
Strain wave gearheads
Highly precise, compact, and efficient.
Strain wave gearheads are ideal for use in applications requiring precision motion control and high torque transmission in a compact design.
Strain wave gearheads offer a wide range of application options.
maxon strain wave gearheads are a specialized type of gearhead where precision and compact design are crucial. This type of gearhead is often used in applications in a confined space. With their advanced gear tooth design, maxon’s strain wave gearheads provide high efficiency and good back drivability. Typical applications include: Robotics, Aerospace, Medical technology and Optical systems.
Strain wave gearheads
Our product portfolio.

GSW A – Standard
Reliable and compact

System Integration
Individual and flexible

Strain wave gearheads
Functional principle of a strain wave gearhead
A strain wave gearhead makes use of the principle of elastic deformation and the flexibility of the flexspline component. The centerpiece of the strain wave gearhead is the wave generator, an elliptical shaft.
This shaft deforms the flexspline, a thin-walled flexible ring that meshes with a rigid outer ring (circular spline). This deformation generates radial motion that is converted into rotational motion.
The wave generator is an elliptical disk that runs in a bearing. This bearing is designed to utilize the flexibility of the flexspline, forcing it into an elliptical shape. The rotational motion of the wave generator continuously deforms the flexspline, which results in motion transmission.
In combination with other maxon system components
maxon strain wave gearheads can be seamlessly combined with maxon drives. maxon offers strain wave gearheads with output bearings as part of its proven modular system. Without an output bearing, the three core components – wave generator, flexspline, and circular spline – enable optimal integration into custom applications.
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Strain wave gearhead technology is the perfect fit wherever precision and reliability are required.
Strain wave gearheads are an outstanding technology that is indispensable in many high-precision applications. Their functional principle, based on the elastic deformation of the flexspline, enables highly precise, zero-backlash, and efficient motion transmission.
The combination of high precision, compact design, and reliability makes strain wave gearheads the preferred choice for demanding technical applications. Especially for companies seeking precise motion control solutions, strain wave gearheads offer an unbeatable combination of performance, durability, and efficiency.