What defines the efficiency of a gear train?

The efficiency of a gear train is primarily defined by the ratio of output to input power. This means that it measures how effectively the gear train converts the input energy (provided by the motor or driver) into useful output energy (delivered to the load). A higher efficiency ratio indicates that a greater proportion of the input power is being converted into useful work rather than being lost to friction, heat, or other inefficiencies within the system.

In practical terms, if the output power is significantly less than the input power, it suggests that a lot of energy is wasted, which is not desirable in mechanical systems. Thus, understanding the output-to-input power ratio is crucial in evaluating and optimizing gear train designs for better performance and energy conservation.