This article has been supervised based on the advanced technical expertise and insights we have cultivated since our founding in 1919 as a leading company in plastic processing. Our department continuously analyzes market trends and the latest technologies in ultra-compact, high-precision micro motors, focusing on providing high-value-added information to designers and developers. As a team of experts with in-depth knowledge of product characteristics, we support our customers\u2019 problem-solving and technological innovation by delivering accurate and practical content.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/p>\n
Basics and Operating Principles of Gearheads<\/h2>\n
![\"WHAT](\"https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1559c24ae3d6924cd77b1053a78f9a1e-540x304.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A gearhead is a speed reduction mechanism connected to the motor\u2019s<\/a> output shaft. Through its internal gears, it reduces rotational speed while increasing torque. Here, we explain the definition of a gearhead, its relationship to speed reducers and Geared motors, and the basic principles of torque amplification.<\/p>\n \u00a0Contents of This Section<\/strong><\/p>\n Understanding each of these elements enables the construction of optimal motor systems for product development.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A gearhead, also known as a reduction gear or speed reducer, is a speed-reduction mechanism attached to the motor\u2019s output shaft. It uses internal gears to reduce rotational speed while increasing torque.<\/p>\n While a motor alone typically operates at relatively high speeds, combining it with a gearhead enables low-speed, high-torque operation. For example, in medical equipment such as endoscopic cameras, precise position control and appropriate torque are required for lens drive. In such applications, a design is adopted that combines a high-speed Micromotor with a gearhead to reduce rotational speed while achieving the necessary torque.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0A motor is a device that converts electrical energy into rotational motion. A gearhead is a reduction mechanism attached to the motor, and a product in which the motor and gearhead are integrated is called a Geared motor<\/a>. Depending on the combination of the motor and gearhead, optimal performance tailored to the application can be achieved.<\/p>\n Traditionally, motors and reduction gears were connected via couplings, but this required a significant amount of space.Geared motors integrate the two components through specialized design, achieving both space-saving results and high transmission efficiency. C.I. Takiron Corporation offers gearheads compatible with Coreless motors and Brushless motors<\/a>, featuring a lineup of straight-tooth gearheads in \u03c612 and \u03c616 sizes, and planetary gearheads in \u03c616 and \u03c622 sizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0By using gears to reduce speed, you can decrease the rotational speed and increase torque.<\/p>\n [Output Torque Calculation Formula]<\/p>\n Output Torque = Input Torque \u00d7 Reduction Ratio \u00d7 Transmission Efficiency<\/p>\n As a concrete example, consider a motor rotating at 1500 rpm with a gearhead having a reduction ratio of 1:5 attached.<\/p>\n When the output shaft speed is reduced to 300 rpm, the torque is theoretically five times greater. Assuming a transmission efficiency of 90%, the actual torque of the Geared motor is 4.5 times that of the motor.<\/p>\n With an input torque of 0.2 N\u00b7m, the output torque can be calculated as 0.9 N\u00b7m.<\/p>\n 0.2 N\u00b7m \u00d7 5 \u00d7 90% = 0.9 N\u00b7m (0.2 N\u00b7m \u00d7 4.5 = 0.9 N\u00b7m)<\/p>\n However, due to transmission efficiency, the actual torque is slightly lower than the theoretical value.<\/p>\n By utilizing this principle of motor operation, even compact motors can generate significant driving force, and this technology is applied in a wide range of fields, such as industrial tools and optical equipment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gearheads are classified into several types based on the arrangement of the gears, including spur gearheads, planetary gearheads, and worm gearheads. The structure, characteristics, and suitable applications vary widely depending on the type. Spur gears are simple and have high efficiency; planetary gears offer high torque and a compact design; and worm gears are space-saving. This section explains the structure, advantages, disadvantages, and application fields of each type.<\/p>\n \u00a0Contents of This Section<\/strong><\/p>\n Selecting the optimal gearhead for your application can improve equipment performance and achieve a long service life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A spur gearhead features a simple design consisting of cylindrical gears arranged in parallel. While it offers the advantages of high efficiency and low manufacturing costs, a drawback is that the number of stages increases and the unit becomes larger when high torque output is required. It is widely used in industrial equipment and measuring instruments.