Planetary gearbox, straight teeth — what the torque numbers mean
The GBX0400200401D: This is a 40 mm-diameter planetary gearbox with straight-cut teeth, giving you a fixed 20:1 reduction. The continuous output torque is 20 N.m; the maximum output torque peaks at 32 N.m. The 20 N.m continuous figure is the one to design around — the 32 N.m max covers short-duration overloads during acceleration or shock loads, not sustained running. At 94 % efficiency, the thermal loss is low enough that you don't need external cooling in most duty cycles.
Backlash and stiffness — positioning accuracy ceiling
Maximum torsional backlash is 35 arcmin. That's the total play across the gear train — for indexing or positioning applications, this sets the repeatability floor. Torsional rigidity is 1.1 N.m/arcmin, so the gearbox deflects about 0.9 arcmin per N.m of load torque, which stacks on top of the backlash. If your application needs tighter than 35 arcmin lost motion, this isn't the gearbox — you'd step up to a low-backlash or zero-backlash planetary. But for conveyor drives, rotary indexing tables, or general motion where a few arcminutes of play are tolerable, it's fine.
Service life and lubrication — set-and-forget
Rated service life is 30,000 hours at 100 rpm output speed at 30 °C ambient. The gearbox is lubricated for life — no oil changes, no grease fittings. That 30,000-hour figure assumes the rated torque and speed; running at lower torque or speed extends it, higher loads or temperatures shorten it. Mounting position is any orientation, so you can hang it vertically, horizontally, or at an angle without derating the lubrication system. The shaft output seal is IP54 — splash-proof but not submersible; keep it out of direct washdown streams.
Sourcing — quoted to order, active line
GBX0400200401D is a current-production Schneider Electric part, available through independent distribution.