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Strain-wave (harmonic) gear

LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG strain-wave (harmonic) gear

Hollow-shaft strain-wave gear units with a large central bore for routing cables and services; LHSG is the high-torque version (over 30% more torque).

Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.

Pricing and availability

Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support

Need LeaderDrive parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.

  • Original parts or a checked alternative
  • Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
  • Components, complete axes and ongoing support

No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.

Add quantity, timing or application notes (optional)

Spec builder

Configure LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG

Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.

Already know the part number? Send it to us directly.

  1. 1Products
  2. 2Performance
  3. 3Environment
  4. 4Volumes
  5. 5Your spec
Step 1 of 5

What are you specifying?

Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.

1 selected: Gearbox or harmonic drive

Key specifications

Ratio30–500:1

Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.

LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original LeaderDrive part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Apex Dynamics economy planetary family (PE, PG, PA, PS, PN, PD, PL sub-series) for high-volume automation; standard backlash, inline or right-angle.

Published maximumLHS / LHSGP-II / P-IIR
Rated torque—459 Nm
Ratio (max)500:11,000:1 meets or exceeds

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Options

  • LHSG high-torque variant (>30% higher torque)

Typical applications

Robot wristsRotary axes

What a strain-wave (harmonic) gear is

A strain-wave gear, often called a harmonic gear, reduces speed using three parts: an elliptical wave generator, a thin flexible toothed cup or hat called the flexspline, and a rigid circular spline with internal teeth. The wave generator deforms the flexspline so its teeth engage the circular spline at two points. Because the flexspline has typically two fewer teeth, each input turn advances it slightly, giving ratios of about 30:1 to 160:1 in one stage, with near-zero backlash.

When engineers choose a strain-wave (harmonic) gear

Choose a strain-wave gear for compact, lightweight, high-ratio reduction with near-zero backlash, such as robot joints, cobots, medical robots, aerospace and optics. Hollow versions allow cables through the centre. The trade-offs are torsional stiffness at low load, which is lower than some alternatives, limited input speed and the risk of tooth ratcheting under overload. For shock loads and heavy base joints, cycloidal reducers are often preferred.

How to specify the LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LHS / LHSG variant:

  • Ratio (:1)
  • Rated, peak and momentary torque (Nm)
  • Input speed limits (rpm)
  • Torsional stiffness (Nm/arcmin)
  • Hysteresis and accuracy (arcmin)
  • Component set or housed unit
  • Hollow shaft diameter and output bearing loads

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Exceeding momentary torque and ratcheting the teeth
  • Ignoring low-load stiffness in precision control
  • Poor housing tolerances for component sets
  • Using the wrong lubricant or quantity

LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG?

Hollow-shaft strain-wave gear units with a large central bore for routing cables and services; LHSG is the high-torque version (over 30% more torque). Published series figures include ratio 30:1, ratio 500:1. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.

Who makes the LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG?

The LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG is made by LeaderDrive (Leader Harmonious Drive Systems Co., Ltd.) available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.

What is the ratio of the LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG?

The published series minimum ratio is 30:1. Individual models and sizes in the LHS / LHSG range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, APEX Dynamics P-II / P-IIR is options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Why do strain-wave gears have near-zero backlash?

The flexspline teeth are preloaded into the circular spline teeth by the elliptical wave generator, and many teeth engage at once. There is no clearance between teeth at the engagement zones, so backlash is close to zero. Lost motion comes mainly from elastic deflection.

What is the difference between a strain-wave component set and a housed unit?

A component set is the wave generator, flexspline and circular spline, which the machine builder mounts in its own housing with bearings. A housed unit adds a housing, output bearing and seals. Component sets save weight and space; housed units are easier to integrate.

Further reading: Harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal · How to select a gearbox · Gearboxes and harmonic drives

Other strain-wave (harmonic) gear series

Engineer support

Need LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG or a complete system around it?

Tell us the part or application, quantity and timing. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery.

  • Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
  • Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
  • Standard, modified and custom options

Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.

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How it works

From enquiry to delivery

Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.

  1. Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
  2. An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
  3. Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
  4. Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.