Editorial Technical Reference

Planet Carrier

This page explains how Planet Carrier is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A structural component in planetary gear systems that holds and supports the planet gears, allowing them to rotate around the sun gear while maintaining proper alignment and spacing.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Planet Carrier

Definition
The planet carrier is a critical component within reduction gears, specifically in planetary gear arrangements. It serves as the mounting structure for the planet gears (also called planetary gears), which are the intermediate gears that mesh with both the central sun gear and the outer ring gear. The carrier rotates around the sun gear, transmitting torque and motion between the input and output shafts while providing mechanical advantage through gear reduction. Its design ensures precise positioning of the planet gears to maintain proper gear meshing and load distribution throughout the gear system. The carrier must withstand significant radial and axial loads while maintaining rigidity to prevent gear misalignment. Typical materials include alloy steel, cast iron, and forged steel. Key parameters for selection include rated torque (500–5000 N·m, ISO 6336), maximum speed (3000–8000 rpm), center distance (50–300 mm, ISO 21771), carrier outer diameter (100–500 mm), carrier thickness (20–80 mm), parallelism tolerance (0.01–0.05 mm, ISO 1101), bore tolerance (H7, ISO 286), surface roughness (0.8–1.6 μm Ra, ISO 1302), material hardness (180–320 HB, ISO 6506), weight (5–50 kg), operating temperature (-40–120 °C), and maximum axial load (10–100 kN). These values are reference ranges; verify model-specific data with the manufacturer. The carrier's design must ensure even load distribution and precision fit for bearing pins. Proper maintenance includes monitoring for wear, fatigue, and alignment. Failure modes include gear tooth failure due to excessive torque, bearing failure from axial overload, and material degradation outside temperature limits. Always confirm standards and specifications with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The planet carrier rotates as a unit, carrying the planet gears with it. As the sun gear (input) rotates, it drives the planet gears, which in turn rotate on their own axes while being constrained by the stationary or rotating ring gear. The carrier's rotation (output) results from the combined motion of the planet gears, achieving speed reduction or torque multiplication depending on the configuration. The carrier must withstand significant radial and axial loads while maintaining rigidity to prevent gear misalignment.
Common Materials
Alloy Steel, Cast Iron, Forged Steel
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Rated Torque500–5000 N·mExceeding rated torque may cause gear tooth failureISO 6336
Max Speed3000–8000 rpmHigher speeds may require dynamic balancing
Center Distance50–300 mmDetermines gear ratio and sizeISO 21771
Carrier Outer Diameter100–500 mmMust fit within gearbox housing
Carrier Thickness20–80 mmAffects stiffness and weight
Parallelism Tolerance0.01–0.05 mmEnsures even load distributionISO 1101
Bore ToleranceH7Precision fit for bearing pinsISO 286
Surface Roughness0.8–1.6 μm RaCritical for fatigue lifeISO 1302
Material Hardness180–320 HBHigher hardness improves wear resistanceISO 6506
Weight5–50 kgAffects inertia and handling
Operating Temperature-40–120 °CMaterial properties degrade outside this range
Max Axial Load10–100 kNExceeding may cause bearing failure

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Carrier Body Part
    Main structural frame that holds all components together and transmits torque
    Material: Alloy Steel
  • Planet Gear Pins/Shafts Part
    Axles on which planet gears rotate, mounted to the carrier body
    Material: Case-Hardened Steel
  • Mounting Flange Part
    Interface for connecting to input/output shafts or other components
    Material: Alloy Steel
  • Bearing Surfaces Part
    Precision-machined surfaces for supporting bearings that reduce friction on planet gear pins
    Material: Hardened Steel

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Up to 500 MPa (static load capacity)
other spec: Max rotational speed: 10,000 RPM, Lubrication required: ISO VG 68-320
temperature: -40°C to 150°C (operational), up to 200°C (peak)
Media Compatibility
✓ Industrial gear oil (mineral/synthetic) ✓ Grease-lubricated systems ✓ Clean, filtered hydraulic fluid
Unsuitable: Abrasive slurry or particulate-laden environments without filtration
Sizing Data Required
  • Number of planet gears and gear module (pitch)
  • Input torque and rotational speed requirements
  • Housing bore diameter and mounting constraints

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Bearing fatigue and spalling
Cause: Cyclic loading from planetary gear operation exceeding bearing material fatigue limits, often exacerbated by inadequate lubrication or contamination
Gear tooth pitting and wear
Cause: Surface fatigue due to high contact stresses between planet gears and sun/ring gears, accelerated by misalignment, improper backlash, or lubricant breakdown
Maintenance Indicators
  • Abnormal metallic grinding or whining noise during operation indicating gear mesh issues or bearing degradation
  • Visible metal particles in lubricant or excessive vibration detected during routine monitoring
Engineering Tips
  • Implement precision alignment during installation and maintain proper gear backlash specifications to minimize uneven loading
  • Establish rigorous lubrication management including correct viscosity selection, contamination control, and regular oil analysis to detect early wear patterns

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 1328-1:2013 (Cylindrical gears - ISO system of flank tolerance classification) ANSI/AGMA 2000-A88 (Gear Classification and Inspection Handbook) DIN 3961 (Tolerances for cylindrical gear teeth)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore diameter: +/-0.02mm
  • Planet pin hole position tolerance: 0.05mm
Quality Inspection
  • Dimensional inspection with CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)
  • Hardness testing (Rockwell or Brinell scale)

Manufacturers of Planet Carrier

2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Hangzhou HZPT Machinery
Shanghai, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Shanghai Belon Machinery Co., ltd.
Shanghai, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a planet carrier?

The planet carrier holds and supports the planet gears, allowing them to rotate around the sun gear while maintaining proper alignment and spacing. It transmits torque and motion between input and output shafts in planetary gear systems.

What materials are commonly used for planet carriers?

Common materials include alloy steel, cast iron, and forged steel. The choice depends on required strength, weight, and cost.

What are the key parameters to consider when selecting a planet carrier?

Key parameters include rated torque, maximum speed, center distance, carrier outer diameter, thickness, tolerances, surface roughness, hardness, weight, operating temperature, and axial load capacity. These must be verified for the specific application.

How can I ensure the planet carrier meets my requirements?

Verify all specifications with the legal manufacturer or supplier. Check that the carrier's rated torque, speed, and load capacities align with your system's demands, and confirm compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 6336.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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