Company News | Automation & Motion Control Updates Archives - Nidec Drive Technology Corporation

Counting Down to 2026 A Legacy of Precision and What’s Next

wpadmin — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Counting Down to 2026: A Legacy of Precision and What’s Next

Since 1952, Nidec DRIVE TECHNOLOGY has been driven by precision, innovation, and reliability — supporting industries around the world with gearing solutions built to perform and endure.

As we close out another year, we take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us here and the progress made along the way. From decades of engineering expertise to the evolving industries we serve today, our commitment to advancing precision gearing remains at the core of everything we do.

Looking ahead to 2026, that commitment continues to guide us forward. With a focus on Legendary Innovation, Legendary Quality, and Legendary Reliability, we remain dedicated to delivering solutions that help our customers meet what’s next with confidence.

We thank our employees, customers, and partners for being part of this ongoing journey.

Precision for what’s next

Watch the video

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Streamline Gear Reducer Selection with Our Online Product Configurator

wpadmin — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:25:15 +0000

Streamline Gear Reducer Selection with Our Online Product Configurator

Designing a drive system just got a whole lot easier. Nidec Drive Technology’s Online Product Configurator simplifies the process of selecting the ideal gear reducer for your application — whether you’re working on rotary tables, robot joints, or CNC equipment.

With this powerful tool, you can:

Quickly configure products and download CAD models in just seconds
Match gearheads to your servo motors from a broad range of manufacturers
Choose components by application, ensuring optimal performance and fit
Input load and motion profiles to get instant frame size and gear ratio recommendations
Generate complete part numbers, including the correct motor mounting adapter
Download detailed drawings and models in PDF, DXF, IGS, and STEP formats

Once your configuration is complete, you can send the part number directly to our team for pricing and lead time. And if you need guidance at any point, our experienced application engineers are ready to help with sizing, selection, or integration advice.

Try the Configurator Today and experience a faster, smarter way to bring your automation designs to life.

Product Configurator

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Celebrating 15 Years of Partnership with Rockwell Automation

wpadmin — Wed, 28 May 2025 15:40:46 +0000

Celebrating 15 Years of Partnership with Rockwell Automation

We are proud to celebrate over 15 years of collaboration with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation.

Since becoming an official partner in 2010, this partnership has empowered us to deliver smarter, safer, and more efficient motion and control solutions — leveraging Rockwell’s world-class technology and support to meet the evolving needs of our customers across a wide range of industries.

A Shared Vision for Innovation

Our long-standing relationship is rooted in a shared commitment to engineering excellence, continuous innovation, and delivering real-world results in the era of Industry 4.0. Together, we’ve helped drive progress in manufacturing, automation, packaging, and processing systems by combining our motion control expertise with Rockwell’s scalable industrial platforms.

Looking Ahead

This milestone reflects the strength of our collaboration — and the talented teams behind it. We extend a sincere thank you to everyone at Rockwell Automation and across our organization who helped make this journey a success.

Here’s to continued growth and new opportunities in the years to come — as partners in progress.

Rockwell Automation

Nidec DTC Business Partner

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Nidec-Shimpo America Corporation Announces Company Name Change

wpadmin — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:54:42 +0000

Nidec-Shimpo America Corporation Announces Company Name Change

Effective January 1, 2023, we will officially be changing the company name “Nidec-Shimpo America Corporation” to “Nidec Drive Technology America Corporation” to better align globally with NIDEC Group Brand, presence, support network and reputation which has been an important part of our growth and strategy going forward.

All other aspects of your business relationship with the Nidec-Shimpo America Corporation business will not be affected. The change will be seamless and it will have no impact on the service and support that you received from Nidec-Shimpo America Corporation. If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please do not hesitate to contact Nidec Drive Technology America Corporation.

Please note the following;

All formal documents, reports, invoices, payments, etc. should be addressed to “Nidec Drive Technology America Corporation”. All address and contact information will remain unchanged.
Tax ID and No., bank accounts, trade references, D&B number, etc., contact us.

