Resources > Ondrives FAQs: Precision Mechanical Components

Ondrives FAQs: Precision Mechanical Components

About Ondrives

What does Ondrives manufacture and supply?

Ondrives is a U.S.-based manufacturer and supplier of precision mechanical components for engineers, OEM manufacturers, and industrial buyers. We offer an extensive in-stock catalog for immediate shipment alongside fully custom solutions engineered to exact application specifications.

Product categories include:

What industries does Ondrives serve?

Ondrives supplies precision mechanical components to engineers and OEM manufacturers across a broad range of industries, including:

Our products are used in applications requiring precise motion control, high reliability, and long service life.

Is Ondrives ISO certified?

Yes. Ondrives manufactures under ISO 9001:2015 certified quality systems. Our UK manufacturing partner, ondrives Ltd. of Chesterfield, England, holds additional approvals including AS9100 Rev D (aerospace quality management) and BS EN ISO 9001:2015, approved by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance.

What does ITAR registration mean for my order?

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) registration means Ondrives is registered with the U.S. Department of State to manufacture and export defense-related articles and services. This registration is required for customers in aerospace, defense, and government sectors who require ITAR-compliant suppliers. If your application or contract requires ITAR compliance, Ondrives can meet that requirement.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/about

Where is Ondrives located and where are products manufactured?

Ondrives is headquartered in Copiague, New York, with manufacturing operations in both the U.S. and U.K. Our U.S. facility in Copiague, NY handles precision gear cutting, CNC turning, CNC milling, assembly, and integration. Our UK manufacturing partner, Ondrives Ltd., is based in Chesterfield, England.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/about

What is the history of Ondrives?

The history of Ondrives traces back to Winfred M. Berg — regarded as the Father of Precision Mechanical Components — who established standards for high-precision gears that the American Gear Manufacturers Association later adopted as AGMA 10, 12, and 14.

In 1954, Win Berg founded PIC Design Corp, establishing the standardized mechanical components industry. In 1965 he founded Winfred M. Berg Inc. After Win Berg retired in 1980, his son Dennis remained as President. Dennis later founded Rino Mechanical Components to restore the customer service standards of the early days.

In 2011, Rino Mechanical Components merged with long-time UK supplier Ondrives Ltd. of Chesterfield, England to become Ondrives Corp. Dennis Berg remains involved as CEO, and Lee Berg — who grew up working with both his grandfather Win and father Dennis — now serves as President.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/about

What custom manufacturing capabilities does Ondrives offer?

Ondrives manufactures custom and modified components under ISO 9001:2015 certified quality systems. Core capabilities include:

  • Precision gear cutting (gear hobbers and shapers)
  • CNC turning (bar-fed CNC lathes)
  • CNC milling (CNC vertical mills)
  • Assembly and integration
  • Prototype and production manufacturing
  • Centerless grinding
  • Laser engraving for part numbers, branding, or traceability
  • CMM inspection

All standard products — gears, gearboxes, couplings, clutches, shafts, and fasteners — can be modified or custom-built to your exact specifications. Prior to production, 2D drawings of 3D CAD models are supplied for customer approval.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/capabilities

Does Ondrives offer engineering and design support?

Yes. Ondrives has an experienced engineering team that provides support at two levels: application engineers help select the best standard or modified components for a project, while design engineers create fully custom solutions that meet exact customer specifications. 2D drawings of 3D CAD models are provided for customer approval before production begins. 3D CAD models are also available for download on our resources page.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/resources

Ordering & Shipping

Does Ondrives offer same-day shipping?

Yes. Ondrives offers same-day shipping on in-stock items. With an extensive in-stock catalog, most standard precision mechanical components are available for immediate shipment.

How do I request a quote for a custom or modified component?

To request a quote for a custom or modified component, submit an RFQ (Request for Quote) online or contact the Ondrives engineering team directly. To prepare your RFQ, provide as much detail as possible including: the component type and specifications, material requirements, dimensional drawings or CAD files, required tolerances, quantity (prototype vs. production), and delivery requirements. Our application and design engineers will review your requirements and respond with pricing and lead time.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/contact

What is the lead time for custom-manufactured components?

