Cycloidal Reducers

Cycloidal reducers, also known as cycloidal drives or cycloidal gearboxes, are mechanical devices used for speed reduction in machinery. They utilize a unique cycloidal motion mechanism to achieve high shock load capacity, compact size, low backlash, and high efficiency.

In a cycloidal reducer, input rotation is transferred through a set of cams mounted on an input shaft. These cams engage with pins on a disk, causing a cycloidal motion that drives an output shaft at a reduced speed. These reducers are commonly used in robotics, automation equipment, packaging machinery, and other applications where precise motion control and compact design are essential. 

RC-N Series: Output Shaft Cycloidal Gearboxes 

In cycloidal reducers, the input rotation is transferred through a unique mechanism involving cams, pins, and a disk.

How the input rotation is transmitted within Cycloidal Reducers:

Input Shaft: The input shaft is the component where the initial rotational motion is introduced into the system. It typically connects to the motor or power source that drives the reducer.

Cams: Attached to the input shaft are a series of cams, typically in the shape of lobes or teeth. These cams serve to transmit motion to the next component in the system.

Disk: Within the cycloidal reducer, there is a disk with pins protruding from its surface. This disk is connected to the output shaft of the reducer. The pins are positioned in a cycloidal pattern around the disk.

Transmission of Motion: As the cams on the input shaft rotate, they come into contact with the pins on the disk. The interaction between the cams and the pins causes the disk to move in a cycloidal motion rather than a simple rotational motion. This cycloidal movement results in the output shaft rotating at a reduced speed compared to the input shaft.

Output Shaft: The output shaft is connected to the disk and is driven by the cycloidal motion generated by the interaction of the cams and pins. The output shaft delivers the reduced speed, high-torque output that is required for the specific application.

By utilizing this unique cam and pin mechanism, cycloidal reducers are able to achieve smooth, efficient, and precise speed reduction while maintaining a compact design and high shock-load capacity. This design also helps minimize backlash, making them suitable for applications requiring accurate motion control.

Typical Application Scenarios of  RV Cycloidal reducers

• Industrial Robots — Joint axis drives for 6-axis arms, SCARA, and delta robots requiring low backlash cycloidal drives
• CNC Machine Tools — Rotary tables and indexing heads demanding sub-arcmin repeatability
• Medical & Surgical Robotics — Quiet, compact cycloidal gearboxes with smooth torque delivery
• AGV & Heavy Logistics — High torque output shaft cycloidal gearboxes for stacker cranes and traction drives
• Renewable Energy — Solar tracker slew drives with high shock load capacity cycloidal reducers
• Food & Packaging Automation — Hygienic-grade compact cycloidal speed reducers, IP65/IP67 rated

FAQs about RC-N Series: Output Shaft Cycloidal Gearboxes 

1. Can your cycloidal reducers be directly mounted to servo motors?
   Yes. Our output shaft cycloidal gearboxes are available with IEC and NEMA motor-flange adapters, as well as custom input flanges to match leading servo motor brands. We also offer hollow-shaft cycloidal reducer variants for through-shaft cable routing in robotic arm joints.
2. What IP protection ratings are available?
   Standard units are IP54. IP65 and IP67 variants are available for washdown, outdoor, and food-processing environments. Please specify the sealing requirement at the time of order as this affects the seal design and lubrication type.
3. What lubrication is required and how often does it need to be changed?
   Our cycloidal gearboxes are factory-filled with long-life synthetic grease and designed for maintenance-free operation over the rated MTBF of ≥ 20,000 hours under standard conditions. Relubrication is only required if the unit is subjected to extreme temperatures (below −20°C or above 80°C ambient) or continuous duty cycles beyond rated specifications.
4. Do you offer OEM manufacturing and custom gear ratios?
   Yes. We support OEM customers with custom gear ratios, housing materials (aluminium, ductile iron, or stainless steel), special surface treatments, and private-label documentation. Minimum order quantities apply for custom configurations; contact our sales team for lead time.