Here at Parvalux we have over 75 years of expertise in designing and building geared motors.
However, we appreciate that not everyone is as experienced and knowledgeable about this as we are, so we thought it was time to share this knowledge.
Gearboxes are quiet achievers, the driving force behind electric motors and without geared motors many aspects of modern life would look very different.
In order for an application to be successful it is critical to choose the right gearbox. This can depend on a number of factors and can be a complex decision.
What is a Gearbox?
A gearbox is a mechanical device that modifies the speed and torque of a motor. In simple terms, it allows you to:- Increase torque without increasing motor power
- Reduce speed to suit specific application needs
- Match motor output to mechanical load
- Improve efficiency and lifespan of a system
Gearboxes Made Simple
There are two main types of gearbox which are built by Parvalux, and between them they have a variety of uses across multiple applications.Inline Gearboxes
In an inline gearbox, the motor shaft and the output shaft are aligned. This design is ideal when space is limited in width and the output direction needs to remain straight. They are most suited for powering conveyors, pumps, medical devices and automation equipment.
There are three key advantages to an inline gearbox:
- Compact and simple to install – As the input and output shafts are aligned, this makes the gearbox easy to integrate into systems which have linear power transmission.
- High efficiency – Generally an inline gearbox has fewer gear meshes, which makes them more efficient and can be ideal for energy-conscious applications.
- Higher Speed Capabilities – These capabilities can make inline gearboxes a better solution for high-speed, low-torque applications like conveyer belts or fans.
Right-angled Gearboxes
Right-angle gearboxes change the direction of the drive by 90 degrees, thanks to bevel or worm gears. These are excellent for space-constrained environments or when torque needs to be redirected. Right-angle gearboxes are particularly suited for mobility aids, robotic arms, packaging machines and vending machines.
The three key advantages to right-angle gearboxes are:
- Ideal for Tight Spaces – These are a useful option when axial space is limited. It allows for a 90° turn in the drive path.
- Can Provide High Torque – In particular bevel or worm types are preferable for heavy-duty applications requiring high torque.
- Flexible Mounting Options – These mounting options make them easier to position in more complex mechanical systems.
Geared Motors
Parvalux also specialises in geared motors which are a combination of an electric motor and gearbox in one unit. This integration ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency, and a smaller footprint. The benefits of a geared motor include:
High Torque at Low Speeds – Geared motors reduce speed while increasing torque and can be ideal for machinery that requires controlled, powerful motion like conveyors, mixers, or hoists.
Compact, Integrated Design – The motor and gearbox come preassembled and matched, which not only saves space but also avoids the inconvenience of design mismatch issues. This can also simplify system integration and reduce assembly time.
Reduced Engineering Time – As there is no need to separately source and match motor and gearbox they can be produced quicker.
Extended Motor Life – The gear reduction decreases load on the motor itself, reducing wear and therefore extending service life.
Lower Energy Consumption in Load Handling – Efficient power transfer means you can use a smaller motor to achieve the same mechanical output which reduces the energy consumption.