~ WEG releases first gearbox guide in a four-part series ~
Mechanical equipment manufacturer, WEG has published its first gearbox guidebook, providing a concise introduction to gear technology. The guide titled, What mechanical engineers and plant operators need to know about gears, can be downloaded for free at www.weg-wg20.com.
Despite being responsible for gear selection, engineers and plant operators are often not experts in gear technology. To ensure companies and engineers understand the differences between gear types, WEG’s latest guide simplifies the decision-making process.
Gears are among the most important components in a wide variety of drive trains. They transmit the right amount of movement and force to ensure the smooth running of a machine. Providing a good understanding of the basic principles and suitable applications, WEG’s guide provides an easy-to-understand introduction to gears, without the long read.
The guide explains the varied types of gears and their classification to help engineers choose the right gear type based on the application. It covers:
- Helical gear units
- Parallel shaft gear units
- Bevel gear units
- Worm gear units
- Planetary gear units
Each one of the gear types has its own configuration, features and benefits. To help buyers in the industry make the right choice amid the large range of options, the guide distinguishes between each type and explains the pros and cons of each variety.
For example, the worm gear units consist of the worm and the worm wheel, meaning a high transmission can be achieved in a small space. However, due to the friction that occurs on the flanks of the worm and worm wheel, the efficiency of the gear unit is lower than that of helical gears. Good lubrication and additional cooling for high power outputs can counteract this problem if required, as the guide explains.
“It is easy to find a lot of information about gears, but it’s not all clear or correct,” explained Marek Lukaszczyk, European marketing manager at WEG. “The team at WEG is committed to helping engineers choose the appropriate gear for their application and quash a few misconceptions.
“The development of gears and geared motors is at an extremely advanced stage. Materials, designs and efficiencies have largely been exhausted, meaning it is more likely that new developments will be seen on the electronic side. Engineers must understand how these machine components will integrate into their application and the overall digital factory package.”
Further information on WEG’s products can be found on the company website. The technical guide: What mechanical engineers and plant operators need to know about gears, can also be requested here.
