Max Continuous Torque
- 10 mm (This Page)
- 150 mNm
- 12 mm Alternative
- 200 mNm
- 16 mm Alternative
- 400 mNm
Micro-drive solutions for medical devices, precision optics, and ultra-compact robotics. Use our calculator below to instantly verify if a 10mm footprint can handle your load requirements.
Check if a 10mm planetary gear motor fits your specs.
Enter your required torque and speed to verify if a 10mm diameter gear motor is suitable.
Delivers up to 150 mNm continuous torque despite its ultra-compact 10mm diameter, outperforming typical spur gearheads of the same size.
Ideal for multi-axis pipettes, catheter steering, and lightweight portable optics where radial space is strictly limited.
Limited thermal mass means duty cycle must be strictly controlled if operating near the 250 mNm peak limit.
The 10mm form factor represents a critical threshold in micro-motor manufacturing. While it offers exceptional torque density, miniaturization introduces specific physical constraints compared to larger platforms.
A 1-stage 10mm gearbox can achieve up to ~90% efficiency. However, a 5-stage gearbox (needed to reach 150 mNm) drops to ~50-59% efficiency. This cumulative friction requires higher input power and limits the continuous duty cycle due to thermal buildup.
Standard no-load backlash is typically 1.5° to 2.5°. Under load, this can temporarily increase up to 3°. For strict precision alignment (e.g., optical positioning), a low-backlash preloaded design or optical encoder feedback is recommended.
Due to miniature front bearings, radial loads on the 10mm output shaft must not exceed 5N (at 5mm from the flange), and axial loads should remain below 2N. Exceeding these limits causes premature bearing wear and acoustic noise.
When specifying micro-motors, oversizing slightly is often the most cost-effective path to reliability. If you have an extra 2mm of radial space, moving to a 12mm platform often yields significant lifespan and cost benefits.
| Specification | 10 mm (This Page) | 12 mm Alternative | 16 mm Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Torque | 150 mNm | 200 mNm | 400 mNm |
| Max Peak Torque | 250 mNm | 400 mNm | 800 mNm |
| Typical No-Load Speed | 15,000 RPM (motor) | 13,500 RPM (motor) | 12,000 RPM (motor) |
| Max Stages | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Cost Index | Medium-High (Miniaturization) | Baseline | Low (Volume Scale) |
| Efficiency (5-stage) | ~50-59% | ~60-65% | ~65-70% |
| Standard Backlash (No-load) | 1.5° - 2.5° | ≤ 1.5° | ≤ 1.0° |
10mm planetary gear motors are primarily selected when 12mm or 16mm motors physically cannot fit the radial design envelope, but the torque requirements exceed the capacity of coreless direct-drive motors or spur gearboxes.
Integrated into handheld surgical instruments and precision drug delivery systems (e.g., automated insulin pumps). The 10mm diameter allows for ergonomic, pen-like device designs while delivering enough torque to drive micro lead screws.
Used for manipulating mirror plates, lens focusing, and optical zoom mechanisms in compact analytical instruments. Low-backlash configurations ensure repeatable, high-resolution alignment.
Employed in laboratory automation and compact robotic end-effectors where multiple independent axes must be driven within a strictly confined space (e.g., multi-channel pipettes).
* Application contexts derived from documented deployments of 10mm precision gearheads in analytical instrumentation and clinical devices.
Yes. Cross-drilled holes, D-cuts, and custom lengths are available. Note that radial loads on a 10mm shaft should be kept below 5N to protect the miniature front bearing.
Standard configurations (common ratios like 16:1, 64:1, 256:1) typically ship within 1-2 weeks. Custom coils or specific shaft modifications require 3-5 weeks.
Yes, POM (plastic) gears can be used in the first 1-2 stages of the 10mm gearbox to significantly reduce acoustic noise, though this limits the peak torque capacity of those stages.
Send us your target torque, speed, and voltage. Our engineering team will match you with the optimal 10mm configuration and provide 3D CAD models.