Lead times for custom-manufactured components vary depending on the complexity of the part, material availability, required tolerances, and order quantity. Prototype quantities typically have shorter lead times than production runs. Contact Ondrives with your specific requirements for an accurate lead time estimate.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/contact

Are 3D CAD models available for Ondrives products?

Yes. 3D CAD models are available for Ondrives products. Visit the Resources section of our website to access CAD model downloads for use in your design and engineering workflow.

Does Ondrives have a competitor cross-reference tool?

Yes. Ondrives provides a Competitor Cross Reference resource to help engineers identify Ondrives equivalents for components from other manufacturers — including legacy Berg, PIC Design, and other precision mechanical component suppliers. Visit the Resources section of our website to use the cross-reference tool.

What technical resources does Ondrives provide?

Ondrives offers a comprehensive library of technical resources for engineers, including:

Where can I find Ondrives terms and conditions?

Ondrives Terms and Conditions are available on our website. Visit the Terms & Conditions page for complete information on ordering, payment, shipping, returns, and warranty terms.

Gearboxes

What types of gearboxes does Ondrives offer?

Ondrives offers a comprehensive range of gearbox types including:

What is the difference between a worm gearbox and a bevel gearbox?

Worm gearboxes and bevel gearboxes are both right-angle configurations but differ significantly in performance characteristics:

  • Worm gearboxes — use a worm (screw) driving a worm wheel; provide high reduction ratios in a compact package; offer self-locking capability (the load cannot back-drive the input) at certain ratios; lower mechanical efficiency than bevel; best for high-ratio, low-speed output applications
  • Bevel gearboxes — use intersecting bevel gears; higher mechanical efficiency than worm; better suited for reversing loads and dynamic applications; available in miter (1:1 ratio) and gear-reduced configurations; do not self-lock

For high reduction ratios with self-locking and compactness, choose worm. For higher efficiency, reversibility, and dynamic loads, choose bevel.

What is backlash in a gearbox and why does it matter?

Backlash is the amount of play or lost motion between mating gear teeth — the angular movement of the output shaft when the input is held stationary and the output is moved. In precision positioning applications such as robotics, servo systems, CNC machines, and medical devices, backlash causes positioning error and reduces system accuracy.

Ondrives's newly redesigned P-Series gearbox specifically improves backlash performance, corrosion resistance, and center distance between input and outputs. For the most demanding applications, Ondrives also offers low-backlash in-line spur gearboxes and epicyclic (planetary) servo gearboxes.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/gearboxes

What improvements does the new P-Series gearbox offer?

The newly re-designed P-Series gearbox from Ondrives offers three key improvements over the previous design:

  • Improved backlash — reduced play between gear teeth for greater precision in positioning applications
  • Improved corrosion resistance — enhanced surface treatments or materials for longer service life in demanding environments
  • Improved center distance between input and outputs — updated geometry for better design integration

Contact Ondrives or visit the gearbox product page for complete specifications and ordering information for the P-Series.

What is an epicyclic (planetary) gearbox and when should I use one?

An epicyclic or planetary gearbox uses a central sun gear, surrounding planet gears, and an outer ring gear to transmit torque. Key advantages include: high torque density in a compact, coaxial package; low backlash suitable for servo and precision positioning applications; high efficiency; multiple reduction ratios available in a single stage.

Ondrives offers Epicyclic Servo / Planetary gearboxes in the in-line gearbox category. They are ideal for servo motor applications in robotics, automation, and medical devices where coaxial input/output, low backlash, and high torque-to-size ratio are required.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/gearboxes

How do I select the right gearbox reduction ratio for my application?

