A reduction gearbox is a mechanical device utilized to increase the output torque or change the speed (RPM) of a motor. The motor’s shaft is attached to one end of the reduction gearbox and through the internal configuration of gears of a reduction gearbox, provides a given output torque and speed determined by the gear ratio.

Advancements in technology and the evolution of gears have made a more efficient and powerful reduction gearbox to be developed and manufactured at lower costs. Toothed gear systems have evolved from fixed axis gear systems to new and improved gears including helical, cycloid, spur, worm and planetary gear systems. A reduction gearbox is widely used in applications that require desired output speed (RPM), control the direction of rotation, and to translate torque or power from one input shaft to another.

A reduction gearbox is used in a variety of industries:

• Aerospace – In the aerospace industry, a reduction gearbox is used in space and air travel, i.e. airplanes, missiles, space vehicles, space shuttles and engines.
• Agriculture – In the agriculture industry, a reduction gearbox is used for plowing, irrigation, pest and insect control, tractors and pumps.
• Automotive – In the automotive industry, a reduction gearbox is used in cars, helicopters, buses and motorcycles.
• Construction – In the construction industry, a reduction gearbox is used in heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, bulldozers and tractors.
• Food Processing – In the food processing industry, a reduction gearbox is used in conveyor systems, the processing of meat and vegetable products, and packaging applications.
• Marine Industry – In the marine industry, a reduction gearbox is used on boats and yatchs.
• Medical – In the medical industry, a reduction gearbox is used in surgical tables, patient beds, medical diagnostic machines, dental equipment and MRI and CAT scan machines.
• Power Plants – In power plants, a reduction gearbox is implemented in transformers, generators and turbines.

There are many types of reduction gearboxes manufactured throughout the world. One of the main differences between each individual reduction gearbox is their performance characteristics. Choosing from the various reduction gearbox types is application dependent. A reduction gearbox is available in many sizes, ratios, efficiencies and backlash characteristics. All of these design factors will affect the performance and cost of a reduction gearbox. There are several reduction gearbox types which are listed below:

Bevel Reduction Gearbox

A bevel reduction gearbox is mainly used in right angle, low gear ratio applications, due to their shafts perpendicular arrangement to one another. A bevel reduction gearbox makes it possible to change operating angles. Two different types of bevel reduction gearboxes includes straight and spiral. A straight bevel reduction gearbox is used for slow speed applications, and have straight and tapered teeth. The spiral bevel reduction gearbox has curved and oblique teeth, and are used mainly for high-performance, high speed applications. A bevel reduction gearbox is typically constructed of cast iron, aluminum alloy or other steel materials.

Helical Reduction Gearbox

Unlike spur gears, gears on a helical reduction gearbox is cut at angles which allow for gradual contact between the gear teeth. This design provides for a smooth and quiet operation. A helical reduction gearbox is compact, efficient and available in a 5:1 ratio per stage. A helical reduction gearbox can be used on non-parallel and perpendicular shafts. These reduction gearbox types are applicable in high horsepower and efficient applications. A helical reduction gearbox is typically constructed with cast iron, aluminum alloy or iron material.

Spur Reduction Gearbox

A spur reduction gearbox is compact, cost-effective, efficient and readily available. A spur reduction gearboxe is available in a 10:1 ratio per stage, made with straight teeth mounted on a parallel shaft. The noise level of a spur reduction gearbox is relatively high due to colliding teeth of the gears. In comparison with a worm reduction gearbox, they are more expensive, noisier and have less shock capability. The spur reduction gearbox is widely used in applications requiring an increase or reduction in speed and high output torque. A spur reduction gearbox is typically constructed with metals such as steel or brass, and plastics such as nylon or polycarbonate.

Worm Reduction Gearbox

A worm reduction gearbox can handle high shock loads, and is low in noise and maintenance-free, but less efficient than other reduction gearbox types. It is also available in right angle configuration. The worm reduction gearbox configuration allows the worm to turn the gear with ease; however, the gear cannot turn the worm. The prevention of the gear to move the worm can be utilized as a braking system. When the reduction gearbox is turned off, it is held in a locked position. A worm reduction gearbox is typically constructed of aluminum, stainless steel and cast iron.

Planetary Reduction Gearbox

A planetary reduction gearbox is named so due to their resemblance of the solar system. A planetary reduction gearbox consists of three main components: sun gear, ring gear and two or more planet gears. The sun gear is the located in the center, the ring gear is the outermost gear, and the planet gears are the gears surrounding the sun gear inside the ring gear. A planetary reduction gearbox is used in applications requiring low backlash, compact size, high efficiency, resistance to shock, and high torque to weight ratio.

