Planetary Gears

We use high-tech Reishauer and Höfler gear grinding and finishing machines to manufacture precision planetary gears at our factory. The degree of operational smoothness and noise levels of planetary gears can be optimized by using special tools to modifying tooth geometries. Since all of the gears in planetary gear sets constantly mesh with high precision, these gears operate much quieter than sets of spur gears.

How planetary gears function

Planetary gears are used in planetary gearsets (also known as epicyclic gear trains) which are comprised of the following basic components: A sun gear with external teeth, a ring gear, and orbiting planet gears supported by a carrier. In appearance a planetary gearset resembles a solar system. A planetary gearset has a clear advantage over other configurations because the load and balance are carried by several planetary gears in the unit. Thus high levels of torque density are possible within a very small space.

The carrier holding the multiple planet gears serves as the driveshaft of the gearset. This gearset serves as the connection between the motor and the component to be set in motion – this component also is responsible for the transmission of the torque. Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. If the number of planetary gears is increased, the load is more evenly distributed among them and the torque is increased.

The planet gear is moved additionally by the rotation of the sun gear.

There are several different types of gearsets. The classic design configuration is called standard or the elementary epicyclic gear train. In reverse planetary gearing, the connecting drive is positioned coaxially.

Planetary gears are also called precision gearsets. They are used wherever high levels of repetition accuracy with continuous dynamic load distribution are required. Since the forces are carried by several planetary gears mounted on one shared carrier, high levels of torque can be transmitted with a compact gearset unit. The carrier is joined with the driveshaft. The design of the gearset unit determines which gear is fixed, which gears function as drivers, and which gears are driven. If the sun gear is the driver, then the ring gear is the one driven, and vice versa. The torque increases proportionally as the number of gears meshing with each other increases.

When compared to other types of gearsets, planetary gears deliver high performance despite their compact size and design, and their level of efficiency is very high. Planetary gears are usually comprised of three to four planetary gears.