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Strain-wave (harmonic) gear

Harmonic Drive CSD-2A component sets

A very flat cup-type strain wave gear set, about half the axial length of standard sets. It has a hollow through-bore for cables or shafts.

Key specifications

Bore (max)50 mm
Rated torque (max)329 Nm
Peak torque (max)1,440 Nm
Ratio50–160:1
Backlash (max)0 arcmin
Sizes14, 17, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50

Summarised in our own words from Harmonic Drive SE / Harmonic Drive LLC's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2

Notes on this data

Harmonic Drive LLC's table lists ratios 50/80/100 with maxima at CSD-50-100: rated 329 Nm, repeated peak 686 Nm and momentary peak 1440 Nm. Harmonic Drive SE lists ratios 50, 80, 100, 120 and 160, repeatable peak torque of 12–823 Nm, a hollow shaft of 11–50 mm and up to 512 Nm/kg. The 823 Nm repeatable peak at the higher ratios is SE's figure only. CSD-2UH and CSD-2UF gear units are also offered.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with Harmonic Drive SE / Harmonic Drive LLC. Harmonic Drive and CSD-2A component sets are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Typical applications

Compact robot jointsSpace-constrained rotary axesHollow-shaft cable routing

Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures

Engineers often come to us with a Harmonic Drive part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.

Strain-wave (harmonic) gear

LeaderDrive LCS / LCSG

Meets or exceeds on the published figure compared

Cup-type strain-wave gear component sets for building your own joint; the LCSG high-torque version lifts capacity by around 30% over the standard LCS.

Published maximumCSD-2A component setsLCS / LCSG
Rated torque329 Nm—
Peak torque1,440 Nm—
Ratio (max)160:1500:1 meets or exceeds
Backlash (lower is better)0 arcmin—
View LCS / LCSG →
Strain-wave (harmonic) gear

LeaderDrive LHS / LHSG

Meets or exceeds on the published figure compared

Hollow-shaft strain-wave gear units with a large central bore for routing cables and services; LHSG is the high-torque version (over 30% more torque).

Published maximumCSD-2A component setsLHS / LHSG
Rated torque329 Nm—
Peak torque1,440 Nm—
Ratio (max)160:1500:1 meets or exceeds
Backlash (lower is better)0 arcmin—
View LHS / LHSG →
Strain-wave (harmonic) gear

LeaderDrive LCD

Meets or exceeds on the published figure compared

Ultra-flat cup-type strain-wave gear with a very short axial length, light weight and high stiffness for its size.

Published maximumCSD-2A component setsLCD
Rated torque329 Nm—
Peak torque1,440 Nm—
Ratio (max)160:1500:1 meets or exceeds
Backlash (lower is better)0 arcmin—
View LCD →

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Other strain-wave (harmonic) gear series

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