The price of a reduction gearbox varies and is typically affected by size, accuracy specifications, backlash, and the gear ratio, as well as the specific manufacturer. A reduction gearbox with a backlash in the range of 30 arc-minutes may cost as low as $500. The cost for a reduction gearbox with a backlash value under 5 arc-minutes will cost more than a reduction gearbox with high backlash values. Below is a list of reduction gearbox products offered by Anaheim Automation. Comprehensive specifications and pricing is available on our website at AnaheimAutomation.com, for each of the offered types:

• Economy Reduction Gearbox
• High-Grade Reduction Gearbox
• Right-Angle Planetary Reduction Gearbox
• Rotating Output Flange Reduction Gearbox

Each reduction gearbox works in a similar fashion. The directions the gears rotate are dependent on the input direction and orientation of the gears. For example, if the initial gear is rotating in a clockwise direction, the gear it engages will rotate counterclockwise. This continues down the line for multiple gears. The combination of different size gears and the number of teeth on each gear plays a significant role in the output torque and speed of the shaft. High gear ratios allow for more output torque and lower speeds, while lower gear ratios allow for higher output speed and less output torque.

A planetary reduction gearbox works relatively the same. A planetary reduction gearbox system is constructed with three main components: a central sun gear, a planet carrier (carrying one or more planet gears) and an annulus (an outer ring). The central sun gear is orbited by planet gears (of the same size) mounted to the planet carrier. The planet gears are meshed with the sun gear while the outer rings teeth mesh with the planet gears. There are several configurations for a reduction gearbox system. Typical configurations consist of three components: the input, the output and one stationary component.

For example: one possible configuration is the sun gear as the input, the annulus as the output and the planet carrier remaining stationary. In this configuration, the input shaft rotates the sun gear, the planet gears rotate on their own axes, simultaneously applying a torque to the rotating planet carrier that in turn applies torque to the output shaft (which in this case is the annulus). The rate at which the gears rotate (gear ratio) is determined by the number of teeth in each gear. The torque (power output) is determined by both the number of teeth and by which component in the planetary system is stationary.

Advantages of a Reduction Gearbox

• Low noise level
• High efficiency
• High reduction ratios
• Increase/Decrease output torque
• Increase/Decrease output speed
• Durabl

Disadvantages of a Reduction Gearbox

• More costly than other drive systems
• Proper lubrication is necessary for smooth running
• Poorly cut teeth may result in excessive vibration and noise during operation
• Quality matters and adds to cost

Q. Are planetary and spur reduction gearbox types bi-directional?
A. Yes, planetary and spur reduction gearboxes are designed to be used for bi-directional operation. The direction the input shaft rotates and gear arrangement of the reduction gearbox will determine the rotation of the output shaft.

Q. Can Anaheim Automation’s motors be combined with a reduction gearbox?
A. Anaheim Automation’s motors can be assembled with a reduction gearbox to meet the necessary requirements of an application. Motors and reduction gearboxes can be purchased separately or be purchased as an assembled unit. Customization is available. Minimum purchase requirements and a Non-Cancellable/Non-Returnable agreement will apply.

Q. What is the lifetime of an Anaheim Automation motor and reduction gearbox?
A. The lifetime of a motor and reduction gearbox varies by user application. Certain factors determine the lifetime of a product, such as environment, radial loads (torque), duty cycle, and input power. All these factors play a role in the lifetime of a motor and reduction gearbox. Anaheim Automation’s experienced Application Engineers are available to provide recommendations on the best products for your specific application criteria.

Q. What type of reduction gearbox would be used for right angle applications?
A. A bevel and worm reduction gearboxes are mainly utilized in right angle applications. They offer high efficiency and low gear ratios. A straight bevel reduction gearbox with straight cut teeth are utilized in slow speed applications, whereas spiral bevel reduction gearboxes with curved teeth are utilized in high performance, high speed applications. Worm reduction gearboxes are also available with right angle configurations. They are able to sustain high shock loads, low in noise, maintenance-free but are less efficient than a bevel reduction gearbox.

Q. Can a reduction gearbox be backdriven?
A. Some reduction gearbox types, such as a spur reduction gearbox can be backdriven, while some, such as the worm reduction gearbox cannot be backdriven.

Q. How many planet gears are there in a reduction gearbox?
A. The amount of planetary gears in a reduction gearbox differs based on specific application requirements. Most planetary reduction gearbox types consist of two or more planetary gears.

