Gearbox misalignment is widely recognized as the underlying cause for the majority of gearbox repairs and failures. It can degrade machine performance, reduce mean time between repair (MTBR), and decrease the operating life of the gearbox, motor, and driven equipment. Types and causes of gearbox misalignment Proper alignment between the shaft of a gearbox and […]
Gears + Gearing
Gears for electric motors: New customization for helical, planetary, and other gearing options
Power transmission through gearsets is a mainstay of motion control, as gears allow full use of electric-motor capabilities. Recent years have brought gear innovations with new materials; custom gear variations; and all-new applications for helical, planetary, and strain-wave gearing. We asked several industry experts to share their thoughts these trends and the proliferation of OEM […]
Three gearbox selection tools available online
Selecting a gearbox goes beyond just determining the required speed and torque output. Duty cycle, radial and axial loads, inertia, and environment all play a factor. Not to mention the gearbox type (inline, right angle), precision level, and service factor. Properly sizing and selecting a gearbox requires consideration of all these criteria, but with numerous […]
What features make a gearbox suitable for washdown environments?
Washdown processes are common in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries, where cleanliness of the manufacturing and handling equipment plays an important role in the quality and safety of the product. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG), along with other government and industry-specific agencies, provide […]
Gearing Solutions introduces 5-hp FlexFrame speed reducer
Gearing Solutions has introduced its FlexFrame 5-hp face-mounted speed reducer with patented adaptors which allow them to be used with either IEC or NEMA motors. This allows users to quickly switch or replace motors, interchange IEC and NEMA motors for export applications, add face, flange or foot mounts, and use GS convertible shaft adaptors to […]
How do I determine what gear ratio I need for my servo system?
The load-to-motor inertia ratio is a critical parameter in servo motor sizing and performance. As we discussed in a previous article, one of the most significant effects of using a gearbox in a servo system is its ability to help optimize the inertia ratio. Why inertia ratio is important If the motor inertia is too […]
What’s the best type of gearbox for servo applications?
Updated 2020 ⚙️ Gearboxes provide torque multiplication, speed reduction, and inertia matching for motor-driven systems. Servo systems, specifically, require gearboxes that can supply not only high torque with low added inertia, but also high precision and stiffness. One type of gearbox meets all these criteria while providing relatively long operating life with low maintenance requirements […]
Planetary gearbox basics video: Benefits, mechanical fatigue, and torque capacity
A planetary gearbox is a contained geartrain that takes the form of a mechanical component containing gear series. In fact, planetary gear sets may be the most common arrangement in integrated gearboxes. The planetary gearbox connects directly to a precision motor either through a coupling or (in an increasing number of cases) direct integration by […]
What You Need to Know About Plastic Gears
Plastic gears are primarily recognized for their quiet operation and resistance to rust – attributes that are important in the food processing, medical equipment, and chemical processing industries, as well as in consumer applications. But plastic gears offer many other benefits, and advances in materials and manufacturing processes are helping to close the remaining performance […]
What’s unique about worm gear lubrication?
Worm gears are used in various types of applications for their ability to provide very high reduction ratios and, in many cases, for their self-locking properties. But choosing the right worm gear lubrication involves more than just selecting the right viscosity. Most gear types, such as helical, bevel and spur, experience both sliding and rolling […]