No Lubrication Required / Virtually No Dust Generation / Ultra-Low Noise and Vibration
What is a magnetic gear?
A magnetic gear (non-contact gear) is a gear-like transmission component without teeth that transmits rotational speed and torque between two shafts without physical contact, using the magnetic force (attraction and repulsion) generated by powerful permanent magnets such as neodymium magnets. Because power is transmitted without contact, it generates no dust and requires no lubrication, while also reducing noise and vibration—thereby overcoming the drawbacks of conventional gears that rely on tooth contact.
In addition, when excessive force is applied during power transmission, the magnetic gears slip relative to each other, allowing them to function as a torque limiter. Furthermore, since power can be transmitted through a non-magnetic barrier, it is possible to separate the environments of the driving side (motor side) and the driven side.
These features make magnetic gears particularly effective in applications such as cleanrooms, where dust generation and lubrication oils must be avoided, as well as in environments with stringent hygiene requirements.
Key Features of Magnetic Gears
Magnetic gears are non-contact power transmission devices that offer a range of unique advantages over conventional mechanical gears.
No Lubrication Required :
In conventional gears, power is transmitted through direct contact between tooth surfaces, so lubrication is important in many applications. Gear users must address lubrication in their designs by selecting appropriate lubrication methods and lubricants, as well as managing oil starvation and replacement intervals, all of which add effort and cost. In contrast, magnetic gears transmit power without contact, eliminating the need for tooth surface lubrication. This helps reduce maintenance requirements and the associated downtime.Particle-Free Operation :
In conventional contact-type gears, physical contact between tooth surfaces inevitably generates minute wear particles. Furthermore, when lubrication conditions are insufficient, wear is accelerated, which may lead to an increase in particle generation. In high-cleanliness environments, such as those represented by the semiconductor industry, particle contamination originating from gears can become a factor that adversely affects equipment performance and final product quality. In contrast, magnetic gears transmit power without physical contact, thereby fundamentally suppressing particle generation caused by tooth surface wear. This characteristic is considered to provide a significant advantage for applications in clean environments.Ultra-Low Noise and Vibration :
In mechanical design, reducing vibration and noise in drive systems is an extremely important challenge that directly affects product value. Conventional contact gears involve physical tooth engagement and meshing impacts, making it unavoidable for vibration and noise to arise from factors such as machining accuracy, assembly errors, and lubrication conditions. In contrast, magnetic gears transmit power through magnetic interaction, fundamentally eliminating physical contact in the drive transmission. As a result, vibration and noise caused by tooth collision and friction do not occur in principle, enabling an exceptionally high level of quietness that is difficult to achieve with conventional mechanical elements.Through-Barrier Transmission :
Torque can be transmitted across non-magnetic barriers, allowing complete physical separation between drive and driven components—ideal for sealed or hygienic applications.Built-in Overload Protection :
Under excessive load, magnetic coupling naturally slips, functioning as an inherent torque limiter and helping protect connected equipment.High Transmission Efficiency :
Optimized magnetic circuit design enables high efficiency, typically in the range of 90–95%, depending on operating conditions.Tolerance to Misalignment :
Magnetic gears can accommodate a certain degree of shaft misalignment, offering greater flexibility in system design and assembly.No Heat Generation :
Because it is non-contact, no heat is generated, making it suitable for use in environments where heat must be avoided.Magnetic Gear Product Lineup
Magnetic Bevel Gears
A combination of a disc and a cylindrical element, equivalent to bevel gears in conventional gearing, used to transmit torque and rotational speed between perpendicular shafts.
(Neodymium magnets)
** Currently, supply is limited due to material shortages **
Magnetic Screw Gears
A combination of cylindrical elements, equivalent to screw gears in conventional gearing, used to transmit torque and rotational speed between skew shafts.
(Neodymium magnets)
** Currently, supply is limited due to material shortages **
Bonded Magnetic
Screw Gears
A cost-effective version of Magnetic Screw Gears. The magnet portions are epoxy-coated, while the yoke has no surface treatment.
