Our products
Our angular gearboxes, made from first-class materials, combine efficiency, precision and a long service life in a compact design. With a torque range of 35 to 250 Ncm, they are ideal for applications in medical technology, robotics and many other demanding areas.
Whether you require prototypes, small series production or tailor-made special solutions, we are at your side as your partner – for perfect design and individual implementation.
Angular gearboxes from A to Z
Angular gearboxes are indispensable when it comes to transmitting rotary movements and speeds at 90 degrees. They are often used when installation space is limited and maximum efficiency is required at the same time.
By selecting the output shaft to the left or right, the speed can be adjusted to either fast or slow, depending on requirements. The output shaft can also be selected in both directions. A compact design with 2-sided mounting options enables maximum efficiency with minimum space requirements.
Thanks to their compact design and precise functionality, they are ideal for numerous industrial and technical applications.
With 25 years of experience, abp Antriebstechnik sets standards in the development and production of angular gearboxes in small and medium dimensions. Our products combine maximum precision, smooth running and performance with the smallest dimensions and guarantee a long service life. Whether in medical technology, robotics or other demanding areas.
Our solutions ensure that gearboxes with maximum reliability and efficiency are used in your projects. We work with you to develop the optimum solution for your requirements – whether compact bevel gearboxes in an open design, bevel gearboxes in a closed design or worm gearboxes.
On this page, we have summarized all frequently asked questions about gear boxes for you. Not the right one for you? Contact us now – we will be happy to advise you personally!
- What are angular gearboxes?
- What types of angular gearboxes are there?
- What advantages do abp Antriebstechnik's angular gearboxes offer?
- What materials are used for angular gearboxes?
- What factors influence the efficiency of angular gearboxes?
- What maintenance do right-angle gearboxes require?
- What role does lubrication play in angular gearboxes?
- How efficient are right-angle gearboxes?
- What types of gearing are there in right-angle gearboxes?
- What role does the transmission ratio of the angular gearboxes play?
- For which applications are abp's angular gearboxes suitable?
- What needs to be considered when installing an angular gearbox?
- What is important in the manufacture of angular gearboxes?
What are angular gearboxes?
Angular gearboxes are gearboxes that change the direction of rotation of the power transmission by a 90-degree angle.
Different types of gearing – such as bevel gear drives, worm gear drives or hypoid gear drives – can be used to achieve a wide variety of transmission ratios, torques and requirements.
Angular gearboxes are often used in applications where space is limited but high efficiency and precision are still required. Typical areas of application include medical technology, robotics and industrial automation.
They consist of a housing in which gear elements are arranged. These gears are arranged in such a way that the rotary motion of one shaft can be transmitted to another shaft. The two shafts are usually at right angles to each other. The most common single-stage bevel gear types are bevel gears and worm gears.
Species
What types of angular gearboxes are there?
There are various types of right-angle gearboxes, which differ in terms of design, efficiency and application, and are therefore tailored to specific applications and requirements.
The most common types include:
Open bevel gearbox: The open design of this gearbox makes it easy to check for wear and tear and to replace the gear wheels and bevel pinion. This makes it particularly service-friendly and it is often used in applications where maintenance and inspection need to be carried out regularly and without great effort.
Closed-design bevel gearboxes: Unlike open-design bevel gearboxes, closed bevel gearboxes are completely encapsulated. The housing protects the gear teeth from dust, dirt, moisture and chemical influences and ensures uniform lubrication of the gears. This means they can also be used in demanding environments such as the food industry or packaging technology.
Schneckenradgetriebe: Schneckenradgetriebe bestehen aus einer Schnecke und einem rechtwinklig dazu stehenden Schneckenrad. Auf diese Weise kann eine hohe Untersetzung auf engem Raum realisiert werden – auch bei einem Achsversatz: Die Eingangs- und Ausgangswelle müssen nicht auf einer Höhe liegen, was zusätzliche Konstruktionsfreiheit bietet. Zudem arbeiten Schneckengetriebe sehr ruhig und vibrationsarm, was sie für Anwendungen in der Robotik, Fördertechnik oder in Positionierungssystemen interessant macht. Je nach Steigung der Schnecke sind diese Getriebe selbsthemmend.
Hypoid gears: Hypoid gears are a special type of bevel gear and combine the advantages of bevel gears and worm gears: in hypoid gears, the axes of the input and output shafts do not meet at exactly right angles, but are slightly offset. This allows power to be transmitted particularly smoothly and quietly. Hypoid gears thus enable high transmission ratios combined with good efficiency and very smooth running.
In addition to series production in small and medium series, our strengths also include special designs and gear designs. Thanks to their high transmission accuracy and extreme durability, abp angular gearboxes are predestined for industrial use. Please contact us and together we will find the right solution for your requirements.
What advantages do abp Antriebstechnik's angular gearboxes offer?
The angular gearboxes from abp Antriebstechnik offer several advantages, including:
- High efficiency: Thanks to precise manufacturing and high-quality materials, they offer effective power transmission.
- Minimized gear backlash: This enables angularly accurate transmission and therefore high precision.