Q. What is the difference between straight cut gears and helical gears?
A. Straight cut gears have straight and tapered teeth, and are used for low speed applications. Helical gears are cut at angles to allow gradual contact between the gear teeth. This allows for smooth and quiet operation. Helical gears are applicable in high horsepower and efficient applications.

The output of a motor (i.e. stepper, brushless, AC and brush motors) is used as the input of the reduction gearbox and controls the speed at which the reduction gearbox rotates. The configuration below illustrates the driver controlling the external motor, which is connected as the input shaft of the reduction gearbox. As a result, when the driver is powered, the motor shaft rotates inside the reduction gearbox causing the output shaft of the reduction gearbox to rotate. The output speed and torque is dependent on the internal configuration of the reduction gearbox.

When considering a reduction gearbox, many factors need to be considered to meet specific application requirements:

Gear Ratio
Gear ratios are defined as the correlation between the numbers of teeth of two different gears. Commonly, the number of teeth a gear has is proportional to its circumference. This means that the gear with a larger circumference will have more gear teeth; therefore the relationship between the circumferences of the two gears can also give an accurate gear ratio. For example, if one gear has 36 teeth while another gear has 12 teeth, the gear ratio would be 3:1.

Output Torque
Output torque of the reduction gearbox is dependent on the gear ratio used. To obtain a high output torque, a large gear ratio would be selected. Using a large gear ratio will lower the output shaft speed of the motor. Inversely, using a lower gear ratio, a smaller output torque value would be delivered into the system, with a greater motor speed at the output shaft of the reduction gearbox. This statement illustrates the relationship that both torque and speed are inversely proportional to one another.

Speed (RPM)
Speed is proportional to the gear ratio of the reduction gearbox system. For example, if the input gear has more teeth than the output gear, the result will be an increase in speed at the output shaft. On the other hand, having the reverse scenario with more gear teeth at the output compared to the input will result in a decrease of speed at the output shaft. In general, the output speed can be determined by dividing the input speed by the gear ratio. The higher the ratio the lower the output speed will be and vice versa.

Gear Arrangement
Gear arrangement is an ingenious engineering design that offers various benefits over the traditional fixed axis gear system design. The unique combination of both power transmission efficiency and compact size allows for a lower loss in efficiency of the reduction gearbox. The more efficient the gear arrangement, (i.e. spur, helical, planetary and worm) the more energy it will allow to be transmitted and converted into torque, rather than energy lost in heat.

Another application factor to be taken into account when selecting a reduction gearbox is load distribution. Since the load being transmitted is shared among multiple planets, the torque capacity is increased. The higher number of planets in a gear system will increase the load ability and enhance torque density. Gear arrangements improve stability and rotational stiffness because of a balanced system, but it is a complex and more costly design.

One example is a gear arrangement that is a traditional fixed axis gear system with a pinion driving a larger gear on an axis parallel to the shaft. Or, there may be a planetary gear design system with a sun gear (pinion) surrounded by more than one gear (planet gears) and is encompassed in an outer ring gear. The two systems are similar in ratio and volume, but the planetary gear design has three times the higher torque density and three times the stiffness due to the increased number of gear contacts. Fixed Axis Gear System:
   Volume = 1, Torque = 1, Stiffness = 1
Planetary Gear System:
   Volume =1, Torque = 3, Stiffness = 3
Other gear arrangements as mentioned in the "Types of Reduction Gearboxes" segment of this guide are bevel, helical, cycloid, spur and worm.

Backlash
Backlash is the angle in which the output shaft of a reduction gearbox can rotate without the input shaft moving, or the gap between the teeth of two adjacent gears. It is not necessary to consider backlash for applications which do not involve load reversals. However, in precision applications with load reversals like robotics, automation, CNC machines, etc., backlash is crucial for accuracy and positioning.

The physical components of a reduction gearbox varies from one reduction gearbox type to another, as well as differences between manufacturers. Most reduction gearbox types are constructed from steel materials such as iron, aluminum and brass. Unlike other reduction gearbox types, a spur gearbox can also be made with plastics such as polycarbonate or nylon. Other than the raw materials used, the orientation of the gear teeth play a major role in the overall efficiency, torque and speed of the system. A straight gear teeth reduction gearbox is typically used in low-speed applications. This can cause the reduction gearbox to be noisy, and lower its overall efficiency. A helical reduction gearbox is typically used in high-speed applications. This type of reduction gearbox is quieter in operation than a straight gear teeth reduction gearbox, which may improve the overall efficiency.

