Planetary gearbox for precision torque transmission
The GBX1600401081D is a straight-tooth planetary gearbox from the GBX series, sized for applications needing a 40:1 reduction ratio with continuous output torque of 700 N.m and a peak capability of 1120 N.m. The 94 % efficiency means roughly 6 % of input power is lost as heat in the gear mesh — a factor when sizing the upstream motor and thermal budget in the enclosure. Torsional rigidity is 41 N.m/arcmin with a maximum backlash of 10 arc.min, which positions this gearbox for positioning axes where repeatable indexing matters more than absolute zero-backlash precision. The moment of inertia of 5.28 g.cm² on the input side is low enough that servo tuning won't fight reflected inertia in most sizing cases.
Load ratings and service life at 100 rpm
Rated service life is 30,000 hours at 100 rpm and 30 °C ambient. At that speed, the maximum axial force Fa is 6000 N and maximum radial force Fr is 4200 N (applied mid-shaft). For a shorter 10,000-hour life target, both limits increase — Fa to 8000 N and Fr to 6000 N at the same 100 rpm. These are the numbers to check against the overhung load from a belt or pinion. The operating temperature range spans -25 to 90 °C, so it handles both cold starts and warm gearbox oil conditions. The shaft output seal is rated IP54 — splash-resistant but not submersible; the gearbox itself is lubricated for life with no maintenance interval.
Mounting and mechanical integration
Mounting position is any orientation, which simplifies layout in tight machine frames. The 160 mm outer diameter housing is black anodized aluminium — lightweight relative to cast iron, but the C45 steel output shaft handles the rated radial and axial loads. Straight tooth geometry means slightly higher noise than helical (70 dB at 1 m, no-load), but lower cost and zero axial thrust on the bearings.