- Durability: The robust design and selection of high-quality materials ensure that the angular gearboxes have a long service life.
- Flexibility: They are suitable for a wide range of applications and offer solutions for individual, even complex, requirements.
- Quiet transmission: The transmission of rotary movements are low-noise and low-vibration with abp’s angular gearboxes.
- Space-saving: They enable a 90-degree transmission of rotary movements, which is particularly useful in confined spaces.
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What materials are used for angular gearboxes?
The choice of materials has a decisive influence on the durability, efficiency and service life of an angular gearbox. Different industries and applications have their own specific requirements in terms of load capacity, weight and noise generation – which is why different materials are used.
Hardened steel is primarily used for gear wheels and bevel pinions. It offers maximum strength and high wear resistance, making it ideal for applications where high torques need to be transmitted.
Aluminium is the preferred material for housings and load-bearing parts. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and allows for compact designs without compromising stability.
Engineering plastics are primarily used in applications where noise generation needs to be minimised or where low loads are transmitted.
In many cases, a combination of these materials is used. At abp Antriebstechnik, each right-angle gearbox is adapted to the respective application in terms of material selection and design. This enables us to ensure that your gearbox has exactly the properties you need for your area of application.
What factors influence the efficiency of angular gearboxes?
The efficiency of a angular gearbox is influenced by several factors:
- Quality of the gears: Precise gearing minimizes backlash and friction losses.
- Lubrication: Correct lubrication reduces wear and improves efficiency.
- Gear ratio: Depending on the application, the gear ratio can influence the efficiency of power transmission.
- Choice of materials: High-quality materials contribute to durability and performance.
Maintenance
What maintenance do right-angle gearboxes require?
The maintenance required depends on the type of gearbox (open/closed), gear types (e.g. bevel gears, hypoid gears, worm gears), speeds/torques, environment and lubrication. As a general rule, a well-manufactured gearbox with appropriate lubrication will remain reliable for a long time – maintenance ensures that efficiency, precision and service life remain high.
Lubrication plays a crucial role.
Open designs usually require regular relubrication with grease, whereas closed designs are significantly lower maintenance as they operate in a closed environment and therefore do not lose any lubricant.
Another key aspect of maintenance is mechanical inspection. The alignment of the axles must be checked regularly to avoid additional stress and premature wear. Fastening screws and clamping hubs on hollow shafts should be retightened after the first few hours of operation and then at regular intervals. Seals and housing surfaces must also be checked to ensure that there are no leaks that could impair lubrication.
Function testing also includes regular visual inspection of gears and bearings, insofar as they are accessible. Changes in noise or vibration behaviour are often early signs that a component is no longer operating in optimal condition. The housing should also be inspected for cracks or other damage.
What role does lubrication play in angular gearboxes?
Lubrication is a crucial factor for the function, service life and efficiency of bevel gears. It ensures that friction between the tooth flanks is reduced, which:
- Minimised wear,
- Noise reduction and
- Heat generation is reduced.
Good lubrication also helps to ensure that the gearbox remains reliable in use for many years.
Open bevel gearboxes usually require regular relubrication. Closed designs can be operated with oil or grease lubrication, which ensures even distribution and reduces maintenance requirements.
How efficient are right-angle gearboxes?
- Bevel gearboxes generally achieve an efficiency of up to 98%, as the gears mesh very efficiently and there is only minimal friction loss.
- Hypoid gears are slightly less efficient (efficiency of approx. 90–96%), but are characterised by particularly quiet operation and the possibility of greater axle offset.
- Worm gears usually have a lower efficiency (between 70 and 90%), but score points for their compact design and high reduction ratio.
Types of gearing
What types of gearing are there in right-angle gearboxes?
Angular gearboxes can be manufactured with different types of gear teeth. The type of gear teeth determines how the teeth of the gears mesh with each other and has a major influence on the efficiency, smoothness, load capacity and service life of an angular gearbox. There are several basic variants:
In straight gearing, the tooth flanks run straight and are parallel to each other. This design is considered particularly robust and easy to manufacture, which is why it is cost-effective. However, the teeth mesh abruptly, which can cause clearly audible noise and vibrations at higher speeds. It is therefore particularly suitable for less demanding applications where reliability and easy maintenance are the primary considerations.
Helical gearing is characterised by the fact that the tooth flanks are arranged at an angle. This means that the teeth gradually come into contact, ensuring smooth running. Noise levels are lower and load capacity is higher, while efficiency is also improved compared to straight teeth. The disadvantage lies in the more complex manufacturing process and in the axial forces that arise due to the helical arrangement and must be absorbed by the bearings. Typical areas of application are precision applications such as robotics.
Hypoid gearing is a special form of helical gearing and allows for an axial offset between the input and output shafts. This means that the shafts do not have to be exactly at the same height. Hypoid gears are characterised by particularly quiet running, high load capacity and the ability to transmit high torques. However, they are more complex to manufacture and place higher demands on lubrication. Hypoid gears are used in mechanical engineering and robotics, among other areas.
