Flange gearbox
Planetary gearbox developed with imagination
Wittenstein alpha presents the new flange gearbox of the alpha Value Line - the NTP. The minimized backlash and the increased ability to absorb high external forces are the outstanding features of the precision gearbox. With micro-geometrically optimized gearing components, the NTP aims to impress with reduced running noise and improved synchronization.
The compactness of the NTP is an important feature for manufacturers who optimize their machines for the smallest possible footprint. The gearbox - easily recognizable by its blue housing with all-round design element - offers a particularly high torque and power density thanks to its space-saving length. The new NTP has two role models in the Wittenstein alpha portfolio: firstly, the economical NTP gearbox for applications with standard requirements for features such as positioning accuracy. The second is the TP+ low-play planetary gearbox for maximum performance requirements, which is at home in the technological high-end segment.
The visual focus of the current market launch campaign for the new alpha Value Line planetary gearbox is a key visual based on the pop art style of American designer Andy Warhol. The multi-talented artist - who was also a filmmaker and publisher - once said: "Everybody must have a fantasy". And the engineers at Wittenstein alpha displayed just such an imagination when developing the "multi-talent gearbox" NTP.
Addressing a growing application segment
With the NTP, the manufacturer is addressing a steadily growing application segment in the precision gearbox market that is well aware of the importance of high-performance gearboxes, but is looking for a solution between standard and high-end for price reasons. A gearbox that offers particularly high torque density and reduced torsional backlash and can absorb higher external forces than gearboxes for standard applications is considered desirable by many users in machine tool and packaging machine construction or by manufacturers of handling and automation solutions. The new NTP is now intended to reflect these aspects. An output bearing with reinforced roller bearings has been developed for the new product series, which enables the NTP to compensate for significantly higher external forces compared to the relevant market standard - and opens up new degrees of freedom in machine design. In addition, the backlash of less than 5 angular minutes (arcmin) achieves a value that stands for particular precision and repeatability during positioning. For applications that require even less backlash or even almost zero backlash, the TP+ advanced line gearbox is the right alternative.
Technically improved gearing components
Another milestone in the development of the NTP flange gearbox is the completely revised gearing components. The technical improvements primarily relate to their optimized micro-geometry, as a result of which the NTP achieves improved synchronization properties compared to the previous alpha Value line and the market standard. At the same time, the high-quality gearing components have reduced running noise and thus the impact of acoustic emissions in the operating environment.
With the NTP, which is available in four sizes between 015 and 045, maximum torques from 56 to 800 Newton meters and ratios from 4 to 100, the manufacturer is facing an agile competitive environment in all relevant sales markets. In comparison with other gearboxes and brands in this market segment, it is said to be convincing because the combination of several features often sets a new best-in-class benchmark. Sometimes the NTP is ahead due to its low backlash in combination with the higher torque density; sometimes it scores with its superior tilting moments and low running noise; sometimes it is preferred by machine builders due to its torsional rigidity in combination with the increased absorption of external forces. Finally, it is now easier for machine builders to use Wittenstein gearboxes in axes with a wide range of requirements - precisely differentiated in terms of price and performance and optionally configurable with the Wittenstein Cymex design tool. The innovation sectors of handling, automation, packaging technology and machine tools are the most important areas of application for the NTP.
This article appeared in issue 10/23