<\/p>\n With the gear teeth cut perpendicular to the shaft, the meshing is simple, making design and manufacturing easy. Due to their high transmission efficiency, they are suitable for applications requiring continuous operation, such as conveyor systems and industrial tools. C.I. Takiron Corporation offers Geared motors that combine \u03c612 and \u03c616 straight-tooth gearheads with Coreless motors.<\/p>\n We are also expanding our lineup of gearheads in various sizes, so please contact us if you require a Geared motor in a size not listed on our website.<\/p>\n Contact: https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/contact\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0Planetary gearheads have a structure similar to the way planets in the solar system orbit the sun. The advantages are that multiple gears share the load, enabling high torque and compactness despite the small size, as well as low backlash and high precision. On the other hand, the complex structure and higher cost compared to spur gears are considered disadvantages.<\/p>\n Backlash varies depending on the design and precision grade, but in precision specifications, it can be kept below 0.5 degrees. As a result, these gearheads are utilized in applications requiring high positioning accuracy, such as endoscopic camera lens drives and robotic arm joints. C.I. Takiron Corporation offers planetary gearheads in \u03c616 and \u03c622 sizes, providing greater design flexibility.<\/p>\n We are currently expanding our lineup of various gearhead sizes, so please contact us if you require a Geared motor in a size not listed on our website.<\/p>\n Contact: https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/contact\/<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0Worm gears allow for space-saving designs by angling the output shaft at 90 degrees, but their efficiency is generally lower than that of parallel-shaft gears.<\/p>\n Depending on the design conditions, some worm gears are equipped with a backstop (self-locking) function. They are ideal for applications such as lifts and conveyors where a load is applied when the system is stopped. On the other hand, parallel-shaft gearheads are suited for continuous operation where efficiency is a priority; selecting the appropriate type for the application is the key to improving performance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0When selecting a gearhead, it is necessary to confirm specifications such as required torque, reduction ratio, allowable load, and mounting dimensions. Here, we provide a practical explanation of the items to check during selection, methods for calculating torque and reduction ratio, concepts regarding allowable radial and axial loads, and how to interpret performance indicators such as backlash and noise.<\/p>\n \u00a0Contents of This Section<\/strong><\/p>\n Proper calculation and selection can improve equipment reliability and ensure long-term stable operation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0The required torque is calculated based on the load torque, moment of inertia, and acceleration time.<\/p>\n As a calculation example, to reduce the speed of a motor running at 1500 rpm to 300 rpm, a reduction ratio of 1:5 is selected.<\/p>\n [Output Torque<\/a> Calculation Formula]<\/p>\n Tg = Tm \u00d7 i \u00d7 \u03b7<\/p>\n (Tg: Output torque, Tm: Motor torque, i: Reduction ratio, \u03b7: Transmission efficiency)<\/p>\n Under conditions of 0.3 N\u00b7m motor torque, a reduction ratio of 1:5, and a transmission efficiency of 90%, the output torque is 1.35 N\u00b7m.<\/p>\n Output torque = 0.3 N\u00b7m \u00d7 5 (1:5) \u00d7 90% = 1.35 N\u00b7m<\/p>\n When selecting a gearhead, a safety factor must be applied to ensure the allowable torque is not exceeded. Products have an upper limit for allowable torque based on mechanical strength. Exceeding this limit significantly reduces the lifespan of gears and bearings, so selection must include a safety factor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0Check the allowable radial load and allowable axial load, and verify that the actual load is within the allowable limits. Backlash is a critical factor directly affecting positioning accuracy. For high-precision applications, select low-backlash products such as planetary gears.<\/p>\n Radial load is a force applied perpendicular to the output shaft, while axial load is a force applied in the axial direction. These values are listed in the gearhead specifications, and you must calculate the loads during chain or gear drive to ensure they remain within the permissible limits. Particular attention must be paid to backlash in applications involving repetitive reciprocating motion, as positioning errors accumulate over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Noise level, lifespan, and transmission efficiency are also important factors in selection. Noise levels vary depending on product specifications and gear type; due to their structure, planetary gearheads can be designed to offer quiet operation compared to spur gearheads.