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What is a Planetary Gearbox?

A Planetary Gearbox is a type of gearbox where the input and output have the same centre of rotation, meaning the centre of one gear revolves around the centre of the other. The input shaft and the output shaft of a planetary gearbox are aligned.

How does a Planetary Gearbox work?

A Planetary Gearbox works by using a gear arrangement in which three planet gears rotate about a pinion, or sun gear as it is also known. The planet gears orbit inside an internal gear which is cut into the inner circumference of the gearhead body. The construction of the gearhead is rigid which increases its torsional rigidity.

Planet gears share the load attached to the output shaft with an arrangement that gives planetary gearheads a higher load capacity. As it is feasible to have a quantity of gears within a confined space, high ratios can be achieved.

What is a Planetary Gearbox used for?

Planetary Gearboxes are ideal for use on high-precision, motion control applications that require a high torque-to-volume ratio, quiet operation, low backlash and high torsional stiffness. Uses include:

  • AGV's
  • Robotics
  • Food processing
  • Packaging
  • CNC cutting and machining
  • Operating tables
  • Medical scanners
  • Communication
  • Renewable energy
  • Petrochemical
  • And lots more! 

Planetary Gearboxes from Heason Technology

Heason Technology is a leading distributor for Thomson Linear in the UK. Our high level of expertise makes us an ideal partner for sourcing the best Thomson Linear components for your application. See our range of Planetary Gearboxes available on our website.

There are seven Thomson Micron® TRUE Planetary™ gearheads available from Heason Technology for motion control applications, robotics, medical applications, machine tools, navigation and security. These include:

  • AquaTRUE: suited to harsh environmental applications such as food packaging and handling, beverage dispensing and medical hygienic equipment.
  • XTRUE: ideal for duty cycles, this gearhead is the smoothest operating gearhead on the market.
  • ValueTRUE: a low-cost, high performing solution.
  • UltraTRUE: for applications that require high torque capacities, precision and rigidity.
  • EverTRUE: a continuous duty version which is lubricated for life.
  • DuraTRUE: a high precision and flexible solution offering a variety of shaft configurations.
  • NemaTRUE: an economical solution for all applications.

If you would like to find out how these Planetary Gearboxes can be incorporated into your motion application, contact us on +44 (0) 1403 792 300 or email sales@heason.com. Take a look at the Thomson Linear Mechanical Motion Solutions catalogue for further information.

Article published on: 05/04/2019

Article last updated on: 05/04/2019