Cost-efficient gearboxes for delta robot kinematics

 

Addressing the specific demands of delta robots

Delta robots place distinct requirements on gearbox design due to their parallel kinematics, high accelerations and frequent direction changes. Low mass inertia, high torsional stiffness and reliable sealing at limited rotation angles are critical to achieving short cycle times and consistent repeat accuracy. The new NDFC series has been engineered to meet these constraints while providing a more economical alternative to Neugart’s high-performance NDF gearbox range.

 

Like the NDF series, the NDFC is tailored to delta robot kinematics, but with a stronger emphasis on cost efficiency and availability. This makes it suitable for applications where performance requirements remain high, but budget and total cost of ownership are decisive factors.

 

Mechanical design and performance characteristics

The NDFC combines gearing components from the Neugart Precision Line with an input stage and sealing system optimized for delta robot duty cycles. A mass-inertia-reduced clamping system supports rapid acceleration and deceleration, enabling short and repeatable motion sequences.

 

The sealing concept is adapted to the small output shaft rotation angles typical of delta robots, ensuring effective protection under dynamic operating conditions. Standard torsional backlash is below 5 arcminutes and can be reduced to under 2 arcminutes for frame size 064, and to below 1 arcminute for frame sizes 090 and 110. This level of precision supports accurate positioning in demanding pick-and-place tasks.

 

The series is available in three frame sizes—064, 090 and 110—with two-stage gear ratios ranging from i = 16 to 100, covering a broad spectrum of delta robot payloads and working envelopes. Frame size 064 is particularly suited to compact delta robots with smaller workspaces and lower payload requirements.

 

Reliability under dynamic loads

Operational reliability was a key design focus. The mechanical drivetrain combines low inertia with high transmissible torque, supporting continuous operation under dynamic load conditions. This balance enables the NDFC to deliver the stiffness and precision required for high-speed automation while maintaining economic efficiency across the system lifecycle.

 

Options for hygienic and corrosion-sensitive environments

For applications in regulated or hygienically sensitive industries, the NDFC series can be configured with food-grade lubrication, a nickel-plated output flange and a stainless-steel output shaft. These options improve corrosion resistance and support frequent cleaning cycles, extending suitability to pharmaceutical, food and beverage production environments without compromising gearbox performance.

 

Positioning within automation drive portfolios

By introducing the NDFC series, Neugart expands its range of application-specific gearboxes for robotics, offering system designers a dedicated option for delta robots that aligns performance requirements with cost considerations. The gearbox series is positioned to support scalable automation concepts where speed, precision and economic efficiency must coexist within increasingly competitive production environments.