Gearbox reduction ratio selection depends on several factors:

  • Input speed (motor RPM) and required output speed
  • Required output torque (input torque × ratio × efficiency)
  • Load inertia and the inertia ratio between load and motor (reflected inertia = load inertia ÷ ratio²)
  • Duty cycle and application dynamics (constant load vs. start/stop vs. reversing)
  • Gearbox efficiency at the selected ratio

Ondrives provides an 'Inertia and Gearbox Selection' white paper in the Resources section to assist with ratio and gearbox selection. Our engineering team is also available to assist with application-specific gearbox selection.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/resources

Can Ondrives customize a gearbox to my specifications?

Yes. Ondrives can modify or customize all standard gearboxes to meet unique specifications. Custom options include non-standard bore sizes, shaft configurations, mounting arrangements, gear ratios, materials, and finishes. For fully custom gearboxes, our design engineers work with your team, provide 2D drawings for approval before production, and manufacture under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system. Submit an RFQ or contact our engineering team to discuss your requirements.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/custom-products

What is a rack-and-pinion actuator and when is it used?

A rack-and-pinion actuator converts rotary motion to linear motion using a circular pinion gear meshing with a linear gear rack. As the pinion rotates, it drives the rack linearly. Applications include linear positioning systems, CNC machine axes, automation slides, conveyor drives, and any application requiring precise conversion of rotary motor output to linear travel. Ondrives offers rack-and-pinion actuators as part of its gearbox product line.

Learn more: https://www.ondrivesus.com/gearboxes

Precision Gears

What gear types does Ondrives stock?

Ondrives stocks a comprehensive range of precision gears in both inch and metric sizes:

All gears are available from AGMA 8 (commercial grade) to AGMA 14 (precision instrument grade). Both ground and commercial-grade options are available. Custom gear cutting is available for non-standard specifications.

What is AGMA gear quality and what level do I need?

AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association) quality numbers define the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of a gear — including tooth spacing, profile, runout, and lead. Higher AGMA numbers indicate tighter tolerances:

  • AGMA 8 — commercial grade; suitable for general industrial use at moderate speeds and loads
  • AGMA 10–12 — precision grade; suitable for moderate-to-high speed applications with noise and accuracy requirements
  • AGMA 12–14 — instrument/high precision grade; required for servo systems, encoders, and precision positioning

Ondrives offers gears from AGMA 8 to AGMA 14 quality. Win Berg's original precision gear standards were adopted by AGMA as their AGMA 10, 12, and 14 standards — a part of the company's founding heritage.

What is the difference between spur gears and helical gears?

Spur gears have straight teeth parallel to the gear axis. Helical gears have teeth cut at an angle (helix angle) to the gear axis. Key differences:

  • Noise — helical gears run quieter than spur gears because multiple teeth are always in contact, reducing impact loading
  • Load capacity — helical gears have higher load capacity due to greater tooth contact area
  • Axial thrust — helical gears generate axial (thrust) loads that must be handled by bearings; spur gears generate no axial thrust
  • Efficiency — spur gears are slightly more efficient due to lower sliding friction
  • Cost — spur gears are generally lower cost to manufacture

Ondrives has published a white paper comparing helical and spur gears — available in the Resources section.

Are Ondrives gears available in both inch and metric sizes?

Yes. Ondrives stocks precision gears in both inch (diametral pitch) and metric (module) sizes across all gear types — spur, helical, worm, and worm wheels. This makes Ondrives a single source for engineers working in either measurement system or designing systems that interface with both.

What materials are Ondrives precision gears available in?

Ondrives precision gears are available in multiple materials to suit different application requirements. Contact Ondrives or refer to product specifications for material options available for each gear type and size. Custom gear cutting is available in a wide range of materials to meet specific application requirements.

Can Ondrives cut custom gears to my specifications?

Yes. Custom gear cutting is a core manufacturing capability at Ondrives. Our gear cutting equipment includes gear hobbers and shapers capable of producing precision custom gears to exact specifications including non-standard pitches, tooth counts, face widths, hub configurations, materials, and bore sizes. Our engineering team works with your drawings and specifications — 2D drawings of 3D CAD models are provided for approval before production.

What is diametral pitch and how does it affect gear selection?

