Neugart releases new NDFC gearbox series for dynamic delta robotics

Global gearbox and drive system for automation technology manufacturer Neugart GmbH (Neugart) announced the expansion of its portfolio of application-specific drive offerings with the new NDFC gearbox series.

Neugart said the NDFC was developed as a cost-effective alternative for delta robot drives, delivering reliable performance, high availability, and exceptional robustness.

Drives for delta robots

Neugart said the NDFC series is similar to the high-performance NDF series; its design is optimized for the unique kinematics of delta robots. The company said that these parallel kinematic systems combine rapid pick-and-place movements with high repeat accuracy, placing specific demands on the inertia, stiffness and sealing technology of the gearbox. Neugart said that the NDFC addresses these requirements precisely, combining an application-specific drive train with a focus on cost efficiency.

“With the NDFC gearboxes, we offer design teams an economical, application-specific gear solution for delta robots that combines dynamic performance, rapid availability, and an attractive total cost of ownership,” said Marcel Geurts, product manager at Neugart GmbH.

The company said that the NDFC series features gearing parts from the Neugart Precision Line, paired with an input and sealing system optimized for delta robot applications. Its mass-inertia-reduced clamping system allows rapid direction changes, enabling short cycle times. At the same time, Neugart said that the sealing concept optimizes effective sealing at the limited angles of rotation typical of delta robot output shafts.

Neugart said that the standard torsional backlash is less than 5 arcminutes and can be reduced to below 2 arcminutes for frame size 064 and below 1 arcminute for frame sizes 090 and 110. With three frame sizes (064, 090, and 110) and two-stage ratios ranging from i = 16 to 100, the company said that the NDFC covers a wide range of delta robot and parallel kinematic robot applications.

Neugart said it placed particular emphasis on operational reliability under dynamic load conditions. The company said NDFC’s application-specific sealing design supports high performance, while the mechanical drive train combines low inertia with high transmissible torque. As a result, Neugart said that the NDFC delivers the precision required for demanding pick-and-place tasks while remaining economically efficient.

For hygienically sensitive environments, Neugart said that the NDFC series offers several options: food-grade lubrication without performance restrictions, a nickel-plated output flange and a stainless-steel output shaft. The company added that these features enhance corrosion resistance and support frequent cleaning cycles, making the gearbox suitable for use in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries.