SGR: A detailed introduction about reducers

As a key mechanical transmission device, the function of the reducer is to reduce the high-speed rotation of the input end (usually a power source such as an electric motor or internal combustion engine) to the required lower speed at the output end through structures such as gears, worm gears, planetary gears, and cycloid pinwheels, while increasing the output torque accordingly.

This characteristic makes the reducer indispensable in many industries and equipment, and also makes the reducer one of the most widely used mechanisms for transmitting power and motion.

So, what is the role of a reducer? What are the common types of reducers? What are the specific application areas of reducers?

(1) Function of reducer

The function of the reducer is to convert high-speed rotation and low-torque motion into low-speed rotation and high-torque motion. According to the formula:

P=T*V/9549

P:power(KW)

V:Speed(r/min)

T:Torque(NM)

When the motor input power is constant, the speed is inversely proportional to the torque. When the speed decreases, the torque increases. In practical application scenarios, a relatively large torque and a relatively small speed are generally required, and the reducer can provide such a function.

Therefore, the functions of the reducers mainly include: power transmission, obtaining precise speed, and obtaining large output torque.

(2) Types of reducers

The reducer is a relatively precise machine with many types and models. Different types of reducers have different uses.

In the mechanical transmission industry, reducers can generally be divided into gear reducers, worm gear reducers and planetary gear reducers according to the transmission type; according to the number of transmission stages, they can be divided into single-stage and multi-stage reducers; according to the shape of the gears, they can be divided into cylindrical gear reducers, bevel gear reducers and bevel-cylindrical gear reducers; according to the layout of the transmission, they can be divided into expanded type, split type and coaxial type reducers.

a. Advantages and disadvantages of cylindrical gear reducer

Cylindrical gear reducers are the most widely used type with the most applications. The extremely high cost-effectiveness has won the favor of many designers.

Advantages: simple structure, easy repair, and considering the price factor, it is relatively cheap, and the cylindrical gear reducer runs more stably.

Disadvantages: large size, large area occupied, causing difficulties in the design and space arrangement of the whole machine.

b. Advantages and disadvantages of worm gear reducer

The main advantage of the worm gear reducer is that it has the function of reverse self-locking, and compared with several other reducers, it has a larger reduction ratio. The input and output shafts of the worm gear reducer are not on the same axis, or even on the same plane.

Disadvantages: The transmission efficiency is not high enough and the accuracy is not very high.

c.Advantages and disadvantages of planetary reducers

Advantages: The structure is relatively compact, the return clearance is small, the precision is relatively high, its service life is relatively long, and it also has the characteristics of large output torque.

Disadvantages: The excellent performance determines that it is difficult to manufacture, the structure is complex, and the price is very high.

(3) Application scenarios of reducer

The application range of reducers is quite wide, including: industrial manufacturing, machine tool equipment, textile machinery, food processing machinery, mining machinery, shipbuilding, wind power generation, hydropower generation, solar tracking system, chemical industry stirring and mixing equipment, chemical and pharmaceutical industry precision metering pumps, conveying equipment, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, wastewater treatment equipment, garbage disposal facilities, etc.

In general, reducers can be found in a wide range of applications, from high-power transmission to small loads and precise angle transmission. In industrial applications, reducers have the functions of reducing speed and increasing torque, so they are widely used in speed and torque conversion equipment.

It is precisely because of its excellent ability to reduce speed and increase torque and its ability to adapt to various complex working conditions that the reducers’ application scenarios cover almost all industries and equipment that require power transmission. The reducers are indeed one of the most widely used mechanical devices.(Author: SGR,Angie Zhang)

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