Diametral pitch (DP) is a measure of gear tooth size for inch-system gears — defined as the number of teeth per inch of pitch diameter. All gears that mesh together must have the same diametral pitch. Common DP values: fine pitch (48, 64, 72, 96 DP) for instrument and precision applications; coarser pitches (12, 16, 20, 24 DP) for higher torque industrial applications. In the metric system, the equivalent parameter is 'module' (m), where module = 25.4 / DP. Ondrives offers gears across a wide range of pitches in both systems.

Shaft Couplings

What types of shaft couplings does Ondrives offer?

Ondrives offers one of the broadest shaft coupling selections available, including:

How do I choose the right shaft coupling for my application?

Selecting the right shaft coupling requires considering several factors:

  • Misalignment type and magnitude — angular, radial (parallel offset), or axial; different coupling types handle each differently
  • Torque capacity — the coupling must handle peak torque with an appropriate safety factor
  • Speed — operating RPM affects coupling dynamic balance and fatigue life
  • Backlash requirements — precision positioning and servo applications require zero or near-zero backlash
  • Torsional stiffness — high stiffness for servo systems; flexibility for vibration damping
  • Environmental conditions — temperature, chemical exposure, IP requirements

Ondrives has published a white paper 'Choosing Shaft Misalignment Couplings' available in the Resources section. Our engineering team is also available to assist with coupling selection.

What is the difference between a beam coupling and a bellows coupling?

Both beam and bellows couplings handle shaft misalignment and are commonly used in servo and precision motion applications, but they differ in key performance characteristics:

  • Beam couplings — a single piece of metal with helical or slit cuts that allow flexibility; lower torsional stiffness; moderate backlash (some designs near-zero); cost-effective; good for general misalignment compensation
  • Bellows couplings — thin metal bellows (accordion-like) connecting two hubs; true zero backlash; very high torsional stiffness (minimal wind-up); excellent for encoder and servo feedback applications where phase accuracy is critical; higher cost than beam couplings

For encoder mounting and servo feedback where zero backlash and no torsional wind-up are critical, bellows couplings are preferred. For general misalignment compensation at lower cost, beam couplings are a strong choice.

What is a zero-backlash coupling and when do I need one?

A zero-backlash coupling transmits torque with no play or lost motion between input and output shafts. This is critical in applications where any angular play in the coupling would cause positioning error or feedback inaccuracy:

  • Servo motor and drive systems
  • Encoder mounting (even tiny backlash causes feedback errors)
  • CNC machine axes
  • Precision robotics joints
  • Medical device actuators
  • Any closed-loop positioning system

Ondrives offers several zero-backlash coupling designs including bellows couplings, Oldham (sliding disc) couplings, and zero-backlash U-joints in both acetal and stainless steel.

What is an Oldham coupling and what misalignment does it handle?

An Oldham coupling (sliding disc coupling) consists of two hubs and a floating center disc. The center disc slides between the two hubs to compensate for parallel (radial) offset misalignment — the most common misalignment type in precision assemblies. Key properties: zero backlash (the disc maintains constant contact with both hubs), constant velocity transmission (no speed variation through the coupling), accommodates pure radial misalignment well but limited angular misalignment. Listed under Disc Couplings in the Ondrives product catalog.

What is a jaw coupling (spider coupling) and when is it used?

A jaw coupling (spider coupling) uses two metal hubs with interlocking jaws and a flexible elastomeric 'spider' insert between them. The spider absorbs shock and vibration while accommodating misalignment. Key characteristics: dampens shock and vibration loads; handles angular, radial, and axial misalignment; the spider insert can be replaced without moving the hubs (fail-safe — the jaws interlock if the spider fails); some backlash inherent due to the elastomeric insert.

Jaw couplings are widely used in general industrial applications, pump drives, conveyor systems, and moderate-precision automation where vibration damping is more important than zero backlash. Ondrives offers curved jaw and Cardan curved jaw configurations.

What is a magnetic shaft coupling and what are its advantages?

