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For more than 30 years, we have been developing and manufacturing gears for automation and robotics. Our wealth of knowledge and experience in this area, together with broad technological competence and a future- and market-oriented approach, form the basis for our innovative drive solutions – whether in the conception of new gear series or the development of custom-tailored gear solutions.

The development of new gears is teamwork

It is no secret that our roots are in robotics. Accordingly, we have numerous points of contact with the automotive industry, which results in the highest standards of quality and a very high level of automation in our production processes. This is also beneficial in the development of gears. Our processes are characterised by consistent customer orientation, innovative strategies, unconventional ideas, agile methods, fast responsiveness, and maximum cost efficiency. The development of new gears is teamwork. Application engineering, product engineering, marketing, sales, quality and purchasing work hand in hand at our company. This allows us to respond quickly to market demands.

How a new gear series comes about 

But how do we decide when to launch a new gear series on the market? Strictly speaking, it is not us, but you. Because the decisive factor is the requirements of our customers. We always stay on top of market developments so we know exactly what the customer needs. We also regularly conduct market, industry and competitor analyses. Our approach is data-driven, which allows optimal identification of potentials. 

Central questions in the development of a new gear series: 

• What does the market / industry / field of application need?
• Which technical features does the gear have to offer?
• What are the relevant sizes?
• Which reduction ratios are required?
• Is a hollow shaft needed?
• Do certain aspects have to be considered regarding integration in the machine or system?

The focus is on the customer

Gears of the series Neco® (high-precision servo gears in a modern, clean design) and Neco®HT (robust high-torque gears for heavy-duty use) can serve as an example of our approach to gear development. In developing these series, our full attention was on the most important requirements of our customers; by focusing on perfection, we created a very economical solution with no compromises regarding the technical specifications. These precision gears feature a modular gear design and deliver a combination of excellent performance, high efficiency and maximum user convenience.

The development of customer-specific gears 

Individualisation is a continuing megatrend. The times in which automation was equated with standardisation are long past. The dictate of the moment: mass customisation. In the development of individual gears for customer projects, the main priorities are availability, responsiveness, and risk minimisation. As a partner of our customers, we pursue a solution-based approach with in-depth understanding of the application requirements and provide assistance and advice with all issues concerning gears & drives. We place great emphasis on comprehensive analysis, transparent processes, and communication based on trust. 

Standard gears or custom development?

The first question that always needs to be clarified is “standard product or special development?” To answer this question, we need basic data about the customer’s application, such as output torque, output speed, cycle time, bending moment, axial and radial forces, as well as the required life cycle. Based on technical and commercial parameters, we can suggest different options. In most cases, it is not necessary to develop a new gear. Often, it is enough to find the right combination of existing components. In other cases, pinions, guide holes, covers, or drives are modified to fulfil the individual requirements. Special attention is paid to the use of scale effects. Each of our large-scale series can be modified for production as a single part, or for small- or medium-sized production, to offer the customer the best possible drive strategy. 

Modern simulation, calculation and testing tools

In the development of application-specific gears, we work closely with the customer. This stage typically involves intensive dialogue. Together, we develop drive solutions that are 100 percent custom-tailored to the particular application or robot axis. Throughout the process we rely on state-of-the-art simulation software – whether for life cycle calculations, the design and engineering of the gears, supply chain management, or availability controlling. To ensure perfect operation of the gear in the customer’s application, all gears that leave our company are subjected to a comprehensive inspection. The inspection covers all decisive criteria – starting with the precision of < 1 arc.min, to the preloading of bearings, ending with a check of the tightening torques of all screws.

Excerpt from our services:

• Application-specific gear design
• Extensive simulations in all phases of gear development
• Economic feasibility analyses
• Prototype production
• 100% inspection
• Fulfilment of additional industry-specific quality requirements (e.g. medical technology)
• Certification to DIN ISO 9001
• Customer training 
• Support in the pilot series 
• Mass customisation
• Short development cycles
• Fast delivery

Would you like to learn more about the development of our gears, or are you in search of high-performance precision gears for your application? Then don’t hesitate to contact our experts.