Nidec Drive Technology Corporation
175 Wall Street,
Glendale Heights, IL 60139, USA
Toll-free: (800) 237-7079
Local: (630) 924-7138

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Solutions for Hygienic, Sterile, and Washdown Applications

wpadmin — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:39:25 +0000

Solutions for Hygienic, Sterile, and Washdown Applications

HR Series – Washdown, Food Grade and Hygienic Environments

Food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics equipment builders compete on their ability to deliver more innovative processing and packaging, with higher throughput and less downtime. Strict hygiene regulations require equipment to be cleaned often with water, steam and harsh chemicals that can quickly destroy ordinary machine components. These operating conditions pose challenges for gear reducer manufacturers and we are up to the task. Nidec Drive Technology is now offering the HR Planetary Series designed to meet the needs of these challenging environments.

HRV Series – Hygienic and Sterile Production

For motion control applications in hygienic and sterile production environments, Nidec Drive Technology offers products with optimal geometry and cleanability. The HRV inline Planetary Series features 316L stainless construction, allowing for direct integration into equipment and eliminating the need for protective covers. Smooth and rounded edges prevent bacteria growth and other contamination. IP69K rating along with high temperature seals and O-rings enable efficient, high-pressure cleaning with water, steam or caustic chemicals. A laser etched nameplate ensures traceability after several years of operation. The HRV is designed to mount seamless to stainless steel servomotors with B14 style output flanges.

HRV Features

Frame sizes 070, 090, 120
Ratios 3:1 – 100:1
Backlash from ≤8 to ≤14 arc-min
Hygienic 316L stainless steel construction and smooth rounded surfaces with Ra value <0.8 μm
IP69K Ingress Protection with FDA approved Viton seals
NSF H1 Synthetic Food Grade Grease
Certified FDA, NSF, EHEDG, 3A Mounting for stainless servomotors with B14 flanges such as Allen-Bradley VPH/VPS/MPS, Kollmorgen AKMH/AKMA, Beckhoff AM880, Yaskawa M5, Siemens S-1FS2 and others
Maximum corrosion protection and cleanability

HRL Series – Demanding Washdown Requirements

The HRL Series from Nidec Drive Technology is a planetary product that excels in corrosive, high pressure washdown environments. Made completely from 303 grade austenitic stainless steel, HRL is a safe solution for servo drive systems close to or fully integrated in the process. A seamless, single piece housing helps reduce build-up of bacteria while its IP66 rating allows for high pressure cleaning with water, steam or caustic chemicals. HRL has flexible adaptation to standard B5 style servomotors as well as B14 style stainless servomotors. Available in three sizes and a complete range of reduction ratios, HRL is a robust, reliable, maintenance-free solution allowing our customers to reduce risk and increase productivity.

HRL Features

Frame sizes 070, 090, 120
Ratios from 3:1 – 100:1
Backlash from ≤6 to ≤14 arc-min
All-stainless construction
IP66 Ingress Protection with Viton seals
NSF H1 Synthetic Food Grade Grease
Mounting for standard servomotors with B5 flanges or stainless servomotors with B14 flanges Cost-effective solution for highly corrosive environments with demanding washdown regimens

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New Economy Planetary Gear Reducers

wpadmin — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:47:46 +0000

New Economy Gear Reducers

PR Series Economy Planetary Gear Reducers

PR Series is the latest generation economy planetary gear reducers from NIDEC Drive Technology Corporation. The PR Series redefine the economy planetary gear reducer segment by featuring helical cut gearing and a robust internal structure. To date, this has not been accomplished by any other manufacturer. NIDEC DTC makes it possible through modular design philosophy and high-volume production capabilities. Our customers benefit from a cost-effective, flexible, reliable design that can be adapted into a wide range of servo and stepper motor axes.

The PR Series variants feature industry-standard output mounting geometry. The PRE Series offers a round output flange with tapped holes, while the PRF Series offers a B5 style square flange with through-holes. Frame sizes 062-160 are available with ratios from 3:1 to 100:1, covering the most common range of servomotor applications. At ≤ 8 arc-minutes of backlash, the PR products offer class-appropriate accuracy to handle various application requirements.

