Overview

A gear motor is a motor designed with an integrated gearbox. Gear motors function as torque multipliers and speed reducers thus requiring less power to move a given load. The design of the gearbox structure, type of gears, lubrication and type of coupling affects its performance.

The concept of the gear motor is inspired by the patent of the German designer and entrepreneur Albert Obermoser, who in 1928 invented the so-called Vorlegemotor (gear motor). Since then, the basic model has been progressively improved and new models of gear motors have been created.

• Depending on the number and type of gears, different combinations of output RPM and torque can be achieved. With fewer gears, the result is higher RPM and lower torque and vice versa. It can be mounted in any position.
• The gear motor structure regulates whether the gear motor is suitable for light, medium or heavy loads and short or long operating periods.
• Depending on the internal gear structure and the reduction stages, the gear motor varies the speed on the output shaft.
• The reduction ratio is the ratio between the input speed and the output speortant characteristic values of the gearbox.
• The power and load cad; therefore, it is one of the most impacity of a gearbox depends on the maximum torque it is capable of transmitting and it is measured in the physical unit Newton meter [Nm].

Advantage

• Multiplies the torque of the motor. This feature is very important because it allows high torque even in a small space.
• Having an integrated motor + gearbox solution makes it easier for the end user to develop the machinery and allows him to be able to apply it within his project without wasting time searching for individual parts.
• It reduces the speed of the input motor.
• It is a ready-to-use all-in-one solution that requires no alignment work by the end user.
• Availability of multiple combinations of both gearbox and motor at different voltages.

• In the automation industry gear motors are used in the entire production process, assisting in the movement of components for the manufacturing of the final product. For example, in the food & beverage industry, they handle bottles, packaging and boxes and are used to fill containers or select empty packages. The same kind of application can be found in other sectors such as medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics.
  
• Heat recovery and ventilation: flow regulation
• Telecommunication: adjustment of antennas
• Security: locking, safety and deterrence systems
• Horeca: vending machines, food & beverage dispensers, coffee machines
• Plotters and Printers: mechanical and colors settings
• Robotics: robots, robotic cleaners, lawnmowers, rovers
• Home automation and fitness
• Automotive industry: special applications (shock absorber and sunroof adjustments)