Worm gears & worm geared motors – power transmission in the smallest of spaces
Worm gears are a type of angular gear. They are proven solutions in drive technology when it comes to high reduction ratios, compact designs and low-noise operation. They consist of a worm, a helical drive element and a worm wheel, which is usually at an angle of 90° to the worm. Power is transmitted by sliding friction, which has special properties. Our product range includes round and square designs.
Worm gearboxes and their technical characteristics:
The efficiency of worm gearboxes depends largely on their design and operating conditions:
- Typical efficiency: between 50% und 90%
- Optimal conditions: high incline angles, high-quality lubrication, coordinated material pairing (e.g. steel-bronze)
- Influencing factors: rotational speed, load, temperature, lubricant quality
Despite friction losses, worm gears offer a reliable and durable solution, especially with intermittent operation or holding functions.
Key advantages of worm gearboxes
Worm gears are considered the powerhouse among gearboxes, and that at an unbeatable price.
Here are the key benefits at a glance:
- High reduction ratio in a single stage: ideal for applications with high torque and low output speed – without complex multistage gearboxes
- Self-locking effect: at small angles of inclination, the worm prevents the worm wheel from turning backwards. This enables secure positioning without additional braking mechanisms.
- Compact and space-saving design: particularly suitable for installation situations with limited space and right-angled power transmission.
- Quiet and low-vibration operation: the sliding motion ensures smooth running, ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
- Robust and low-maintenance construction: when correctly designed and lubricated, worm gearboxes are durable and reliable.
Typical areas of application for our worm gearboxes
Worm gearboxes are used in numerous industries:
- Conveyor technology (e.g. conveyor belts, belt drives, lifting systems)
- Mechanical engineering (e.g. machine tools, positioning systems)
- Automation technology
- Stage and event technology
- Gate and drive systems
Designs of our Hydro-Mec worm gearboxes
We currently have three different designs in our product range:
- Worm gearbox Zero-Shape
- Worm gearbox M-Square
- Worm gearbox Q-Square
Worm gearbox Zero-Shape
- In simple design in sizes from 030 – 063 for torques from 21 Nm – 147 Nm
- With preliminary stage from 55 Nm to 187 Nm
- As double worm gearbox from 35 Nm to 230 Nm
Worm gearbox M-Square
- In simple design in sizes from M30 to M63 for torques from 21 Nm to 160 Nm
- With preliminary stage from 55 Nm to 187 Nm
- As double worm gearbox from 38 Nm – 270 Nm
Worm gearbox Q-Square
- In single version in size Q63 for torque of 147 Nm
- With a preliminary stage of 187 Nm
- As double worm gearbox with 230 Nm
Worm geared motors and their variants
Worm gearboxes are connected to different types of motors. IEC standard motors are often used, but NEMA motors or brushless motors can also be used. We have IEC standard motors in sizes 56 to 90 in stock, and other types are available on request. Our standard motors are suitable for frequency converter operation.
Mounting the motor/output flange
The most common option is to connect an IEC standard motor with a B14/B5 flange. Many suppliers assemble the motor using a direct connection (motor shaft in hollow shaft) or a reduction sleeve (motor shaft in reduction sleeve). The major disadvantage of this is the occurrence of fretting corrosion, which makes disassembly difficult (if not impossible) for end customers.
To prevent this and ensure that customers are not inconvenienced, we use a coupling connection as standard. This allows the motor and gearbox to be disassembled quickly and easily for servicing.
Mounting variant with output flange in FB + B14 design, motor flange available from stock.
Design with motor flange B5 or other mounting variants available on request.