At MICROingranaggi, we design and manufacture custom and standard micro gearboxes for high-precision applications where space, weight, and performance must coexist in perfect balance. We support customers across Europe and the United States, with a strong focus on US industrial applications requiring compact and high-performance transmission systems.
Thanks to the integration between our engineering department and CNC workshop, we develop compact solutions with diameters starting from 22 mm for standard products and down to 16 mm for fully custom configurations. Our micro gearboxes ensure high torque density, reliability, and long service life. They are widely used in medical, automation, home automation, and aerospace sectors, where miniaturization is a key design driver.
Miniaturization and performance: the challenges of micro gearboxes
Designing micro gearboxes requires a highly specialized engineering approach. The primary challenge is to concentrate high mechanical performance within extremely limited spaces, without compromising accuracy and reliability.
Additional requirements vary depending on the application sector:
- High torque density even in compact dimensions
- Noise reduction, critical in medical and home automation applications
- Weight reduction, essential in aerospace applications, particularly in US and EU aviation industries
- Long-term reliability, even under variable operating conditions
The result is a compact yet high-performance system designed to meet increasingly demanding engineering requirements across global markets.
Sizes, materials, and available configurations
Our range of micro gearboxes covers a wide spectrum of dimensional requirements:
- Standard products: minimum diameter of 22 mm
- Custom solutions: developed to customer specifications, down to a minimum diameter of 16 mm
Each gearbox is engineered to fit perfectly within the available space and operating conditions of the application, optimizing internal geometry and architecture.
Material selection plays a key role in balancing performance, noise, and durability:
- Steels and metal alloys for strength and load capacity
- Engineering polymers (e.g., POM), often used in the first stage to reduce noise and vibration
- Hybrid configurations, combining different materials to optimize system behavior
The use of polymer components in the initial stages allows for quieter gearboxes, particularly suitable for applications where acoustic comfort is a critical requirement.
Custom design for advanced applications
Thanks to the strong synergy between engineering and manufacturing, we develop fully customized micro gearboxes tailored to each application. Our technical department works closely with customers across Europe and the United States to:
- Optimize dimensional constraints
- Define required performance (torque, speed, backlash)
- Select appropriate materials and treatments
- Ensure manufacturability and industrial efficiency
This approach enables the development of micro gearboxes perfectly integrated into the final application, reducing development time and industrialization costs while meeting both EU and US technical expectations.
Our technical office stands out for its expertise in designing a wide range of drive system solutions, including customized linear actuators and bespoke epicyclic gearboxes.
FAQ on micro gearboxes
A micro gearbox is a compact transmission system designed to reduce the rotational speed of a motor while increasing the available torque. It is used in applications where space is limited but precision, motion control, and reliability are essential.
The main difference lies in size. Micro gearboxes are designed to operate in extremely compact spaces while maintaining high performance. This requires tighter tolerances, optimized geometries, and more advanced engineering compared to conventional gearboxes.
Selection depends on several factors, including required torque, input and output speed, available space, acceptable noise levels, and operating conditions. Proper definition of these parameters ensures the most efficient and durable solution.
Yes, micro gearboxes can be fully customized based on project specifications. Geometry, reduction ratios, materials, and configurations can all be adapted to perfectly match the final application.
Micro gearboxes offer key advantages such as compact size, high torque density, precise motion control, and easy integration into complex systems. They are ideal when high performance must be achieved within limited space.
The reduction ratio directly affects speed and torque: higher ratios reduce output speed while increasing torque. Selecting the correct ratio is essential to ensure proper system performance.
Yes, micro gearboxes can be designed to interface with various types of electric motors. Proper mechanical interface design ensures efficient coupling, minimal vibration, and optimal performance.
Lubrication is critical to ensure durability and reliability. We use high-performance greases specifically selected based on operating conditions such as temperature, duty cycle, and environmental factors. Lubrication is defined on a case-by-case basis.