<\/p>\n Transmission efficiency varies depending on the type and number of gears, but spur gears are generally of high efficiency.Although the transmission efficiency of worm gears is structurally lower than that of spur gears, they can achieve both a high reduction ratio and self-locking capability. Higher efficiency results in less Energy loss and is effective in suppressing heat generation. While the lifespan is variable depending on the operating environment and load conditions, continuous operation ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of hours is possible with proper lubrication management and operation within the specified limits.<\/p>\n C.I. Takiron Corporation offers \u03c612 and \u03c616 spur gearheads, as well as Geared motors combining \u03c616 and \u03c622 planetary gearheads with Coreless motors, enabling us to develop and propose the optimal products for your specific applications.We are also expanding our lineup of new quiet geared motors that incorporate metal silent gears , aiming to achieve both high durability and low noise. If you are having trouble with motor selection for your application, please feel free to contact us via our product website (https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/contact\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n A gearhead is a reduction mechanism that reduces the motor\u2019s rotational speed and increases torque; there are several types, including spur gearheads, planetary gearheads, and worm gearheads. When selecting a gearhead, it is important to choose the type best suited to your application.<\/p>\n Straight-tooth gearheads feature a simple structure that achieves high efficiency and helps keep manufacturing costs down. Planetary gearheads distribute the load across multiple gears, allowing them to transmit high torque while remaining compact; they also have low backlash and are suitable for high-precision positioning. Worm gearheads can bend the output shaft at a 90-degree angle, providing space-saving capabilities, and their self-locking function makes them effective for applications requiring protection against reverse rotation.<\/p>\n C.I. Takiron Corporation offers Geared motors that combine Coreless motors with gearheads.Our product lineup includes Geared motors that combine \u03c612 and \u03c616 spur gearheads, as well as \u03c616 and \u03c622 planetary gearheads, with Coreless motors, and we also accommodate customization requests. Additionally, we are engaged in the technological development of metal silent gears, aiming to achieve both high durability and low noise. If you are having trouble with motor selection for your application, please feel free to contact us.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Product Information & Inquiries<\/span><\/p>\n For more details on C.I. Takiron\u2019s micro motor products, please visit the website below.<\/p>\n If you are having trouble selecting a small motor for your product development, please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form. Our technical staff will discuss your application and requirements with you and propose the optimal solution.<\/p>\n\n
What is a Gearhead?<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Relationship Between Motors, Gearheads, and Geared Motors<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
The Principle of Increasing Torque Through Speed Reduction<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Types of Gearheads and Structural Differences<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"WHAT](\"https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/28698f545bce43abe8848c4cbdbee305-540x304.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Structure and Advantages\/Disadvantages of Spur Gearheads<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Structure, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Planetary Gearheads<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Differentiating Between Worm Gears and Parallel\/Orthogonal Shafts<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Key Considerations and Calculation Methods for Gearhead Selection<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"WHAT](\"https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/efc59d63c3c072d47d96fed757b07b42-540x304.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\n
How to Calculate Required Torque and Reduction Ratio<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
How to Check Allowable Load and Backlash<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Evaluation of Noise, Lifespan, and Transmission Efficiency<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Summary<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"WHAT](\"https:\/\/cik-ele.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c7887a92414f854a9067849a51b9bb02-6-540x304.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n