In worm gearing, a helical worm meshes with a worm wheel, enabling very high reduction ratios to be achieved in a small space. A particular advantage is self-locking: the worm wheel cannot turn the worm back, which provides additional safety in many applications. Worm gears run very quietly and with low vibration, but only achieve an efficiency of between 70 and 90 per cent due to increased friction. They are often used in conveyor technology or in positioning systems.
At abp, we offer both standard items with proven gear types and customised designs in which the gearing is specially tailored to your application. This enables us to ensure that your gearbox offers exactly the right combination of efficiency, precision and service life.
What role does the transmission ratio of the angular gearboxes play?
The gear ratio of an angular gearbox determines the ratio between the input and output speeds and thus directly influences both the speed and the transmitted torque.
Normally, the transmission ratio for angular gearboxes is between 1:1 and 1:5.
- A 1:1 transmission ratio means that the input and output speeds remain the same – there is no change, only a 90-degree deflection of the rotational movement.
- With a reduction ratio (e.g. 1:3), the rotational speed is reduced while the transmitted torque increases. This variant is particularly interesting for applications with high load requirements, such as in mechanical engineering or in robust drives where a lot of power is required.
- When translating into speed, on the other hand, the output speed increases while the torque decreases. This is used where movements must be very dynamic and precise, for example in robotics or in highly developed positioning systems.
At abp Antriebstechnik, we offer standard gear ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. This covers the majority of common requirements. At the same time, you have the option of customising the gear ratio to suit your specific application.
Applications
For which applications are abp's angular gearboxes suitable?
abp’s gear boxes are suitable as drive solutions for a wide range of demanding applications. With our experience and customized solutions, we ensure reliable performance and maximum efficiency in numerous industries:
- Medical technology: Precision and smooth running are crucial to reliably operate sensitive devices.
- Food industry: Thanks to robust materials and optimized design, our angular gearboxes can meet many requirements in food production.
- Renewable energies (modern agricultural sector): Our angular gearboxes are used in sustainable technologies such as wind turbines. Here they enable precise control and reliable operation.
- Mechanical and plant engineering: abp gear boxes support complex solutions with their high performance thanks to their compact design. This makes them ideal for use in versatile and demanding production systems.
- Warehouse and conveyor technology: In logistics systems and conveyor systems, our gear boxes ensure the smooth movement of loads and materials.
- Drives and robotics: Compact design and high power density make our gearboxes ideal for modern robot applications.
- Automation: abp angular gearboxes offer the perfect solution for industrial systems that require maximum efficiency. Whether in industry or in the high-tech sector, our products always guarantee maximum reliability.
- Positioning systems: For precise movements and exact alignment of machine components, our gear boxes offer precise and repeatable control.
- Laser technology: In high-tech applications such as laser technology, our gearboxes ensure maximum precision in the positioning and control of laser systems.
- Packaging industry: Our 90 degree gearboxes offer the perfect solution for packaging machines that rely on efficiency and precision to ensure fast and accurate processes.
- Angular gearboxes from abp are also often used in machine tools, elevators and conveyor systems.
The torque of our angular gearboxes ranges between 35 Ncm and 15 Nm, depending on the version.
Einbau
What needs to be considered when installing an angular gearbox?
Precision plays a major role in the installation of an angular gearbox to ensure that the gearbox can operate efficiently and achieve its full service life. The following points are particularly important:
- Unpack carefully. Impacts on the shafts can disrupt the concentricity of the gearbox and render it unusable.
- Alignment: The input shaft and output shaft must be mounted precisely so that no additional forces or misalignments occur.
- Mounting: A stable and vibration-free fit of the housing prevents premature wear. Many of our gearboxes therefore offer mounting options on two sides.
- Lubrication: Before commissioning, check that the correct lubrication is in place. In closed designs, this is usually set at the factory.
- Load: The gearbox should only be operated at the specified torques and speeds. Overloading will damage the gear teeth.
- Environmental conditions: Temperature, humidity, or dust exposure affect service life. For harsh environments, we recommend enclosed designs or special protective coatings.
Manufacture
What is important in the manufacture of angular gearboxes?
Precision, material selection and quality control are crucial in the manufacture of angular gearboxes. It is important that each component complies with the manufacturing tolerance and is manufactured with such precision that smooth and efficient power transmission can be guaranteed. The following aspects are important here:
- Material: To ensure the strength and durability of the gearbox, high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum are used. Which material is used is decided in consultation with the customer depending on the application and the technical design requirements of the gearbox.
- Production: The gears must be manufactured precisely so that the motion force is transmitted smoothly and efficiently. Assembly and adjustment of the components play a key role in the function and quality of the gearbox.
- Surface: The surface finish can minimize wear on the gearbox and thus extend its service life. The surface finish and the selection of hardening processes are adapted to the relevant requirements with regard to wear prevention and environmental influences.
At abp, we attach great importance to state-of-the-art production technologies, comprehensive quality inspections and close cooperation with our customers in order to offer individual solutions at the highest technical level. Please contact us for a non-binding consultation on your project.
