Posts

SDE-PDE Series Slew Drives: Dual-Axis Precision for Solar and Industrial Innovation

What is an SDE-PDE Series Slew Drive?

The SDE-PDE Series Slew Drive is a dual-axis rotary actuator system combining two independently driven worm gears and slewing bearings. Designed to allow motion along both the azimuth and elevation axes, these drives are primarily used in dual-axis solar tracking systems, satellite antennas, and precision machinery requiring synchronized movement in two directions.

SDE stands for “Solar Dual-axis Enclosed,” while PDE refers to “Precision Dual-axis Enclosed.” Both versions are enclosed, sealed, and optimized for outdoor or high-performance industrial environments.

Key Features and Benefits

Dual-Axis Control in a Compact Unit
SDE/PDE drives offer synchronized movement on two axes using two separate worm gear systems, enabling smooth and precise tilt and rotation control.

Fully Enclosed, IP65+ Rated Housing
Built with sealed housings, these drives resist water, dust, sand, and UV, ensuring long-lasting operation in open-field solar or desert deployments.

High Load Capacity with Minimal Backlash
The combination of two slewing bearings and cross-mounted worm gears ensures strong torque output and high precision.

Modular Motor Compatibility
The drive supports DC, AC, and hydraulic motors. LDB provides dual-axis servo motor integration with encoder feedback for intelligent control systems.

Simplified Installation
With flange mounting options and symmetric design, the SDE-PDE drive can be easily configured to match a wide variety of panel, dish, or sensor layouts.

Application Scenarios

Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems: In photovoltaic and concentrated solar power fields to optimize sun alignment and maximize energy yield.

Radar and Communication Antennas: Ensuring stable, continuous positioning for moving targets and changing angles.

Astronomy and Telescopes: Precision sky tracking in observatories and satellite uplinks.

Heavy-Duty Surveillance Cameras: Where smooth pan-and-tilt functionality is required.

Test Benches and Gimbal Systems: Industrial test setups needing coordinated motion simulation.

LDB’s SDE-PDE Slew Drive Offerings

LDB offers standard and custom models for both SDE and PDE configurations. Units range in size from 6 inches to 25 inches, each integrating two worm gears and slewing rings housed in corrosion-resistant castings.

Technical Highlights:

Torque Output (per axis): 800 Nm – 35,000 Nm

Gear Ratio: 30:1 to 150:1

Seal Rating: IP65 as standard; upgradable to IP67

Material Options: Powder-coated cast steel or marine-grade aluminum

Control Options: Encoder-ready for PLC/SCADA integration

Each product is tested for synchronized motion alignment and torque accuracy before shipment.

Pricing, Supplier, and Manufacturer Overview

LDB is an experienced manufacturer and global supplier of dual-axis slewing solutions. Our SDE-PDE Series is field-proven in large-scale renewable and aerospace projects.

Factors That Affect Price:

System size and torque requirement

Motor integration (single/dual, servo vs stepper)

Housing material and protection level

Optional encoder and control system interfaces

Typical Price Range: USD $950 to $6,000 depending on configuration and custom options.

LDB offers pre-sales system consultation, CAD integration support, and logistics to over 40 countries. Visit www.ldb-bearing.com for inquiries and quotes.


Why Choose LDB for SDE-PDE Drives?

Over a decade of dual-axis design experience

Integrated gear machining and housing production

ISO-certified testing and validation

End-to-end support from design to commissioning

Our SDE/PDE units are currently operating in solar farms across Australia, Spain, and Chile, as well as observatories and defense applications.

Conclusion

SDE-PDE Series Slew Drives are essential for achieving multi-axis precision in today’s most demanding systems. Whether optimizing solar capture or guiding advanced radar, LDB provides high-performance, dual-axis solutions as a trusted manufacturer and supplier. Compact, robust, and smart—LDB’s SDE-PDE drives deliver control that moves with purpose.

