Gear reducers play a major role in managing the torque and speed of a particular operation. Hence, they are used extensively in conveyors, often called the heart of the system. However, selecting a gear reducer for a conveyor is highly complex. Here are some factors to keep in mind for selecting the ideal gear reducer for conveyors.
The first step is to determine the type of gearbox. The type will determine the characteristics of the conveyor. For instance, bevel gear reducers are quite different in operation than helical or worm gear reducers.
A common mistake that occurs during gear reducer design is taking only the gear motor size into consideration and not the load. This leads to a gearbox that is too large for the conveyor load, leading to a wasted investment.
The ambient operating conditions of a conveyor also determine the nature of the gear reducer. Is it exposed to dust, moisture or volatile compounds? Based on this assessment, special gear reducers have to be considered.
The gradient of the conveyor system also has a big role play in choosing a gear reducer. The sharper the elevation, the more stress will fall on the gear reducer.
Lastly, it is also key to consider the space where the conveyor will operate. If space constraints are an issue, then the gear reducer must also adhere to this restriction. Gear reducers and gear motors that are more compact, such as worm gear reducers or motors, should be considered in this case.
For more details on gear reducers and gear motors, reach out to us at Bauer GMC. As the leading distributor of Bauer gear motors in the country, we offer expert advice on the motor selection and the service to modify any existing gear motor/gearbox combination. Contact us at 905-814-5152 today for more details.