What to know about a worm gear reducer

What is a worm gear reducer?

 

A worm gear reducer is a component installed on many industrial pieces of equipment. It can be equipped with an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or an input shaft. This type of part reduces rotational speed and increases output torque.

Reducers are generally used for industrial conveyors, pumps, textile machines, machine tools, etc. While replacing or determining the correct reducer might seem difficult due to the many characteristics to determine during your purchasing process, with a little information, you will become an expert on the subject.

We will explain what the information on a worm gear reducer corresponds to and what information you need to collect to replace a reducer on one of your applications.

How does a worm gear reducer work?

The operation of a worm gear reducer is simple. It is equipped with a worm and a bronze wheel. The worm is driven by the motor and rotates the bronze wheel, which in turn rotates the application's shaft.

 

What information should be considered when replacing a faulty worm gear reducer?

Motor power:

When replacing a worm gear reducer, it is important to know the power of your electric motor. This information, expressed in kW, is important to ensure that the input torque is not too high for the reducer.

Unfortunately, there is no single reducer that can accommodate all motor powers.

The greater the power to be transmitted, the larger the reducer will be. When you place your order, your supplier will be able to check if the input power is suitable for the reducer installed in your setup.

Input rotational speed:

The input speed will determine the output speed of your worm gear reducer. The output speed of your reducer is calculated using the following formula:

N2 = Input speed / Reduction ratio

Example: Your motor rotates at 1400 rpm, and your reducer has a reduction ratio of 56. The output speed of your worm gear reducer will be 25 rpm.

 

Motor mounting style:

For the installation of your electric motor on the worm gear reducer, it is important to measure the outside diameter of your motor's flange and the shaft diameter of the electric motor. This

information is used to determine the type of IEC input to select when ordering your reducer. It can be offered in IEC B5 "smooth-hole flange" or IEC B14 "tapped-hole flange" versions.

Reduction ratio

The reduction ratio of your worm gear reducer is essential information for ordering a new gearmotor. This information is indicated on the reducer's nameplate. Manufacturers indicate this information with an "I" or "ratio."

The reduction ratio is a measurement that differentiates the speed between the input and output of your reducer. It indicates how many times the output speed is reduced compared to the input speed.

To calculate the reduction ratio, divide the input speed by the output speed. For example, if the input speed is 1000 rpm and the output speed is 100 rpm, then you would do:

1000/100 = 10. The reduction ratio will be 10.

Reducer output shaft diameter

A worm gear reducer can be offered with a hollow output shaft, a male shaft, or a double output shaft. It is important to measure the outside diameter and length of your output shaft to ensure that the reducer can be reassembled on your installation during replacement.

Reducer mounting position on your installation

The mounting position is information often overlooked by users, yet it is essential information to communicate to your reducer supplier. This information allows for the proper amount of oil to be put into the reducer. Too much oil will pressurize all the seals and cause the reducer to leak; conversely, a lack of oil will quickly damage the reducer's wheel and worm. You must tell your supplier whether the reducer is installed horizontally or vertically.

Mounting of the worm gear reducer on your application.

Your worm gear reducer can be attached to your application in several ways. We find the following mounting methods:

Universal mounting

The reducer has no options. The casing is used to hold the reducer on the application.

Mounting with torque arm

The torque arm is a metal plate attached to the side of the reducer; it may or may not be equipped with a silent block to absorb shocks.

Flange mounting

The flange is also attached to the side of the reducer. The diameter and width must be measured for replacement.

 

Can a worm gear reducer of an equivalent brand be replaced?

Of course, if you are not an expert in mechanical transmission or industrial motorization, do not hesitate to contact us to help you find the worm gear reducer suitable for your application.

Our team of sales engineers is at your disposal to find equivalent products. Rest assured, our range of reducers can replace reducers from equivalent brands without any modifications.