By utilizing the same motor mounting designs used by our VR products, our PR Series tap into the most comprehensive collection of standard off-the-shelf adapter plates in the industry.

Are you still using outdated planetary products with spur gears in your machine designs?

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Worm Gearing – The Underrated Performer in Motion Control

wpadmin — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 20:44:10 +0000

Worm Gearing – The Underrated Performer in Motion Control

Worm Gearing

Worm gearing has many characteristics ideal for power transmission and motion control applications. Improvements in lubrication, gear set design and machining accuracy have improved efficiency. These improvements, combined with numerous additional advantages, continue to make worm gearing suitable for challenging drive applications across a variety of industries.

Key Advantages of Worm Gearing

Self-locking (ability to stop and hold load)
Support for high overhung and thrust loads through the use of relatively large hollow shafts and tapered roller bearings
Quiet Operation: Noise levels of 65 dB compared to 85 db. for helical bevel gears.
Superior shock load resistance: 300% for worm gearing vs. 100% for helical bevel
Consistent size with increase in ratio: Up to 90:1 in a single stage
Higher torque at low speeds
Capable of zero backlash
Exact ratios: beneficial for servo tuning
High level of repeatability
Wide range of output mounting options

Efficiency Considerations

Rising energy costs have increased engineering emphasis on the efficiency of drive systems. Luckily, worm gearing efficiency has increased through a variety of technical improvements.

Efficiency across all types of gear technologies is impacted by losses at the gear mesh, bearings, seals and lubricant. Gearing involves sliding and rolling contact and requires rotation of a mass in an oil bath. Both characteristics generate losses, which can be minimized.

Worm gearbox efficiencies will vary with speed, ratio, load, ambient temperature, duty cycle, lubricant viscosity and break-in period. Accurate comparisons depend on the use of realistic efficiencies (for all gearboxes considered) and proper size selection.

Using “rough approximations” of efficiencies can completely distort the comparison. Realistic values should be used, which are best determined by comprehensive dynamometer or field evaluation. Dynamometer testing is a reasonably simple procedure for evaluation under these various conditions. Field testing in a particular application is more realistic but can be challenging to set up and control.

The comparative evaluations of realistic efficiencies often show that the advantages of using a worm gearbox far outweigh slight losses in efficiency. Even if small efficiency losses are important, it’s possible to use a configuration with a planetary input to provide higher efficiency while retaining worm gear drive advantages.

Helical vs. Worm Gearing Systems

A helical-bevel system has a slight advantage if efficiency is the only consideration for selection. Efficiency is weighed against cost, durability and other considerations. In general, spur or helical gearing is more efficient than worm gearing per gear stage. This difference is notable for ratios above 15:1 but becomes less noticeable in ratios below 15:1, which are more commonplace for servo motor applications. The smoothness, low noise, higher shock load capacity, higher single stage ratio and more compact size of worm gearing is equal, if not more advantageous than efficiency alone.

For those applications requiring high efficiency, the advantages of both systems can be obtained by combining both types of gears. When worm gearing is used in conjunction with a helical, spur or planetary gear primary stage, higher drive train efficiency can be achieved without loss of basic worm gear advantages.

As an example of the advantages of this approach, consider an application requiring a 50:1 ratio. To obtain this ratio, all-helical gearing will require three gear sets and four sets of bearings. Typically, the estimated efficiency of this helical gearbox will be about 90% under full load at 1750 rpm input. Shock load capacity of this helical gearbox will be 200%. In contrast, a helical-worm gear system with the same ratio will only require two gear sets and 2-3 sets of bearings. This helical-worm gear system will achieve the 50:1 ratio by combining a 5:1 ratio helical primary with a 10:1 worm gear secondary. In the 4-8” center distance range, the resulting unit will be 88% efficient and will have a shock load capacity of 300%.

