Types of Industrial Gearboxes: Which is the Right Choice for You?
The gearbox plays a crucial role in various industrial machinery. The primary role of the gearbox is to change the speed (RPM) of a motor or to increase the output torque of the machine. The motor’s shaft is connected to one end of the gearbox and the output speed and torque are determined by the gear ratio. Gearboxes are used in various industries like mining, construction, automotive equipment, agriculture and more. In this post, we walk you through the different types of industrial gearboxes and their main features.
What is an industrial gearbox?
An industrial gearbox is an enclosed component that transmits mechanical energy to the desired output. Gearboxes vary various attributes of mechanical energy like torque, speed to a desirable format. Gearboxes are common in all major industrial equipment and they are used in a wide range of applications. Gearboxes primarily slow down the rate of rotation in order to increase speed and torque. Here are the popular types of gearboxes and how they are used:
1. Helical Gearbox
This is a low power consumption device and is usually compact. It’s used in a wide range of heavy-duty industrial applications. It’s primarily used in the following industries: rubber, cement, plastics and other heavy-duty settings. It’s used in conveyor belts, coolers, extruders and crushers all of which are low-power applications.
The helical gearbox is fixed at a specific angle, so that when it is in motion, a large number of gear tooth operate in the same direction. This ensures maximum contact for a large period of time. Helical gearboxes can be sub-divided into:
i. Coaxial Helical Inline Gearbox
This gear box is used for heavy-duty applications, due to its high efficiency. They have a high degree of specification that allows to maximise transmission ratios and load bearing capacities.
ii. Bevel Helical Gearbox
This gearbox provides rotary motions between two parallel shafts. The highlight of this gearbox is that has a set of curved teeth located on a rim close to the surface of the unit. It’s primarily used in conveyor belts and in the mining industry.
iii. Skew Bevel Helical Gearbox
It has a rigid and monolithic structure that makes it suitable to handle heavy loads and other industrial applications. These gearboxes can be customised to suit the application’s needs by altering the number of gears and teeth.
2. Worm Reduction Gearboxes
This is another heavy-duty gearbox that is used in heavy-duty industries like minerals, chemicals and fertilisers. It’s primarily used in applications that require a reduction in speed between non-intersecting crossed shafts. It has a worm wheel with a large diameter. The screw (also known as the worm) meshes with the teeth to create a movement that is similar to a regular screw.
3. Planetary Gearboxes
These gearboxes are well-known for their accuracy, functionality and endurance. Hence, they are primarily used in precision applications. These gearboxes offer optimised performance and increase the lifespan of various equipment. They are available in two formats: hollow or solid, and are mounted in three ways: foot, shaft or flange.
EuroIndustriel: Top Supplier of High-Quality, Reliable Industrial Gearboxes in India
At EuroIndustriel, we help you source the best-quality, premium gearboxes for your specific applications. We also help you find customised gearboxes that match your application needs. To know more about industrial gearboxes in India and to find the right gearbox, get in touch with our sales team.
