16:1 planetary — torque and speed profile for a 40 mm frame
The GBX0400161402F is a 40 mm diameter planetary gearbox with a 16:1 reduction ratio, delivering 20 N.m continuous output torque at 100 rpm and 30 °C ambient. Maximum output torque reaches 32 N.m at the same speed and temperature — the margin above continuous is available for acceleration peaks, not sustained load. Straight-tooth gearing keeps the cost down but produces more audible noise than a helical — the no-load noise level is 55 dB at 1 m, which is audible in a quiet lab but masked on a production floor. Efficiency is listed at 94 %, typical for a single-stage straight-tooth planetary at this ratio. The remaining 6 % is thermal loss, so at 20 N.m continuous the gearbox dissipates roughly 8 W — the black anodized aluminium housing sinks that without a fan in still air up to 90 °C ambient.
Backlash and service life — what the numbers mean for a positioning axis
Maximum torsional backlash is 28 arcmin — that is standard precision for a commercial planetary, not a zero-backlash servo gearbox. On a positioning axis with a 16:1 reduction, 28 arcmin at the output translates to roughly 1.75 arcmin at the motor shaft, which is acceptable for indexing conveyors but not for a closed-loop rotary table. Rated service life is 30,000 hours at 100 rpm and 30 °C — about 3.4 years of continuous 24/7 operation. The gearbox is lubricated for life, so there is no maintenance interval for oil changes. The shaft output seal is rated IP54, which keeps dust and splash out but is not washdown-rated. Axial and radial force limits are derated with service life: at the 30,000-hour target, maximum axial force is 160 N and maximum radial force is 160 N (applied at mid-shaft). If the application needs higher overhung load, the 10,000-hour rating allows 200 N on both axes — the trade-off is a shorter bearing life.
Obsolete — sourcing through independent channels
Schneider Electric lists the GBX0400161402F as obsolete. Available through independent surplus and broker channels. Quantities are lot-specific and confirmed at RFQ. No pin-compatible or dimensionally identical drop-in replacement exists from Schneider — a mechanical adaptation is required if switching to a current-series gearbox. The shaft material is C45 medium-carbon steel and the housing is black anodized aluminium — both are standard and do not present a corrosion risk in indoor, dry environments. Ambient operating range is -25 to 90 °C, covering most industrial enclosures.