The world's smallest backlash-free precision gearbox
The Harmonic Drive gear provides a unique combination of precision,
torque capacity and power density. These features have made it the
preferred solution in a wide range of machines and devices.
However,
a new market is emerging for ever smaller gears and actuators,
for a new generation of compact, lightweight machines and portable
devices that can be manufactured with a minimal use of material
and can operate precisely, quickly and efficiently.
Key requirements for innovative microactuators used in positioning
applications are not only miniature dimensions and low weight,
but above all precise and backlash-free positioning capability.
To meet the requirements of this new market, the Institute for
Microtechnology Mainz (IMM) and Harmonic Drive AG in Limburg co-operated
to develop the world’s smallest backlash-free precision gearbox,
the Micro Harmonic Drive.
By
combining new microtechnological manufacturing techniques with
the unique Harmonic
Drive operating principle, a new standard has been set with
respect to positioning accuracy, high torque capacity, high reduction
ratios, compact dimensions and low weight.
The Micro Harmonic Drive is therefore ideally suited to precision
positioning applications in a wide range of compact machines and
portable devices.
Located in Mainz-Gonsenheim and represented in the UK by ORLIN
Technologies, Micromotion GmbH is focused on the development and
manufacture of microgears and microactuators using the Micro Harmonic
Drive principle.
To
enable simple integration in machines or devices Micromotion has
developed a new range of micro gearboxes. These can be easily
combined directly with common micromotors or can be provided with
an input shaft, allowing the motor to be mounted in parallel.
An optional hollow shaft allows a laser beam, optical fibre or
air supply to be passed along the central axis of the gearbox.
Advantages
Accuracy
Speed
Reliability
Robustness
Versatility
Key Features
Zero backlash Micro Harmonic Drive component set
Pre-loaded bearings to support output and input shafts
Stainless steel housing and shafts
Optional hollow shaft (allows laser beams, optical fibres
or air/vacuum supply to be passed through the gearbox)
Lifetime lubrication
Vacuum-compatibility option
Can be supplied integrated with stepper or servo motors as
a miniature rotary actuator system
Linear micro-positioning systems
Micro linear pushers
Using
Micro Harmonic Drive technology, Micromotion offers the world's
smallest Micro Linear Pusher for use in high precision linear
adjustment mechanisms in the area of optical systems or semiconductor
production. By integrating Micro Harmonic Drive gears with their
well known advantages it has been possible to develop an extremely
compact and light-weight linear positioning system.
The backlash-free micro linear adjustment system features a cross
section of just 10 x 10 mm2 with a mass of only 22
g. The length of the Micro Linear Pusher MLP-10 depends on the
adjustable stroke and the selected motor type. The smallest system
with a total length of only 58.6mm is driven by a stepping motor
and offers an adjustable stroke of 6mm. This makes them ideal
for direct replacement of micrometers when automation of a previously
manual positioning system is required.
Micro Linear Pushers are available with either stepping motors
or servo motors and may therefore be configured exactly to the
customer’s control system and process control. A wide range of
mounting interfaces and rod-end options are available.
Eccentric actuators
Eccentric
actuators are characterised by a simple system design coupled
with high precision. The combination of Micro Harmonic Drive gears
with backlash-free eccentric mechanism enables the realisation
of extremely lightweight, space-saving positioning systems for
highly precise adjustments in the submicron range. External diameters
are between 8 mm and 10 mm depending on particular performance
requirements.
Because of their compact external dimensions and extremely low
weight (less than 10 grams), systems of this type are also ideal
for integration in highly dynamic processes. Eccentric actuators
can be provided with stepper or servo motors to suit the customer's
control system.
Micro
Harmonic Drive®
However,
a new market is emerging for ever smaller gears and actuators,
for a new generation of compact, lightweight machines and portable
devices that can be manufactured with a minimal use of material
and can operate precisely, quickly and efficiently. 
By
combining new microtechnological manufacturing techniques with
the unique 
To
enable simple integration in machines or devices Micromotion has
developed a new range of micro gearboxes. These can be easily
combined directly with common micromotors or can be provided with
an input shaft, allowing the motor to be mounted in parallel.
An optional hollow shaft allows a laser beam, optical fibre or
air supply to be passed along the central axis of the gearbox.
Accuracy
Using
Micro Harmonic Drive technology, Micromotion offers the world's
smallest Micro Linear Pusher for use in high precision linear
adjustment mechanisms in the area of optical systems or semiconductor
production. By integrating Micro Harmonic Drive gears with their
well known advantages it has been possible to develop an extremely
compact and light-weight linear positioning system. 
Eccentric
actuators are characterised by a simple system design coupled
with high precision. The combination of Micro Harmonic Drive gears
with backlash-free eccentric mechanism enables the realisation
of extremely lightweight, space-saving positioning systems for
highly precise adjustments in the submicron range. External diameters
are between 8 mm and 10 mm depending on particular performance
requirements.