Planetary gearbox for servo duty cycles
The GBX1600151003F is a 160 mm planetary gearbox from Schneider Electric's GBX series, designed for precision motion control in servo-driven axes. The 15:1 reduction ratio and 10 arcmin maximum backlash suit it for positioning applications where repeatable accuracy matters — pick-and-place, indexing tables, or gantry drives. Continuous output torque is 700 Nm at 100 rpm, with a peak capability of 1120 Nm for transient loads. The 94% efficiency means about 6% of input power is lost as heat — relevant for thermal budgeting in the enclosure, especially on continuous-duty cycles.
Mechanical ratings that govern the fit
Rated service life is 30,000 hours at 100 rpm and 30 °C ambient — the torque and speed combination that defines the L10 life. At higher speeds or temperatures, the service life derates; the 30,000-hour figure is the baseline for sizing against the application duty cycle. Maximum axial force Fa is 6000 N for the 30,000-hour life target, and 8000 N for a 10,000-hour duty. Maximum radial force Fr is 4200 N (30,000 h) or 6000 N (10,000 h), applied at mid-distance from the output shaft. These limits govern overhung load capacity — a sprocket or pulley mounted on the output shaft must stay within the Fr envelope to avoid bearing fatigue. Torsional rigidity is 41 N·m/arcmin — the stiffness of the gear train under load. A higher number means less wind-up under torque, which matters for servo loop tuning and positioning accuracy in reversing applications. The housing is black anodized aluminium, shaft material is C45 steel. Shaft output seal is rated IP54 — splash-resistant but not submersible; suitable for dry indoor environments with occasional coolant mist. Noise level is 70 dB at 1 m, no-load — typical for a straight-tooth planetary at this size. Straight teeth are more efficient than helical but generate higher tonal noise; if acoustic specs are tight, a helical gearbox would be quieter.
Obsolete — sourcing through independent channels
Schneider Electric lists the GBX1600151003F as obsolete. For a BOM line that requires this exact 160 mm, 15:1, 10 arcmin gearbox, the only supply path is through independent surplus and broker channels. The lubricated-for-life design means no field oil changes, which simplifies MRO spares planning if a stock of these units is maintained.