Introducing Sumitomo Drive Technologies

Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America (SMA) and SM-Cyclo of Canada Lts. (SMC) are subsidiaries of Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI), one of the largest manufacturers of machinery in Japan, and the global leader in power transmission knowledge and innovation. The unmatched strength of these companies in terms of product breadth, application experience and global presence clearly establishes Sumitomo as the premiere power transmission and control solution provider.

In October 2003, the 30 worldwide companies in the Power Transmission group became united as Sumitomo Drive Technologies, This new brand united SMA and SMC, along with 28 other Sumitomo companies, under the parent company of Sumitomo Heavy Industries - Power Transmission and Controls. The new branding activities include not only the new visual identity change, but also a series of actions to optimize business capabilities to align Sumitomo Drive Technologies worldwide with the new brand as a "dependable partner," to provide the best products and services to customers.

Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America began in 1966 with a work force of 10 people and an assembly facility of 5,000 square feet. Today, their corporate headquarters in Chesapeake, Virginia (USA) combined with strategic satellite locations in North, Central and South America occupy over 500,000 square feet of offices and manufacturing facilities, with over 300 employees. They ship thousands of drive products every month, adding to the North and South American installed base of over 5 million products.

Cyclo Speed Reducer

At the core of Sumitomo's strength is the Cyclo speed reducer which has proven itself in 10 million installations worldwide. Designed for extraordinarily long life, the Cyclo provided the foundation for Sumitomo's current position as true innovators of high quality, unsurpassed reliability power transmission solutions.

How it Works

The Cyclo speed reducer three major moving parts:

• A high-speed input shaft with an integral eccentric cam and roller bearing assembly
• Double cycloidal discs
• A low-speed high-torque output shaft assembly

As the input shaft and eccentric cam rotate, it rolls the cycloid discs around the internal circumference of a stationary ring gear. The resulting action is similar to that of a wheel rolling around the inside of a ring. As the cycloid disc travels in a clockwise path around the ring, the wheel itself turns slowly on its own axis in the opposite (counter clockwise) direction. Because of the curved, cycloidal profile of the cycloid disc, it progressively engages with the rollers of the ring gear housing to produce a reverse rotation at reduced speed. For each complete revolution of the high speed shaft, the cycloid disc turns one cycloidal "tooth" in the opposite direction. The reduced rotation of the cycloid disc is transmitted to the slow speed output shaft to provide speed reduction and increased torque.

Advantages

Smaller Size: The compact design of the Cyclo speed reducers allows for high gear reduction ratios in a small space.

Reduced Friction and Noise: The smooth, progressive rolling action of the cycloidal disc speed reduction mechanism eliminates friction and the pressure points of conventional gears. All of the Cyclo's torque transmitting components roll, and are symmetrically placed around the shafts for balanced, smooth, vibration free and quiet operation.

Long Life: Because the components are in compression, they cannot shear off like traditional gear teeth. Additionally, Sumitomo uses high-hardness, bearing grade steel for all ratio-sensitive components. These exceptionally high, inherent material specifications ensure long-life and reliable operation.