Impact of Lubrication

Lubricant selection and lubrication procedures play important roles in maximizing efficiency. Most worm gear manufacturers provide approved lists of lubricants for their products. The gearbox manufacturer knows from testing and experience which lubricants work best. The use of an unapproved “gear oil” just because it happens to be stocked may considerably impair efficiency and even lead to premature failure. Loads, speeds, duty cycle and operating temperatures are important factors in selecting the best lubricant. The lubricants listed by the gearbox manufacturer are usually suitable for a range of typical operating conditions. If any of these conditions are exceeded, an alternate lubricant may be recommended for best efficiency.

For example, in a lightly loaded, low temperature or high-speed application, efficiency can be improved by using a lighter viscosity lubricant. The lighter viscosity makes it easier for all moving parts to move through the lubricant. Conversely, if high loading, high temperatures or low speeds exist, then a high viscosity lubricant may be more appropriate. Viscosity will drop as the lubricant heats up, and worm gears operating under high loads or low speeds may benefit from a heavier lubricant. Extreme operating conditions should always be reviewed with the manufacturer, who understands the impact of various lubrication products.

Tooth Profile

As mentioned above, 300% shock load capability is one of the key advantages that separates worm gearing from other technologies. This is made possible through the use of globoidal gearing. Globoidal gearing includes a worm and gear set that fully envelopes against each other, resulting in up to eight times more tooth contact than cylindrical worm gearing, which provides 1-1.5 gear teeth in contact with the worm.

Self-Locking Ability

The self-locking properties of worm gearing can also be beneficial in many applications. Self-locking means the gear cannot back drive the worm. Self-locking can occur when the assembly is in either a static or a dynamic state, although it is more common when the worm gear is static. Ability to back drive is directly correlated with helix angle and efficiency. In theory, as long as the coefficient of friction between the gear and the worm is larger than the tangent of the worm’s helix angle, the worm gear is considered self-locking and will not back drive. This typically occurs in ratios above 40:1.

The static coefficient of friction generally depends on the materials of the two components and any lubrication between them. But in real-world use, other factors such as the condition of the surfaces or the presence of external vibrations can reduce the static coefficient of friction. Dynamic friction is lower than static friction, so dynamic self-locking is less likely to occur than static self-locking for a worm gear with the same ratio, tooth profile and operating conditions. In addition to the considerations mentioned above, the coefficient of dynamic friction is also impacted by the worm gear’s speed of rotation and the lubrication’s behavior under dynamic conditions.

Self-locking is particularly useful in applications that require lifting and holding loads. However, it is strongly recommended that a brake be used on the servomotor to ensure that a worm gear will not back drive, rather than relying on the worm gear’s theoretical ability to self-lock.

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Applying Rack and Pinion in Linear Drive Systems

wpadmin — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:59:47 +0000

Applying Rack and Pinion in Linear Drive Systems

Mechanisms that generate linear motion are ranked by their positioning accuracy over distance, acceleration, axial force, stiffness and lifetime. Precision ground mounting surfaces, wear resistance surface finishes, optimized tooth profiles and low mass designs are some of the reasons why rack and pinion systems continue to be the first choice in applications with long travel distances.

When combined with efficient, low backlash gearboxes, rack and pinion systems deliver high dynamic performance, high repeatability and smooth motion. Precision hardened and ground racks can deliver pitch accuracies of < 0.012 mm per meter thanks to advantages in machining and grinding technology. This level of pitch error allows several pieces of rack to be joined together over long distances and can also allow machines to run without external feedback devices while other linear mechanisms require them for positioning. It is important to note that the quality of a rack is not only the deviation per meter, but also the heat treatment and hardening process.

Rack and pinion systems can be pre-loaded to completely eliminate backlash and increase system stiffness. This can be done accomplished mechanically by running a master/slave split pinion system where one pinion half drives the axis while the second pinion half is preloaded to remove backlash, via an axial spring pack at the end of the shaft. Electronical preloading utilizes dual servomotor/gearbox drives with pinions actively driving against the rack teeth in opposite directions. The preload is generated electronically with a motor controller. Automatic lubrication systems allow rack and pinion to last long and reach the highest speeds. Various sizes, volumes and flow rates are available, which can be directly controlled by PLC. The grease is pressurized and travels through a hose into a felt greasing pinion which applies the it onto either the rack or the pinion teeth.

