Hengli Automation teaches you how to quickly select a reducer - gearbox motor selection Q&A for beginners

This article, written by Lishui City Hengli Automation Technology Co.,LTD based on over ten years of R&D and manufacturing experience, outlines the fundamentals and practical techniques for gearbox selection, helping you easily choose the most suitable gearbox motor.

Note: Focus on Chapter 6.

I. What is a Gearbox?

A gearbox is a core device in the mechanical transmission system. Its main function is to reduce the output speed of the motor and increase the output torque, so as to meet the actual working needs of the equipment and ensure stable and reliable operation.

II. What Types of Gearboxes Are There?

Common types of gearboxes mainly include:

Planetary Gearbox

Helical Gearbox

Worm Gearbox

Harmonic Gearbox

Spur Gearbox

III.What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Gearbox?

IV.What Are the Important Parameters of a Gearbox?

Three core types of parameters need to be paid attention to during selection, which directly affect the adaptability of gearbox motor selection:

Basic Performance Parameters

Reduction Ratio (Transmission Ratio)

Output Torque (Nm)

Output Speed (rpm)

Motor Power (kW)

Transmission Efficiency (η)

Safety Factor (Ks, usually 1.2–2.0)

Structural Parameters

Gearbox Type (e.g., orthogonal shaft, concentric shaft, etc.)

Output Shaft Type (solid shaft, hollow shaft, etc.)

Installation Method (foot mounting, flange mounting, etc.)

Environmental Adaptation Parameters

IP Protection Rating

Heat Dissipation Performance

Sealing Method

V. How to Select a Gearbox?

Follow the following 5 steps to efficiently complete the selection and ensure the product meets the requirements. Lishui City Hengli Automation Technology Co.,LTD recommends operating in strict accordance with this process:

Clarify Usage Requirements: Determine the output speed, torque, installation space, whether self-locking is required, working system (e.g., continuous S1, intermittent S5), and whether frequent forward and reverse rotation is needed.

Calculate the Reduction Ratio: Formula: Reduction Ratio = Rated Motor Speed ÷ Required Output Speed (Recommended suitable speed: 500-600rpm); Example: If the motor speed is 1500rpm and the equipment requires 100rpm, the reduction ratio = 15.

Calculate Output Torque: Formula: Output Torque T = 9550 × P ÷ n (P: Power in kW, n: Speed in rpm), then multiply by transmission efficiency η and safety factor Ks; Supplement: Stepper motor rated torque × reduction ratio × efficiency (worm gearbox is about 80%) <40Nm (taking NMRV40 as an example).

Match the Gearbox Model: Select the model according to the torque table, confirm whether the installation method matches, and whether functions such as brakes and special protection are needed.

Verify Service Life and Safety: Check whether the shaft diameter is suitable, bearing life, thermal power, etc. Additional verification is required for special environments (high temperature, dusty, etc.).

VI. What Are the Precautions for Gearbox Selection?

Working Condition Adaptation

for low-speed and high-torque, choose planetary or helical gearboxes;

for self-locking needs, choose worm gearboxes;

for high-precision servo occasions, choose harmonic or planetary gearboxes;

for cost-sensitive and low-load scenarios, choose worm or spur gearboxes;

for high-speed and low-noise scenarios, choose helical gearboxes;

for compact space scenarios, choose planetary or coaxial gearboxes.

Space Adaptation

Measure the dimensions of the installation position in advance to ensure the gearbox can be installed and is easy to maintain.

Load Matching

Clarify the load type (continuous, intermittent or impact load), and confirm the maximum torque and speed range that the gearbox can bear.

Lubrication and Sealing

Pay attention to the lubrication method (oil bath, splash, etc.) and sealing performance to prevent lubricating oil leakage and external impurities from entering.

Protection and Heat Dissipation

Select the appropriate IP protection rating according to the working environment (dusty, humid, etc.), and ensure the heat dissipation system meets the requirements of high-temperature working conditions.

Maintenance and Cost

Choose brands that provide complete user manuals (including installation, operation, and troubleshooting), and comprehensively compare product prices, quality, and performance to improve the cost-effectiveness of selection.

Conclusion

We hope this gearbox selection Q&A guide (Chinese-English bilingual) can help you quickly understand the core logic of gearbox motor selection and select products that meet your specific needs. If you have specific selection requirements, please feel free to contact Lishui City Hengli Automation Technology Co.,LTD for professional technical support and customized solutions.

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