Obsolete — sourcing through independent channels
Schneider lists this GBX0400121404F planetary gearbox as obsolete. Available through independent surplus and broker channels. Quantities are lot-specific, confirmed against an RFQ; no stock-holding claim here.
12:1 reduction, 20 N.m continuous — what the ratings mean
Reduction ratio is 12:1. That means 12 input shaft turns produce one output turn — a common ratio for conveyor drives, indexing tables, and positioning stages where speed reduction and torque multiplication are needed. Continuous output torque is 20 N.m (177.01 lbf.in) at 100 rpm and 30 °C. The maximum output torque reaches 32 N.m (283.2 lbf.in) under the same conditions — the continuous figure governs steady-state duty; the maximum covers occasional peak loads during start-up or momentary overload. Efficiency is 94 % — typical for a single-stage planetary with straight teeth. The 6 % loss is mostly frictional; it shows up as heat inside the housing, so the 30,000-hour service life assumes the gearbox stays within the -25 to 90 °C operating range.
Noise, lubrication, and environmental sealing
Noise level is 55 dB at 1 m, no-load — quieter than a typical office conversation. The straight-tooth design generates more gear whine than helical gears, but the 55 dB figure confirms it's acceptable for indoor machine-tool or packaging lines. Lubricated for life — no oil-change interval to schedule. The shaft output seal is rated IP54, so the gearbox resists dust ingress and splashing water at the output shaft, but it is not submersible or washdown-rated. Housing is black anodized aluminium, 40 mm external diameter. Shaft material is C45 steel. Maximum axial force is 200 N at 100 rpm for a 10,000-hour life, derated to 160 N for 30,000 hours. Radial force at mid-shaft follows the same pattern — the lower force figure is the one to design to for the full service life.