SELECTING THE RIGHT SPEED REDUCER
In order to select the "right" motorized or non-motorized speed reducer for a given application, it is necessary to use the selection charts that are in your Worm Gear Drives catalog. You will find that the charts are similar to those we used in previous lessons on open gearing. As is the case when selecting all power transmission equipment, you must know the following when selecting a speed reducer:
• Horsepower
• Torque
• Speed – RPM
• Service Factor
Note: When space or design will permit, selecting the use of an auxiliary drive between the speed reducer and the machine to be driven provides the following advantages:
• Cost savings on the complete drive
• A wider range of speed reduction
• Use of a smaller speed reducer
• Possible use of a smaller HP motor
These advantages occur because the use of an auxiliary drive between the speed reducer and the driven machine reduces the torque required at the output shaft of the speed reducer in direct proportion to the auxiliary drive ratio. More economical solutions will usually be provided by higher auxiliary drive reduction ratios, which normally should not exceed a 6:1 ratio.
