Wave generators are central drive elements in strain wave gears, which are used in robotics in particular due to their high reduction ratios and compact design. The component consists of a ball bearing with an elliptically shaped outer ring, which is mounted on a shaft and typically acts as the input side of the gearbox.Â
Producing these components presents significant technical challenges for manufacturers: The required shape tolerances in the single-digit micrometre range combined with complex elliptical geometries and thin-walled structures require specialized manufacturing strategies and highly capable machine tools.Â