• Transmission efficiency of a harmonic drive gear is the ratio of the reducer’s output power to its input power. Many factors are affect efficiency, including output torque, temperature, lubrication, gear ratio, and speed. The efficiency of oil-lubricated reducers is shown in the following figures. The efficiency of grease-lubricated reducers is 5% to 10% lower than shown below.

Efficiency (%) vs. Gear Ratio





Efficiency (%) vs. Input Speed

Lost Motion is defined as the lag of the output shaft’s rotational angle when the input shafts position is altered, under no-load conditions. The allowable values are 6 (±3) arc-min for the industrial series, 3 (±1.5) arc-min and 1 (±0.5) arc-min for Robotics grade harmonic drive gears. Lost motion is the accumulated value of tooth backlash (zero for N-HDC and N-CSF series), wave generator coupling backlash (may be eliminated for critical applications) hysteresis, and torsional windup.

• Transmission error is defined as the difference between the output shaft’s actual position and its theoretical output position. This is measured in a unidirectional rotation. The allowable values are 6: ± 180 arc sec - Industrial Grade; 3: ± 90 arc sec - Robotics Grade and 1: ± 30 arc sec - Robotics Grade. Consult the factory for individual application needs.
   

• While a 250 - 400% overload capacity is generally available, NAC recommends momentary peak overload be limited to 100% over rated torque during acceleration or deceleration. Emergency stop conditions should be limited to less than 150% over rated torque for adequate safety margins. For information on higher overload applications, consult with the factory.
   

KA:
Torsional spring rate over the torque range of 0% rated torque to 20% rated torque.  This range incorporates deflection due to backlash.   

KB:
Torsional spring rate over the torque range of 20% of rated torque to 100% rated torque.

Note: KA can be optimized to achieve a 50% increase 

1. All components must be cleaned prior to assembly.
2. To assemble, slide the Wave Generator into the open end of the Flexspline.  Then slide the Circular Spline over the Flexspline (from the closed end, for cup-style harmonic drive gears) while slowly rotating Wave Generator.





3. During assembly, check the symmetry of the tooth engagement and be sure that all three components are concentric.  There should be an equal amount of space between the Flexspline and Circular Spline where the teeth are not engaged.  “A1” should be equal “A2”.  If the assembly is not symmetric, disassemble and start the assembly process again.





4. The Wave Generator must be fixed axially on the input shaft.  Failure to locate and maintain the input shaft at the correct axial location will result in damage.
 
5. The housing tolerances to ensure proper operation are shown in the prior section.
 
6. Coat all surfaces of each gear component with thin layer of lubricant to protect against rust.  Surfaces which constitute bolted joints should be kept clean and lubricant free.
 
7. The three gearing elements must be maintained as a matched set for “R” grade harmonic drive gears.
 
8) Dowel pin holes are provided in the Flexspline mounting boss.  The matching holes of the output shaft should be match-drilled.  Dowel pins should then be inserted.
 
9) A clamp ring must be used as part of the assembly to attach the Flexspline to the output shaft.  The outside diameter of the clamp ring must be less than the diameter of the Flexspline’s mounting boss.  The outer diameter of the contact surface must have a radius to protect the Flexspline diaphragm from damage. 











10. The housing must provide enough clearance from the outside surfaces of the Flexspline.










11. To ensure proper torque transmission of the bolted interface the following bolt sizes and tightening torque is recommended.

Contact NAC Harmonic Drive for any questions regarding service and maintenance.

1. Semifluid grease lubrication is used for sizes English Sizes 1C through 5C, and Metric Sizes 11 through 25.
2. Oil lubrication is typically used for English Sizes 1M and above, and Metric Sizes 32 and above when the input speed is above 2000 rpm. Grease lubrication may be used when the input speed is below 2000 rpm. Please advise the company when ordering.
3. An oil change is recommended after the first 100 hr of operation. Subsequent oil changes are recommended after each additional 1000 hr of operation
4. An air vent must be used for oil lubrication when the unit is operated in a vertical (vertical axis of rotation) orientation.

1. The maximum permissible temperature rise is 60C from ambient.
2. Different oils and greases are available depending upon harmonic drive gear size and ambient temperature.  Contact NAC Harmonic Drive for recommendations and pricing.

N-AAA-BBB-CCC-DD-EF-SPXXX

N: NAC Harmonic Drive Product Code Suffix
AAA: Model

• HDC
• HDF
• HDA
• HDR
• HDB
• CSF

BBB: Size
CCC: Ratio: Wave Generator Speed (Input) / Flexspline (Output) Speed
DD: Configuration

• E1: English Dimension Version #1
• E2: English Dimension Version #2
• M1: Metric Dimension Version #1
• M2: Metric Dimension Version #2

E: Maximum Backlash (Total Lost Motion)

• 6: ± 180 arc sec - Industrial Grade
• 3: ± 90 arc sec - Robotics Grade
• 1: ± 30 arc sec - Robotics Grade

F: Maximum Transmission Error

• 6: ± 180 arc sec - Industrial Grade
• 3: ± 90 arc sec - Robotics Grade
• 1: ± 30 arc sec - Robotics Grade

SPXXXX: Special Ordering Code