Advantages of a Reduction Gearbox • Low noise level • High efficiency • High reduction ratios • Increase/Decrease output torque • Increase/Decrease output speed • Durable Disadvantages of a Reduction Gearbox • More costly than other drive systems • Proper lubrication is necessary for smooth running • Poorly cut teeth may result in excessive vibration and noise during operation • Quality matters and adds to cost

The price of a reduction gearbox varies and is typically affected by size, accuracy specifications, backlash, and the gear ratio, as well as the specific manufacturer. A reduction gearbox with a backlash in the range of 30 arc-minutes may cost as low as $500. The cost for a reduction gearbox with a backlash value under 5 arc-minutes will cost more than a reduction gearbox with high backlash values. Below is a list of reduction gearbox products offered by Anaheim Automation. Comprehensive specifications and pricing is available on our website at AnaheimAutomation.com, for each of the offered types: • Economy Reduction Gearbox • High-Grade Reduction Gearbox • Right-Angle Planetary Reduction Gearbox • Rotating Output Flange Reduction Gearbox

Q. Are planetary and spur reduction gearbox types bi-directional? A. Yes, planetary and spur reduction gearboxes are designed to be used for bi-directional operation. The direction the input shaft rotates and gear arrangement of the reduction gearbox will determine the rotation of the output shaft. Q. Can Anaheim Automation’s motors be combined with a reduction gearbox? A. Anaheim Automation’s motors can be assembled with a reduction gearbox to meet the necessary requirements of an application. Motors and reduction gearboxes can be purchased separately or be purchased as an assembled unit. Customization is available. Minimum purchase requirements and a Non-Cancellable/Non-Returnable agreement will apply. Q. What is the lifetime of an Anaheim Automation motor and reduction gearbox? A. The lifetime of a motor and reduction gearbox varies by user application. Certain factors determine the lifetime of a product, such as environment, radial loads (torque), duty cycle, and input power. All these factors play a role in the lifetime of a motor and reduction gearbox. Anaheim Automation’s experienced Application Engineers are available to provide recommendations on the best products for your specific application criteria. Q. What type of reduction gearbox would be used for right angle applications? A. A bevel and worm reduction gearboxes are mainly utilized in right angle applications. They offer high efficiency and low gear ratios. A straight bevel reduction gearbox with straight cut teeth are utilized in slow speed applications, whereas spiral bevel reduction gearboxes with curved teeth are utilized in high performance, high speed applications. Worm reduction gearboxes are also available with right angle configurations. They are able to sustain high shock loads, low in noise, maintenance-free but are less efficient than a bevel reduction gearbox. Q. Can a reduction gearbox be backdriven? A. Some reduction gearbox types, such as a spur reduction gearbox can be backdriven, while some, such as the worm reduction gearbox cannot be backdriven. Q. How many planet gears are there in a reduction gearbox? A. The amount of planetary gears in a reduction gearbox differs based on specific application requirements. Most planetary reduction gearbox types consist of two or more planetary gears. Q. What is the difference between straight cut gears and helical gears? A. Straight cut gears have straight and tapered teeth, and are used for low speed applications. Helical gears are cut at angles to allow gradual contact between the gear teeth. This allows for smooth and quiet operation. Helical gears are applicable in high horsepower and efficient applications.

Each reduction gearbox works in a similar fashion. The directions the gears rotate are dependent on the input direction and orientation of the gears. For example, if the initial gear is rotating in a clockwise direction, the gear it engages will rotate counterclockwise. This continues down the line for multiple gears. The combination of different size gears and the number of teeth on each gear plays a significant role in the output torque and speed of the shaft. High gear ratios allow for more output torque and lower speeds, while lower gear ratios allow for higher output speed and less output torque. A planetary reduction gearbox works relatively the same. A planetary reduction gearbox system is constructed with three main components: a central sun gear, a planet carrier (carrying one or more planet gears) and an annulus (an outer ring). The central sun gear is orbited by planet gears (of the same size) mounted to the planet carrier. The planet gears are meshed with the sun gear while the outer rings teeth mesh with the planet gears. There are several configurations for a reduction gearbox system. Typical configurations consist of three components: the input, the output and one stationary component. For example: one possible configuration is the sun gear as the input, the annulus as the output and the planet carrier remaining stationary. In this configuration, the input shaft rotates the sun gear, the planet gears rotate on their own axes, simultaneously applying a torque to the rotating planet carrier that in turn applies torque to the output shaft (which in this case is the annulus). The rate at which the gears rotate (gear ratio) is determined by the number of teeth in each gear. The torque (power output) is determined by both the number of teeth and by which component in the planetary system is stationary.