Advantages over ball screws

Rack and pinion has lower moment of inertia, higher efficiency, higher stiffness and higher acceleration compared to ball screws. Length is a limitation of ball screws whereas racks can be infinitely adjoined. Ball screws will generally run up high cumulative errors over their travel length whereas rack and pinion can go as low as 12 µm if precision components are selected.

The higher moment of inertia that comes with ball screw systems will limit speeds and thrust load capability. Ball screws also rely on more adjacent components such as bearings and nut housings to maintain accuracy and stability.

Advantages over linear motors

Linear motors offer high performance and acceleration rates, but also come at a higher cost due to the materials used. Linear motors will often require water cooling, external housings, external brakes and linear scales which also add to system cost.

Linear motors are 85-90% efficient compared to up to 97% for rack and pinion drives. Higher energy consumption means larger investments in plant infrastructure. Linear motors must be free from metal particles due to magnetic attraction which can make them more challenging to maintain long term.

Sizing and selection

Tangential force (N): the force needed to deliver the linear movement profile.
Torque (Nm): Tangential force multiplied by the pinion radius. This is what the pinion sees.
Safety factor: Nidec DTC recommends x2 for horizontal drives and x3 for vertical drives.
Friction coefficient (μ): How heavy or light does the system run? Common values are 0.1 or 0.15.
External forces: Are there additional forces acting on the system, such as a machine tool cutting head? If so, these forces should be added to the tangential force.

ServoSoft is an invaluable sizing software that takes all of these factors and more into account. ServoSoft calculates linear drive systems based on user inputs and chooses the optimum combination of motor, gearbox, pinion and rack components. Nidec DTC gear reducers, rack and pinion products are included, along with a plethora of servomotor manufacturers, to save customers time. Our application engineering team can help you size up the mechanics and add a lubrication system.

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Nidec DTC Moves to New Location in Glendale Heights, IL

wpadmin — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:30:21 +0000

Nidec DTC Moves to New Location in Glendale Heights, IL

Nidec Drive Technology Corporation moves into their new location in Glendale Heights, Illinois.

We are pleased to announce that Nidec DTC has moved into their new location in Glendale Heights, Illinois! The relocation was an important next step in order to handle the rapid growth that Nidec DTC is currently experiencing and to help facilitate our long-term expansion plans.

The new building provides increased space and infrastructure to increase our production capacity significantly for our many gear technologies. The space will enable Nidec DTC to have better capabilities to design and to customize our products for the local market.

Our new robotic gear technologies will have a strong development emphasis during the next 5 – 7 years. These products will require much more direct customer support and application engineering at the design stage. Nidec DTC plans to make significant investment in our technical resources and test capabilities to support our local customers as this market continues to emerge. The new building will nicely accommodate that vision.

The new address and contact information for our North American headquarters is the following;

Nidec Drive Technology Corporation
175 Wall Street,
Glendale Heights, IL 60139, USA
Toll-free: (800) 237-7079
Local: (630) 924-7138

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Setting the Industry Standard for Washdown & Food Grade Applications

wpadmin — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 10:39:26 +0000

Setting the Industry Standard for Washdown & Food Grade Applications

Nidec Drive Technology Corporation is a global diversified manufacturer of motion control and power transmission solutions, including high precision planetary gear reducers, cycloidal gear reducers, rotary indexers and mechanical variable speed drives, as well as is a leading manufacturer and supplier of speed, force and torque testing and inspection instrumentation for laboratory research, quality control and process control applications. Today, Nidec DTC is proud to extend our product offering with the only industry IP69K right-angle worm gear reducer that is 3A, NSF and EHEDG certified with our EJS Series.

Hygienic applications require a stainless steel design. The EJS Series right-angle worm gearheads is now available to suite your needs. With a smooth, rounded surface design the EJS series eliminates free-standing water and prevents bacteria growth with its IP69K protection. The EJS series is the perfect solution for any washdown application.

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