GearTopper: Worm gearboxes
In this monthly recurring column we would like to put a transmission or related product into the spotlight, our GearTopper. In this way, we like to share our product knowledge with our readers. In this edition, we focus on Worm gearboxes
The power transmission market has a wide variety of gearboxes and geared motors. One of the most used transmissions is the worm gearbox. Worm gearboxes are the most cost efficient gear units on the market and contain a helical worm made of hardened steel, which drives a worm wheel made of bronze. Worm gearboxes are less efficient because the screw-shape worm gear can generate a lot of heat and friction, leading to energy loss and reduced efficiency.
On the other hand, one of the advantages of using a worm gear is they are self-locking, which prevents the system from turning backwards when the motor is not powered. This is useful in all applications where there’s a risk of the system moving unexpectedly, such as lifting systems.
The worm gearboxes supplied by Aandrijf Technisch Buro have a aluminium or cast iron housing in different sizes from 25 to 250. In general with a ratio range from 5 to 100 and an output torque of 2Nm to 12.500Nm. Numerous options are available like a stainless steel hollow shaft for humid environment or wet applications, reduced backlash, extended worm shaft, stainless steel speedy sleeves on shafts and built-in torque limiter.
This makes worm gearboxes suitable for a wide range of applications, such as packing machines, conveyor belts, sorting machines, lifting applications and many more.
If you like to know more about worm gearboxes, please feel free to contact us.