A magnetic shaft coupling transmits torque through a magnetic field between two rotor assemblies with no physical contact between input and output. Key advantages:

  • Hermetic sealing — torque is transmitted through a containment wall (tank wall, pressure vessel, housing) with no shaft penetration, eliminating the need for dynamic seals
  • Overload protection — the coupling slips at a defined torque limit, protecting equipment from overload damage
  • Zero mechanical wear — no contact between input and output means no wear and no maintenance
  • Vibration isolation — no physical connection means vibration is not transmitted between input and output

Magnetic couplings are used in pumps handling hazardous or corrosive fluids, sealed enclosures, pharmaceutical and food processing equipment, and any application where a leak-free shaft connection is required.

What is a bore reducer (shaft adaptor) and when do I need one?

A bore reducer (also called a shaft adaptor) is used to adapt a coupling or component with a larger bore to fit onto a smaller-diameter shaft. For example, if a coupling is bored to 1/2" but your shaft is 3/8", a bore reducer fills the annular gap to create a proper fit. Ondrives bore reducers are available in brass, aluminum, and stainless steel to match the application's environmental and load requirements.

Precision Shafts & Fasteners

What tolerances are Ondrives precision ground shafts held to?

Ondrives precision ground shafts are ground to 0.0002-inch tolerances in inch and metric diameters. Standard lengths are available to 72 inches in stainless steel alloys. In-stock sizes are available for same-day shipment.

What shoulder screw styles and materials does Ondrives offer?

Ondrives stocks shoulder screws in three head styles:

Material options:

  • 303 stainless steel
  • 416 stainless steel (RC 26-32 hardness)

Available in various shoulder lengths and thread sizes, in stock for same-day shipment. Custom shoulder screws are also available for non-standard bores, lengths, materials, or configurations.

What is the difference between 303 and 416 stainless steel for fasteners?

303 and 416 stainless steel are both commonly used for precision fasteners but serve different applications:

  • 303 stainless steel — austenitic (non-hardenable); excellent machinability; good corrosion resistance; non-magnetic in annealed state; suitable for most general precision fastener applications
  • 416 stainless steel — martensitic (hardenable); can be heat-treated to RC 26-32 hardness as offered by Ondrives; magnetic; better wear and abrasion resistance than 303; slightly lower corrosion resistance than 303; used where higher hardness and wear resistance are required

Choose 303 for general corrosion resistance and machinability; choose 416 (hardened) for applications requiring greater surface hardness and wear resistance.

What are tipped set screws and what tip materials are available?

Tipped set screws (also called soft-tipped set screws) have a tip made from a softer material than the screw body. When tightened against a shaft, the soft tip grips the shaft surface without marring, scoring, or permanently deforming it — allowing the shaft to be removed and reused without damage.

Ondrives offers tipped set screws with three tip material options:

  • Nylon tip — soft, non-marring; ideal for delicate shaft surfaces
  • Silver tip — harder than nylon, good grip without aggressive marring
  • Brass tip — softer than steel; good grip with minimal shaft damage

Useful in applications requiring frequent shaft removal and reinstallation, or where shaft surface finish must be preserved.

What shaft materials does Ondrives stock?

Ondrives stocks precision ground shafts in the following materials:

Specialty configurations also available:

What are dowel pins and what materials are available?

Dowel pins are precision cylindrical pins used to accurately locate and align mating components — ensuring repeatable positioning when assemblies are disassembled and reassembled. They are commonly used to align gear housings, fixture plates, mold components, and machine parts.

Ondrives stocks dowel pins in three material options:

Dowel pins are listed under both the Shafts & Dowel Pins and Precision Fasteners sections of the Ondrives catalog.

What is the difference between Shafts and Dowels?

Shafts are normally used to transmit rotational movement.

  • Overall lengths often range from 2 inches up to 6 feet.
  • Diameter tolerances are normally specified as +0/-0.00?

Dowel Pins are most frequently used to fasten components.

  • Overall lengths range from very small to a few inches.
  • Diameter tolerances are normally specified as +0.00?/-0