Cycloid gearbox canceled - Why not use harmonic gear?
I just read (and I am very surprised) that they canceled (due to uneasy production) cycloid gearbox - I am quite not satisfied with that - they had lot of time to test it and for investigation production possibilities. The cycloid gearbox was the best possible gearbox for such purpose. Now they are using planetary gearbox. I dont think that is a good choice - it has lower ratio and still has backlash (cycloid gearbox does not have backlash).
I am just wondering why they are not considering harmonic gearbox - again excellent rations (even larger than cycloid gearbox) - and no backlash. Harmonic gearboxes can be very small (and flat) - however they may require a bit more maintenance (meaning once per year and half you need to replace elliptical gear) - but if they choose a good material and easy access for replacement it could be a win to win scenario. Just to note - harmonic gear is very often used in industrial robots arms etc.
RE: Cycloid gearbox canceled - Why not use harmonic gear?
They had quality issues with the Cycloid gearbox. I have no idea what a harmonic gearbox is, but you could email the company.
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Cycloid gearbox canceled - Why not use harmonic gear?
Well if we are jumping on that bandwagon and wanted hold things up even more why not opt out to a Harmonic Planetary Gearbox hybrid. That way it would eliminate the maintenance issue but still all but eliminate backlash and be thin as well. Are we expecting too much too fast yet for the same price? No offence meant to anyone just my 2 cents (since I am Canadian my 2 cents is not worth a lot 🙂
RE: Cycloid gearbox canceled - Why not use harmonic gear?
How do we know that the new design does not cost as much to make as the original design?
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Cycloid gearbox canceled - Why not use harmonic gear?
I am only going by last years manufacturers comments that harmonic and hybrid harmonic gearboxes are pricier currently to begin with they are cheaper in the long run due to no maintenance required. Of course it is again up in the air since most of us have no real idea of the logistics and availability of any of these items. Which is why we rely on Prusa to do what they feel is the best. They have done so in the past so I trust they will continue. While waiting is not ideal there are a lot more things out there that require priority over a 3d printer.
RE: Cycloid gearbox canceled - Why not use harmonic gear?
I will wait till they get it right.
I am only going by last years manufacturers comments that harmonic and hybrid harmonic gearboxes are pricier currently to begin with they are cheaper in the long run due to no maintenance required. Of course it is again up in the air since most of us have no real idea of the logistics and availability of any of these items. Which is why we rely on Prusa to do what they feel is the best. They have done so in the past so I trust they will continue. While waiting is not ideal there are a lot more things out there that require priority over a 3d printer.
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog