type | Torque | Precision | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inline | High | Medium-High | General machinery, robotics |
| Right Angle | Medium | Medium | Space-constrained automation |
| Coaxial | High | High | Servo-driven systems |
| Multi-Stage | Very High | Medium | Heavy-duty systems |
| High-Precision | Medium | Very High | Medical, aerospace, precision robotics |
| Helical | High | High | Quiet industrial applications |
| Output Flange | High | Medium-High | Indexing and rotary platforms |
Selecting the right type of planetary gearbox depends on factors such as:
Required torque and speed
Available installation space
Desired positioning accuracy
Type of motor and load
Whether you're working with robotics, automation, or industrial equipment, there is a planetary gearbox configuration perfectly suited to your needs.