(Neodymium magnets)
Magnet couplings are mechanical components that use magnetic force to transmit power contactlessly between two rotating shafts. The maximum transmissible torque varies depending on the size.
(Neodymium magnets)
Sealed Magnetic Couplings
Magnetic couplings with a protective cover, designed for transmitting torque across a barrier.
Couplings with a resin (PVC) cover are suitable for acidic environments, while those with a stainless steel (SUS) cover can be used in submerged applications.
(Neodymium magnets)
Coaxial Magnetic Couplings
Coaxial couplings designed to achieve thrust-free operation. They transmit torque while absorbing axial vibration.
(Neodymium magnets)
Magnetic Spur Gears
Magnetic gears equivalent to conventional spur gears, used to transmit torque and speed between two parallel shafts.
(Neodymium magnets)
Disc-Type Magnetic Variable Speed Gears
Non-contact magnetic variable-speed gears offering a high degree of design flexibility in gear ratios.
(Neodymium magnets)
Cylindrical Magnetic Variable Speed Gears
A cylindrical-type non-contact magnetic transmission gear capable of both speed increase and reduction.
(Neodymium magnets)
SmoothSlip Magnetic Coupling
Functions as a standard coupling under normal torque conditions. When the torque exceeds the allowable limit, it begins to slip as a torque limiter. Thanks to a specially engineered magnetic material, the slip is smooth and continuous, without the jerky motion typical of conventional mechanisms.
(Neodymium magnets)
Magnetic Linear Sliders
Non-contact linear actuators using magnetic force. Ideal for transport applications in cleanroom environments. They require no wiring like conventional linear motors and can be extended to virtually unlimited lengths.
(Neodymium magnets)
Magnetic Racks and Pinions
A non-contact version of conventional rack and pinion systems, using magnetic force to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
(Neodymium magnets)
Applications of Magnetic Gears
Typical applications of magnetic gears include:
Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Magnetic gears for semiconductor manufacturing equipment transmit power without contact, which prevents the generation of wear particles and eliminates the need for lubrication, making them well suited for cleanroom environments. In addition, the absence of wear results in a long service life and reduced maintenance requirements. Their low vibration and low noise characteristics also contribute to stable equipment operation. These features make their superior cleanliness and maintainability a key advantage.
Medical devices
Magnetic gears offer key advantages in medical devices through their non-contact drive, which enhances hygiene and safety. Because there is no physical wear, they help reduce the risk of contamination from wear particles and lubricants in surgical equipment and diagnostic systems. In addition, their low noise operation helps ease patient anxiety, and their inherent slip mechanism under overload conditions suppresses equipment damage, contributing to stable and reliable operation.
Food processing machinery
The advantages of magnetic gears in food processing machinery can be summarized in the following three points. First, because torque is transmitted without contact, no wear particles are generated and no lubricating oil or grease is required, thereby helping to reduce the risk of foreign matter contamination in food. Second, the structure includes gaps between components, which provides excellent cleanability and makes it easy to maintain hygienic conditions. Third, in the event of an overload, slipping occurs, which helps suppress the risk of mechanical damage and leads to reduced maintenance effort and cost.
In addition, because they enable non-contact power transmission with no particle generation and no need for lubrication, magnetic gears are widely used in machinery and equipment where cleanliness, sealing performance, low noise and vibration, maintainability, and safety are required.
Safety Precautions for Use
- Magnetic gears generate strong magnetic forces. Please handle with care to ensure safety and prevent damage to the product.
- Particular caution should be taken to avoid finger injuries caused by pinching between magnetic components.
- Due to the strong magnetic attraction, once magnets come into contact, separation may be difficult. Exercise caution during installation.
Precautions for Magnetic Gear Performance
- Magnetic gears may exhibit lost motion, making them unsuitable for applications requiring precise positioning.
- Performance and allowable torque vary depending on temperature. Please ensure the operating temperature conditions are specified prior to use.
- Corrosion may degrade performance. Please take appropriate measures based on the operating environment.