SDE-PDE Series Slew Drives: Dual-Axis Precision for Solar and Industrial Innovation

What is an SDE-PDE Series Slew Drive?

The SDE-PDE Series Slew Drive is a dual-axis rotary actuator system combining two independently driven worm gears and slewing bearings. Designed to allow motion along both the azimuth and elevation axes, these drives are primarily used in dual-axis solar tracking systems, satellite antennas, and precision machinery requiring synchronized movement in two directions.

SDE stands for “Solar Dual-axis Enclosed,” while PDE refers to “Precision Dual-axis Enclosed.” Both versions are enclosed, sealed, and optimized for outdoor or high-performance industrial environments.

Key Features and Benefits

Dual-Axis Control in a Compact Unit
SDE/PDE drives offer synchronized movement on two axes using two separate worm gear systems, enabling smooth and precise tilt and rotation control.

Fully Enclosed, IP65+ Rated Housing
Built with sealed housings, these drives resist water, dust, sand, and UV, ensuring long-lasting operation in open-field solar or desert deployments.

High Load Capacity with Minimal Backlash
The combination of two slewing bearings and cross-mounted worm gears ensures strong torque output and high precision.

Modular Motor Compatibility
The drive supports DC, AC, and hydraulic motors. LDB provides dual-axis servo motor integration with encoder feedback for intelligent control systems.

Simplified Installation
With flange mounting options and symmetric design, the SDE-PDE drive can be easily configured to match a wide variety of panel, dish, or sensor layouts.

Application Scenarios

Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems: In photovoltaic and concentrated solar power fields to optimize sun alignment and maximize energy yield.

Radar and Communication Antennas: Ensuring stable, continuous positioning for moving targets and changing angles.

Astronomy and Telescopes: Precision sky tracking in observatories and satellite uplinks.

Heavy-Duty Surveillance Cameras: Where smooth pan-and-tilt functionality is required.

Test Benches and Gimbal Systems: Industrial test setups needing coordinated motion simulation.

LDB’s SDE-PDE Slew Drive Offerings

LDB offers standard and custom models for both SDE and PDE configurations. Units range in size from 6 inches to 25 inches, each integrating two worm gears and slewing rings housed in corrosion-resistant castings.

Technical Highlights:

Torque Output (per axis): 800 Nm – 35,000 Nm

Gear Ratio: 30:1 to 150:1

Seal Rating: IP65 as standard; upgradable to IP67

Material Options: Powder-coated cast steel or marine-grade aluminum

Control Options: Encoder-ready for PLC/SCADA integration

Each product is tested for synchronized motion alignment and torque accuracy before shipment.

Pricing, Supplier, and Manufacturer Overview

LDB is an experienced manufacturer and global supplier of dual-axis slewing solutions. Our SDE-PDE Series is field-proven in large-scale renewable and aerospace projects.

Factors That Affect Price:

System size and torque requirement

Motor integration (single/dual, servo vs stepper)

Housing material and protection level

Optional encoder and control system interfaces

Typical Price Range: USD $950 to $6,000 depending on configuration and custom options.

LDB offers pre-sales system consultation, CAD integration support, and logistics to over 40 countries. Visit www.ldb-bearing.com for inquiries and quotes.

Why Choose LDB for SDE-PDE Drives?

Over a decade of dual-axis design experience

Integrated gear machining and housing production

ISO-certified testing and validation

End-to-end support from design to commissioning

Our SDE/PDE units are currently operating in solar farms across Australia, Spain, and Chile, as well as observatories and defense applications.

Conclusion

SDE-PDE Series Slew Drives are essential for achieving multi-axis precision in today’s most demanding systems. Whether optimizing solar capture or guiding advanced radar, LDB provides high-performance, dual-axis solutions as a trusted manufacturer and supplier. Compact, robust, and smart—LDB’s SDE-PDE drives deliver control that moves with purpose.