Gear Reducers
Sometimes also referred to as a gearbox or very basic transmission, a gear reducer is a mechanism designed to generate a large amount of force for a machine while simultaneously using as little energy as possible.
Quick links to Gear Reducers Information
Gear Reducers Advantages
This is made possible through the gear ratios produced by the gears and shafts of a gear reducer. In doing so, it accomplishes its other goal, to minimize total machine size, minimize power size and absorb heavy shock loads. To that end, most gear reducers are lightweight and exhibit low consumption rates as they maintain steady startups and heavy transmission torque.
Materials Used in Gear Reducers
Gear reducers may be made from a number of different materials, though most commonly, they are made from steel-based metals like stainless steel. This is the case because steel products, particularly stainless steel, are strong, durable, corrosion resistant, rust resistant and impact resistant, among other things. Other common metal materials from which gear reducers may be made include iron, aluminum and brass. In addition, some types of gears reducers and/or gear reducers with particular shapes, such as spur gears, may be made using less durable materials like nylon or polycarbonate.
In the end, what material or material type a manufacturer selects to make a gearbox directly correlates to the performance the manufacturer wishes for the gear reducer. For example, more durable materials equip a gear reducer with larger torque reduction capabilities and an ability to resist the power of stronger motors, making the gear reducer more durable as well. Less durable materials, for the same reasons in reverse, are best suited in the construction of gear reducers that will be paired with low power motors.
Types of Gear Reducers
Some of the most popular gear reducer types today are helical gear reducers, worm gear reducers and planetary gear reducers. Each of these gear types reflects a different configuration with different specific load and torque capacities. Helical gear reducers, for example, are known for their compact size and their shock absorbency. Meanwhile, worm gear reducers operate at a right angle, and are also known for their small size and superior shock absorbency.
Finally, planetary gear reducers boast a special system of gears that revolve around the center, or sun, gear. This allows it to produce astonishingly low amounts of waste and highly efficient results. Often, gear reducers such as these are used in tandem with one another in order to meet the unique requirements of an application.
Application for Gear Reducers
Widely used in transmission systems and motor vehicles, gear reducers are also popular for use in industrial machines including build machinery, mine machinery, metallurgy machinery and robotics. Just a few of the other products on the market in which they may be found include: sprinklers, wind turbines, helicopters, go-karts, electric pencil sharpeners, electric screwdrivers, watches, rotary motors and farm tractors.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Gear Reducers
- Gear Reducer Characteristics
- Available with several different types of inputs, outputs and mounting capabilities, the characteristics of a gear reducer must be chosen with care. This is especially true when the reducer is being purchased for use in a mechanical system. Factors that customers and manufacturers alike should consider when selecting or putting together the right reducer for the job include: reduction ratio, weight, size, construction, behavioral traits and prize. In addition, customers should be aware of any and all industry standards to which they are beholden. It is important to note that for the best performance, customers should seek out a gear reducer that has lower torque ripple and velocity, as high torque ripple and speeds can detrimentally cause excitation in a driven machine system. However, when a gear reducer is well-made, well-matched and correctly installed, it can work wonders for any number of diverse applications.
- Another consideration that manufacturers make when constructing a gear reducer is its teeth, as the teeth of a gear reducer play a large role in the determination of its strength and efficiency. A gear reducer with straight teeth, for example, is typically only employed in a low-speed application, while a gear reducer with helical teeth, which is much stronger and provides much greater efficiency in terms of torque reduction, is much more likely to be purchased for use with a high-speed application.
- Finding a Gear Reducer Specialist
- To get the best, most comprehensive advice, it is important that you turn to a reputable gear reducer specialist. Find such specialists by scrolling close to the top of this page and perusing the many experts we have listed along with their contact information there. All of those with whom we partner are experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about their trade. Reach out today to get started.