Harmonic vs Cycloidal Drive - Torque, Backlash and Wear Test

Buy now: http://www.solidworks.com/makers20
Learn more: https://discover.solidworks.com/3dexp...

3D model, parts list and more details ► https://howtomechatronics.com/how-it-...

If you enjoy and find the content that I make useful, please consider supporting me on Patreon:   / howtomechatronics  

Measuring tools used in the video (affiliate links):
Amazon:
Force meter: https://amzn.to/3FEUAnS
Digital dial indicator: https://amzn.to/3PDvSco
AliExpress
Force meter: https://alii.pub/6k0u62
Digital dial indicator: https://alii.pub/6k0utl

Parts list (check website article for full list, affiliate links):
Amazon.com:
6mm Steel Cylinder Rod: https://amzn.to/3POEqfr
8mm Bushings : https://amzn.to/3Jnbk4x
Bearing 35x47x7 6807-2RS: https://amzn.to/3fATTgL

AliExpress:
6mm Steel Cylinder Rod: http://alii.pub/6f4xwg
8mm Bushings: http://alii.pub/6f4vt7
Bearing 35x47x7 6807-2RS: http://alii.pub/66b1tw

3D printer used for making the gearboxes: https://amzn.to/3HR7emJ

In this video we will find out what’s better, a 3D printed harmonic drive or a 3D printed cycloidal drive. Here I have these two gearboxes or speed reducers that I made which have the same size and reduction ration of 25:1. I will compare them in several categories, measure their efficiency or torque output, measure their accuracy or backlash, and see how durable they are.

I will explain how I designed and assembled both of them, and I will give you some useful tips and tricks for 3D printing them, show you what can go wrong and what can we improve to get them better, things that I have learnt along the way of making several of these.

Actually, this is my 4th video talking about these gearboxes, and why is so? Well, these gearboxes are good choice for robotics applications and in future videos I plan to make some robots that will employ this type of gearboxes.

00:00 What are Harmonic and Cycloidal Drives?
02:13 Designing
07:56 3D Printing
09:09 Assembling
15:02 Backlash Comparison
16:25 Torque Comparison
17:46 NEMA23 Torque
19:56 Verdict


Visit HowToMechatronics.com for more Tutorials, Tips, Projects and How It Works videos:
► http://howtomechatronics.com

Like my page on Facebook:
►   / howtomechatronics