Power Transmission Gears Enabling Noise Reduction and Lightweight Design for Industrial Robots

In manufacturing sites, the introduction of industrial robots has been accelerating to improve productivity in response to a declining labor population. As automation and labor-saving initiatives expand, opportunities for humans and robots to work side by side are increasing, making noise generated by robots a growing concern. Resonac’s low-noise plastic gears contribute to improving work environments by reducing noise in industrial robot and machinery operations.

The resin used in Resonac’s low-noise plastic gears has a lower elastic modulus than steel, which reduces the sound level (noise in dB) generated during gear meshing. Noise reduction of approximately 7 dB has been achieved. By reducing operating noise in industrial robots and machine tools—where steel gears are commonly used—these gears help improve factory and production site environments.

The resin used in low-noise plastic gears has a density of approximately one-sixth that of steel. Replacing steel gears with plastic gears contributes significantly to weight reduction at the component level. Lighter gears allow for reduced output requirements and downsizing of drive motors, enabling overall weight reduction of industrial robots and machinery systems.

Weight Comparison: Steel Gear vs. Low-Noise Plastic Gear

Compared with steel gears, low-noise plastic gears achieve approximately 50% weight reduction.

Item	Steel Gear	Low-Noise Plastic Gear
Photos
Comparison of Weight	230g 120g
Dimensions	Inner diameter: φ36 mm, Outer diameter: φ78 mm, Thickness: 10 mm Insert outer diameter: φ55.5 mm, Module: 3.0 (spur gear)

• Note: Actual weight reduction depends on the ratio of resin and metal components used in the lightweight, low-noise gear design.