Geared motors which consist of an electric motor and a reduction gear train, can generate a large force even at low speed. This process is known as torque multiplication. Usually, geared motors have fixed speed, however, there are variable-speed models which are designed to achieve greater speed and higher degree of control. Selecting a gear motor is not easy. Hopefully, our tips on the key design parameters that you need to consider will help you choose the best geared motor for a particular application.
For starters, you need to establish geared motor application. Know what you will use the geared motor for. Collect necessary information to get a better idea about which geared motors model will best suit your needs. A possible failure in collecting information could easily lead you in a wrong direction. You need to determine which type of motor technology will suit your application best. Since each application is specific, it is important to determine which characteristics are most important to the application, such as horsepower, starting torque or efficiency.
Motors and gearboxes can be used in thousands of combination to fit the application, but the complete gearmotor is the driving factor. Although there are many motors-gearboxes combinations, not all will work for your application. In the selection process of geared motors, there are two methods you can choose from – to select a motor and gearbox separately and then assemble them or to select a pre-engineered gearmotor. Both methods are effective, however, the first one is more complicated, while the second method reduces design time and project risk. If you choose the second method, all performance calculations and tests will be performed by the manufacturer. You can be sure that this motor and gearbox combination is perfect for your application.
Also, it is important to check manufacturer’s performance calculations and will they cause any issues. Once you select and install the gearmotor, perform several tests. If something as extreme motor heat, obvious motor strain and weird loud noises occurs, you can contact the manufacturer or repeat the whole selection process. To avoid such situation, put in extra effort to properly select geared motors.