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Cycloidal gearbox

Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets gearbox

Hollow-shaft RV cycloidal component sets for robot bases and wrists in 11 sizes, rated 98 to 11,760 Nm, with bores up to 138 mm and hysteresis loss under 1 arcmin.

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Key specifications

Bore (max)138 mm
Rated torque98–11,760 Nm
Peak torque (max)29,400 Nm
Ratio27–42.84:1
SizesRV-10C, 27C, 50C, 100C, 155C, 200C, 320C, 400C, 500C, 900C, 1200C
Emergency stop torque max58,800
Lost motionhysteresis loss <1.0 arcmin

Summarised in our own words from Nabtesco Corporation's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1

Notes on this data

Cycloidal (RV) reducer: the brief's allowed gearbox types have no cycloidal type, so this is recorded as planetary (RV uses a spur planetary first stage and an eccentric-oscillating cycloidal second stage). Ratios listed are the reduction of the component set as tabulated. torque_Nm_peak_max = permissible acceleration/deceleration torque.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with Nabtesco Corporation. Nabtesco and RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Nabtesco part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Compact worm wheel gearboxes paired with ZYT DC motors, in die-cast aluminium or composite housings with plastic, bronze or steel gearing.

Published maximumRV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component setsMCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox
Rated torque11,760 Nm—
Peak torque29,400 Nm—
Ratio (max)42.84:160:1 meets or exceeds
Stainless planetary gearbox

APEX Dynamics AE / AER / AES / AESR

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Apex Dynamics helical planetary range in inline (AE) and right-angle (AER) forms. AES/AESR are the all-stainless body versions with food-grade grease for washdown and corrosive areas.

Published maximumRV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component setsAE / AER / AES / AESR
Rated torque11,760 Nm—
Peak torque29,400 Nm—
Ratio (max)42.84:1200:1 meets or exceeds
Planetary gearbox

APEX Dynamics GL / GLS

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Apex Dynamics AGV planetary with a rotating housing so a drive wheel or pulley can mount directly over it; GLS takes shaft input for belt drive.

Published maximumRV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component setsGL / GLS
Rated torque11,760 Nm—
Peak torque29,400 Nm—
Ratio (max)42.84:190:1 meets or exceeds
Backlash (lower is better)—3 arcmin

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Typical applications

Robot base and wrist axes with cables through the centreTurntablesPositioners

What a cycloidal gearbox is

A cycloidal gearbox reduces speed with one or more lobed cycloid discs driven by an eccentric input shaft, rolling inside a ring of pins. Each input revolution moves the disc by one lobe, so high ratios are achieved in a compact stage. Many pins share the load, giving high torque capacity, stiffness and shock resistance. Precision robot types, often called RV reducers, add a planetary input stage and support the output with large integrated bearings. Backlash is typically very low.

When engineers choose a cycloidal gearbox

Choose a cycloidal reducer for heavy, stiff, shock-resistant joints such as robot bases, shoulders, positioners, turntables and machine tool axes. It handles high moment loads and impact better than strain-wave gears. The trade-offs are weight, size and cost compared with planetary units, and some ripple at the output. For compact light joints, a strain-wave gear is lighter. For general servo axes, planetary units are cheaper.

How to specify the Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets variant or an equivalent:

  • Ratio (:1)
  • Rated and peak output torque (Nm)
  • Emergency stop torque (Nm)
  • Moment and axial load on output bearing (Nm, N)
  • Torsional stiffness (Nm/arcmin)
  • Backlash and lost motion (arcmin)
  • Input arrangement and motor interface

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Ignoring tilting moment from offset payloads on the output bearing
  • Not checking emergency stop torque
  • Skipping the recommended grease change interval
  • Sizing on average torque only

Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including Motion Control Products options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets?

Hollow-shaft RV cycloidal component sets for robot bases and wrists in 11 sizes, rated 98 to 11,760 Nm, with bores up to 138 mm and hysteresis loss under 1 arcmin. Published series figures include bore 138 mm, rated torque 98 Nm, rated torque 11,760 Nm, peak torque 29,400 Nm. It is made by Nabtesco Corporation; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets?

The Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets is made by Nabtesco (Nabtesco Corporation) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Nabtesco Corporation; brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the bore of the Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets?

The published series maximum bore is 138 mm. Individual models and sizes in the RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the Nabtesco RV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Motion Control Products MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox and APEX Dynamics AE / AER / AES / AESR are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

What is the difference between a cycloidal and a strain-wave gear?

A cycloidal gear uses rigid lobed discs rolling on pins, giving high stiffness and shock resistance. A strain-wave gear uses a flexible spline, giving compact high ratios and near-zero backlash at lower weight. Cycloidal suits heavy base joints; strain-wave suits lighter, compact joints.

What is an RV reducer?

An RV reducer is a precision cycloidal gearbox with a planetary input stage feeding two or more cycloid discs, plus a large integrated output bearing. The design gives high torque, stiffness and moment capacity in a compact package, which is why it is common in industrial robot joints.

Further reading: Harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal · How to select a gearbox · Gearboxes and harmonic drives

Other cycloidal gearbox series

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