• support@ddgear.com
  • North 3F, Building 13-2, Zhixin Park, NO.1099 Xianhua South Street, Wucheng, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China.

Plantary Reducer Gear – Precision Gear for Robot | DD Gear

The Planetary Reducer Gear – High Precision Gear Set for Robot Actuators is a custom gear component set used in planetary (epicyclic) reducers for servo motors and robotic joints. A typical planetary reducer consists of a central sun gear, multiple planet gears, an internal ring gear, and a carrier that holds the planets. The planets orbit around the sun while meshing with the fixed or rotating ring, so torque is transmitted through several teeth at once. This architecture delivers high torque in a compact, coaxial layout with input and output on the same axis, and offers excellent torque-to-size ratio and efficiency compared with many other in-line gear trains. In robotics and automation, high-precision planetary reducers are widely used as servo gearheads and joint reducers because they combine compact size, high torque density, and low backlash when designed with ground gears, preloaded bearings, and optimized tooth profiles. They are particularly suitable where space is limited but precise motion control is required, such as in robot arms, collaborative robots, AGV drive units, and positioning stages. DD Gear focuses on small-module, high-precision gears, supplying custom sun, planet, and ring gears for planetary reducers according to customer drawings and specifications, so that actuator and robot manufacturers can reach their target torque, stiffness, and positioning accuracy with a build-to-print gear solution.

Product Details

FAQ

Features & Benefits

  • High torque density in a compact package
    Multiple planets share the load and contact area, allowing planetary reducers to transmit high torque within a small diameter and length, ideal for robotic joints and servo axes.

  • Low backlash and precise positioning
    With precision-cut or ground teeth, controlled clearances, and proper preloading in the gearbox, planetary reducers can reach low backlash suitable for servo positioning and path control in robots.

  • High efficiency and smooth running
    Planetary gear trains provide good efficiency because torque is shared among several meshes and sliding losses are reduced. Helical planetary stages can further improve smoothness and reduce noise for sensitive applications.

  • Scalable reduction ratios
    Single-stage planetary reducers commonly provide ratios roughly between 3:1 and 10:1; multiple stages can be combined to reach higher ratios while keeping the package compact.

  • Flexible layouts for robot joints
    Planetary reducer gears can be configured for in-line servo gearheads, right-angle stages (with additional gearsets), or integrated joint modules, allowing designers to place high-torque actuators close to or inside the joint.

  • Custom materials and heat treatment
    DD Gear selects materials and heat treatment (carburizing, nitriding, or Q&T) according to robot joint torque spectra, duty cycles, and target service life, balancing tooth root strength, pitting resistance, and stiffness.

  • From prototypes to series production
    We support small prototype batches for actuator development and robot pilot builds, then transition to controlled mass production with stable quality and full inspection documentation.


Technical Specifications

Final values will be defined according to the customer’s drawing, reduction ratio, and robot joint load cases.

Item Typical Option
Gear Type Planetary reducer gear components (sun, planet, ring gears, associated spur/helical gears)
Module (m) Approx. 0.3 – 2.5 (small-module range typical for robot actuators; actual per drawing)
Material Carburizing steels and alloy steels suitable for high contact stress and fatigue (e.g. 16MnCr5 / 20CrMnTi / 20CrMo equivalents, others on request)
Heat Treatment
Carburizing & quenching, nitriding, or quench-and-temper; optional shot peening and stress improvement for higher fatigue life
Surface Hardness Typically 58–62 HRC (carburized) or per drawing
Accuracy High-precision internal and external gear tolerances per ISO / DIN / JIS; class defined together with customer

 

Applications

  • Robot arm and manipulator joints
    Planetary reducers used in servo gearheads or joint modules to provide compact, high-torque output and accurate positioning at shoulder, elbow, and wrist axes.

  • Collaborative robots (cobots)
    Low-backlash planetary reducers paired with servo motors for smooth, compliant motion and precise force control in human-robot collaborative environments.

  • AGV / AMR wheel modules and drive units
    Planetary reducers integrated in wheel drives to deliver high torque at low speed, with compact radial and axial dimensions.

  • Precision positioning systems
    Linear and rotary axes, pick-and-place modules, and small machine tools using planetary servo gearheads where high torque density and minimal backlash are needed.

  • Industrial automation gearmotors
    Planetary gearmotors used across conveyors, packaging equipment, and inspection systems where space is limited but torque and precision demands are high.

 

Gear Manufacturing Process

Gear Manufacturing Process DD Gear

Every planetary reducer gear component is produced under a controlled gear manufacturing route designed for precision and durability. A typical process flow is:

  1. Blank preparation – forging, ring rolling, or bar cutting of sun, planet, and ring gear blanks

  2. Turning – CNC machining of reference diameters, faces, bores, and hubs

  3. Gear cutting – hobbing, shaping, or skiving for external and internal gears

  4. Auxiliary machining – drilling, milling of keyways, bolt patterns, lubrication features, and reference surfaces

  5. Heat treatment – carburizing & quenching, nitriding, or Q&T according to tooth loading and life requirements

  6. Shot peening / stress relief – optional to improve tooth root strength and fatigue resistance

  7. Finish machining – grinding of reference surfaces, bores, and critical diameters

  8. Gear finishing – gear grinding or honing (where required) for high accuracy and smooth meshing

  9. Cleaning & anti-rust treatment – for clean assembly into precision gearboxes and actuators

  10. Final inspection & packaging – according to the agreed control plan

 

Precision Gear Customization Process

Precision Gear Customization Process DD Gear

To support custom planetary reducer gear projects, DD Gear follows a clear, eight-step customization process:

Step 1 – Requirement Collection
Customers provide design requirements, 2D drawings, 3D models, or physical samples, together with basic duty cycle information (torque, speed, life, installation).

Step 2 – Drawing Design & Optimization
Based on the provided drawings or samples, DD Gear prepares or optimizes detailed manufacturing drawings and shares them with the customer for confirmation.

Step 3 – Quotation
After the drawings and technical points are confirmed, we issue a precise quotation covering tooling, piece price, lead time, and quality requirements.

Step 4 – Tooling & Fixture Preparation
Once the price is confirmed, we arrange tooling and fixture production. Any tooling cost is agreed with the customer in advance and can be offset or refunded after mass orders, according to the commercial agreement.

Step 5 – First Sample Approval
After tooling and fixtures are ready, we manufacture the first sample batch—typically within about 30 days—and ship it to the customer for testing.The customer inspects and validates the samples in their gearbox or test bench and provides feedback on dimensions, performance, and any required adjustments.

Step 6 – Mass Production
When the sample is approved, we start mass production according to the agreed production plan and quality standards.

Step 7 – Finished Product Inspection
After production, we inspect hardness, dimensions, runout, tooth accuracy, and other critical characteristics to ensure full compliance with the drawing and standards.

Step 8 – Shipping Arrangement
Once inspection is passed and shipment is approved by the customer, we arrange booking, packaging, and delivery to the specified destination.


Quality Assurance & Inspection

gear Quality Assurance & Inspection DD Gear

DD Gear applies the same quality philosophy to planetary reducer gear and all precision gears:

  • Quality management systems based on ISO 9001 and IATF 16949

  • Process control from incoming material to final inspection, including:

    • Material certification and chemical composition checks

    • Hardness and case depth verification after heat treatment

    • Gear measurement for profile, lead, pitch, and runout

    • Surface roughness testing on gear flanks and journals

    • Dimensional inspection with calibrated gauges and CMMs

  • Traceability for each batch with inspection records and reports

  • Optional documentation such as PPAP/FAIR packs on request


Packaging

gear packaging DD Gear


Usage & Installation Notes

  • Ensure that sun, planet, and ring gear components are assembled according to the planetary reducer design, with correct clearances and alignment of carriers and bearings.

  • Follow the specified backlash and preload settings at gearbox level; excessive preload or incorrect clearances may increase friction, heat, or noise.

  • Use the recommended lubricant type and fill level (oil or grease) for the planetary reducer; insufficient or incorrect lubrication can accelerate pitting and wear on fine-pitch teeth.

  • Do not exceed rated torque and speed for the planetary stage; long-term overload or repeated shock loading may reduce gear life.

  • During maintenance, inspect teeth for wear, pitting, scuffing, or cracks, especially in high-torque joints and axes that see frequent reversals.

  • Store finished gears in dry, clean conditions with anti-rust protection and avoid impacts that could damage tooth flanks or reference surfaces.


Company Strength – DD Gear

  • Specialized in small module, high-precision gears and shafts for EVs, humanoid robots, AGVs, and intelligent automation.

  • Integrated manufacturing from forging and machining to heat treatment and gear grinding.

  • Quality systems aligned with automotive standards, with experience supporting OEM and Tier 1 projects.

  • Engineering support covering concept feasibility, DFM reviews, and failure analysis feedback.

  • Global export capability with experience serving customers in multiple countries.

Q1: What information do you need for a planetary reducer gear quotation?
We normally need 2D drawings (PDF), 3D models (STEP/IGES if available), material and heat treatment requirements, expected annual volume, and basic application data such as robot type, joint torque, target ratio, and life requirements.

Q2: Do you supply complete planetary gearboxes, or only gear components?
DD Gear primarily supplies gear components—sun, planet, and ring gears, as well as related shafts or spur/helical gears. Complete planetary gearboxes and actuators are usually assembled by the customer or their system partners.

Q3: Can you help optimize tooth geometry or material selection?
Yes. Within the constraints of your standards, we can discuss module selection, tooth counts, tooth modifications, and material/heat treatment windows to support low backlash, high torque density, and long fatigue life.

Q4: What accuracy levels can you achieve on planetary reducer gears?
We manufacture internal and external gears to high precision per ISO / DIN / JIS standards. Specific accuracy class, runout, and roughness limits are defined together with you according to joint stiffness and positioning accuracy targets.

Q5: What is your typical lead time for samples and mass production?
Prototype planetary reducer gear sets are usually available in about 2–3 weeks after drawing confirmation and tooling readiness. Mass production lead time depends on quantity and process route and will be confirmed during quotation.

Q6: What is your typical MOQ?
MOQ depends on part complexity and tooling. We support flexible MOQ for development and pilot runs, then align batch sizes with your robotics program’s series production plan.

Q7: Can you provide inspection reports with each batch?
Yes. We can provide dimensional inspection reports, gear measurement charts, hardness and case-depth records, and other documents as required.

PRODUCTS

Reliable precision gears for robotics, automotive, and beyond.

BLOG

Exploring The Science of Precision Gears

JOIN THE COMPANY

LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU GET IN TOUCH!

Home
WhatsApp
Email
Contacts