Sumitomo Concentric Gearboxes: Advantages and Disadvantages

February 10, 2025

Sumitomo Drive Technologies is a renowned manufacturer of high quality mechanical solutions, with their concentric gearboxes such as the Cyclo Drive winning a lot of plaudits for their efficiency and compact design.

These gearboxes are available through Sumitomo distributors like YB Components, and they are highly valued for applications that demand both power and space efficiency. However they also have certain disadvantages that make them less suitable for some applications, so here we explain what Sumitomo Concentric gearboxes actually are along with their various pros and cons to help you decide if they are the right choice from your Sumitomo parts suppliers.

What Is a Concentric Gearbox?

A concentric gearbox features input and output shafts aligned on the same axis, with this design greatly reducing the physical footprint of the gearbox housing. This reduced size makes it ideal for installations with space constraints. With the shafts running parallel to each other, the structure can be more streamlined and compact, which is a major benefit in industries where machinery must fit into tight spaces.

Inside the gearbox is one or more sets of meshing gears that transfer power from the input shaft to the output shaft, with special bearings ensuring a smooth operation. This simple but effective design makes Sumitomo Concentric gearboxes a reliable choice for applications ranging from industrial automation to robotics.

Advantages of Concentric Gearboxes

One of the main pros of concentric gearboxes is their aforementioned space-saving design. These gearboxes offer a highly efficient and compact solution to power transmission, which is especially useful in applications such as packaging and conveyor systems.

Concentric gearboxes available through Sumitomo parts suppliers  are also known for their quiet operation, as the inline configuration reduces vibrations so they make minimal noise. This is particularly advantageous in environments where noise reduction is critical, such as in medical devices or laboratories. The smooth operation also contributes to higher efficiency which reduces energy consumption and operational costs.

We can also add their simplicity into the pros column. The straightforward concentric design leads to reduced maintenance needs and longer service life, making them a cost effective choice as there are fewer components at risk of wear and tear.

Disadvantages of Concentric Gearboxes

While concentric gearboxes are excellent for a wide variety of applications, they do have their limitations. In such instances, contact your local Sumitomo distributors or parts suppliers for alternative options.

One significant disadvantage is their relatively low torque capacity when compared to other types of gearboxes. Their speed range is also more limited as they are not really designed to operate at high speeds for extended periods, so pushing them beyond their designed limits can lead to overheating and premature wear.

You may also find the gear ratio options are more restricted due to the inline design, with this limitation having the potential to impact applications that require flexible adjustments in speed or torque.

If you require any Sumitomo Concentric gearboxes in the UK or anywhere else around the world, then contact YB Components who are the leading Sumitomo distributors in Yorkshire. We keep local stocks of parts, ready to ship out fast and free.