The output of a motor (i.e. stepper, brushless, AC and brush motors) is used as the input of the reduction gearbox and controls the speed at which the reduction gearbox rotates. The configuration below illustrates the driver controlling the external motor, which is connected as the input shaft of the reduction gearbox. As a result, when the driver is powered, the motor shaft rotates inside the reduction gearbox causing the output shaft of the reduction gearbox to rotate. The output speed and torque is dependent on the internal configuration of the reduction gearbox.

When considering a reduction gearbox, many factors need to be considered to meet specific application requirements: Gear Ratio Gear ratios are defined as the correlation between the numbers of teeth of two different gears. Commonly, the number of teeth a gear has is proportional to its circumference. This means that the gear with a larger circumference will have more gear teeth; therefore the relationship between the circumferences of the two gears can also give an accurate gear ratio. For example, if one gear has 36 teeth while another gear has 12 teeth, the gear ratio would be 3:1. Output Torque Output torque of the reduction gearbox is dependent on the gear ratio used. To obtain a high output torque, a large gear ratio would be selected. Using a large gear ratio will lower the output shaft speed of the motor. Inversely, using a lower gear ratio, a smaller output torque value would be delivered into the system, with a greater motor speed at the output shaft of the reduction gearbox. This statement illustrates the relationship that both torque and speed are inversely proportional to one another. Speed (RPM) Speed is proportional to the gear ratio of the reduction gearbox system. For example, if the input gear has more teeth than the output gear, the result will be an increase in speed at the output shaft. On the other hand, having the reverse scenario with more gear teeth at the output compared to the input will result in a decrease of speed at the output shaft. In general, the output speed can be determined by dividing the input speed by the gear ratio. The higher the ratio the lower the output speed will be and vice versa. Gear Arrangement Gear arrangement is an ingenious engineering design that offers various benefits over the traditional fixed axis gear system design. The unique combination of both power transmission efficiency and compact size allows for a lower loss in efficiency of the reduction gearbox. The more efficient the gear arrangement, (i.e. spur, helical, planetary and worm) the more energy it will allow to be transmitted and converted into torque, rather than energy lost in heat. Another application factor to be taken into account when selecting a reduction gearbox is load distribution. Since the load being transmitted is shared among multiple planets, the torque capacity is increased. The higher number of planets in a gear system will increase the load ability and enhance torque density. Gear arrangements improve stability and rotational stiffness because of a balanced system, but it is a complex and more costly design. One example is a gear arrangement that is a traditional fixed axis gear system with a pinion driving a larger gear on an axis parallel to the shaft. Or, there may be a planetary gear design system with a sun gear (pinion) surrounded by more than one gear (planet gears) and is encompassed in an outer ring gear. The two systems are similar in ratio and volume, but the planetary gear design has three times the higher torque density and three times the stiffness due to the increased number of gear contacts. Fixed Axis Gear System: Volume = 1, Torque = 1, Stiffness = 1 Planetary Gear System: Volume =1, Torque = 3, Stiffness = 3 Other gear arrangements as mentioned in the Types of Reduction Gearboxes segment of this guide are bevel, helical, cycloid, spur and worm. Backlash Backlash is the angle in which the output shaft of a reduction gearbox can rotate without the input shaft moving, or the gap between the teeth of two adjacent gears. It is not necessary to consider backlash for applications which do not involve load reversals. However, in precision applications with load reversals like robotics, automation, CNC machines, etc., backlash is crucial for accuracy and positioning.

The physical components of a reduction gearbox varies from one reduction gearbox type to another, as well as differences between manufacturers. Most reduction gearbox types are constructed from steel materials such as iron, aluminum and brass. Unlike other reduction gearbox types, a spur gearbox can also be made with plastics such as polycarbonate or nylon. Other than the raw materials used, the orientation of the gear teeth play a major role in the overall efficiency, torque and speed of the system. A straight gear teeth reduction gearbox is typically used in low-speed applications. This can cause the reduction gearbox to be noisy, and lower its overall efficiency. A helical reduction gearbox is typically used in high-speed applications. This type of reduction gearbox is quieter in operation than a straight gear teeth reduction gearbox, which may improve the overall efficiency.

