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Cycloidal Drive Gearbox
In preparation for future projects, I needed a way to gain more torque out of the stepper motors I have. So a gear reduction was the way to go, as I don't want to buy bigger stepper motors. This fully self designed drive achieves a 20:1 gear ratio.
Project type
Precision Gearbox Design
Date
July 2026
Location
Columbia, MO
01
Cycloidal Drive Gearbox
01
Cycloidal Drive Componets
Here is the almost full assembly. I started this project as a way to make something, I didnt really have a goal in mind that I wanted to use this for. But I'm still glad I did as it taught me a good bit about design and how cycloidal drives work in the first place. I also learned a lot about my X2D's tolerances and capabilities.
02
Some Test Turns
Using bearings allowed for a smooth operation, but with the way way I designed this thing the sheer amount of bearings needed is annoying. In the future, now that I know how to design a cycloidal drive, I would use bushings to reduce the cost. Although it wouldn't be as smooth.
03
20:1 Gear Ratio Demonstration
I designed this drive with a 20:1 gear ratio mind, and at the end it does accomplish this goal.
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