There are many types of reduction gearboxes manufactured throughout the world. One of the main differences between each individual reduction gearbox is their performance characteristics. Choosing from the various reduction gearbox types is application dependent. A reduction gearbox is available in many sizes, ratios, efficiencies and backlash characteristics. All of these design factors will affect the performance and cost of a reduction gearbox. There are several reduction gearbox types which are listed below: Bevel Reduction Gearbox A bevel reduction gearbox is mainly used in right angle, low gear ratio applications, due to their shafts perpendicular arrangement to one another. A bevel reduction gearbox makes it possible to change operating angles. Two different types of bevel reduction gearboxes includes straight and spiral. A straight bevel reduction gearbox is used for slow speed applications, and have straight and tapered teeth. The spiral bevel reduction gearbox has curved and oblique teeth, and are used mainly for high-performance, high speed applications. A bevel reduction gearbox is typically constructed of cast iron, aluminum alloy or other steel materials. Helical Reduction Gearbox Unlike spur gears, gears on a helical reduction gearbox is cut at angles which allow for gradual contact between the gear teeth. This design provides for a smooth and quiet operation. A helical reduction gearbox is compact, efficient and available in a 5:1 ratio per stage. A helical reduction gearbox can be used on non-parallel and perpendicular shafts. These reduction gearbox types are applicable in high horsepower and efficient applications. A helical reduction gearbox is typically constructed with cast iron, aluminum alloy or iron material. Spur Reduction Gearbox A spur reduction gearbox is compact, cost-effective, efficient and readily available. A spur reduction gearboxe is available in a 10:1 ratio per stage, made with straight teeth mounted on a parallel shaft. The noise level of a spur reduction gearbox is relatively high due to colliding teeth of the gears. In comparison with a worm reduction gearbox, they are more expensive, noisier and have less shock capability. The spur reduction gearbox is widely used in applications requiring an increase or reduction in speed and high output torque. A spur reduction gearbox is typically constructed with metals such as steel or brass, and plastics such as nylon or polycarbonate. Worm Reduction Gearbox A worm reduction gearbox can handle high shock loads, and is low in noise and maintenance-free, but less efficient than other reduction gearbox types. It is also available in right angle configuration. The worm reduction gearbox configuration allows the worm to turn the gear with ease; however, the gear cannot turn the worm. The prevention of the gear to move the worm can be utilized as a braking system. When the reduction gearbox is turned off, it is held in a locked position. A worm reduction gearbox is typically constructed of aluminum, stainless steel and cast iron. Planetary Reduction Gearbox A planetary reduction gearbox is named so due to their resemblance of the solar system. A planetary reduction gearbox consists of three main components: sun gear, ring gear and two or more planet gears. The sun gear is the located in the center, the ring gear is the outermost gear, and the planet gears are the gears surrounding the sun gear inside the ring gear. A planetary reduction gearbox is used in applications requiring low backlash, compact size, high efficiency, resistance to shock, and high torque to weight ratio.

A reduction gearbox is a mechanical device utilized to increase the output torque or change the speed (RPM) of a motor. The motor’s shaft is attached to one end of the reduction gearbox and through the internal configuration of gears of a reduction gearbox, provides a given output torque and speed determined by the gear ratio.

Advancements in technology and the evolution of gears have made a more efficient and powerful reduction gearbox to be developed and manufactured at lower costs. Toothed gear systems have evolved from fixed axis gear systems to new and improved gears including helical, cycloid, spur, worm and planetary gear systems. A reduction gearbox is widely used in applications that require desired output speed (RPM), control the direction of rotation, and to translate torque or power from one input shaft to another. A reduction gearbox is used in a variety of industries: • Aerospace – In the aerospace industry, a reduction gearbox is used in space and air travel, i.e. airplanes, missiles, space vehicles, space shuttles and engines. • Agriculture – In the agriculture industry, a reduction gearbox is used for plowing, irrigation, pest and insect control, tractors and pumps. • Automotive – In the automotive industry, a reduction gearbox is used in cars, helicopters, buses and motorcycles. • Construction – In the construction industry, a reduction gearbox is used in heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, bulldozers and tractors. • Food Processing – In the food processing industry, a reduction gearbox is used in conveyor systems, the processing of meat and vegetable products, and packaging applications. • Marine Industry – In the marine industry, a reduction gearbox is used on boats and yatchs. • Medical – In the medical industry, a reduction gearbox is used in surgical tables, patient beds, medical diagnostic machines, dental equipment and MRI and CAT scan machines. • Power Plants – In power plants, a reduction gearbox is implemented in transformers, generators and turbines.