Gearmotor Sizing and Selection Best Practices

Proper gearmotor sizing and selection are critical for ensuring optimal performance and reliability in your application. Choosing the wrong gearmotor can lead to many operational problems, increased repairs and maintenance, and unscheduled downtime. To avoid these issues, it's essential to follow best practices when sizing and selecting a gearmotor. 

We will cover the best practices for gearmotor sizing and selection, including factors to consider and gearmotor selection tools. By following these best practices, you can select the best gearmotor for your application and ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Using gearmotor selection tools can simplify the selection process and ensure accuracy. Many gearmotor manufacturers provide online selection tools that take into account load requirements, speed requirements, and other critical factors to provide recommended gearmotor models. These tools can save time and effort and provide a starting point for further analysis.

For instance, Sumitomo Drive Technologies offers an online Configurator tool that helps customers select the right gearmotor for their specific application. The tool allows customers to input their requirements and operating conditions and provides recommendations based on their input. Using a gearmotor selection tool like this can ensure the best gearmotor is chosen and provide confidence in the selection process.

Conducting a thorough load analysis is crucial to ensure the gearmotor can handle the load requirements effectively. Accurate load analysis can help avoid overloading or underutilizing the gearmotor and ensure optimal performance and efficiency. The load analysis should include factors such as weight, size, shape, and friction, as well as starting and stopping requirements.

Choosing the correct gear ratio is essential to ensure the gearmotor can achieve the required speed and torque output. The number of teeth determines the gear ratio on the driving and driven gears, and it affects the gearmotor's efficiency, speed, and torque output. Choosing the wrong gear ratio can lead to increased energy consumption, reduced efficiency, and premature gear failure.

The motor overload capacity refers to the amount of power the motor can handle for a short period without overheating. Choosing a gearmotor with adequate motor overload capacity is essential to avoid premature failure or reduced efficiency. The motor overload capacity should be calculated based on the load requirements and duty cycle.

Proper cooling and lubrication are essential to ensure the gearmotor operates within its temperature limits and achieves optimal performance and lifespan. There are several types of lubrication methods, including grease, oil, and synthetic lubricants, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Grease lubrication is a standard method that uses a thick, semi-solid lubricant to reduce friction and provide protection against wear. Grease lubrication is easy to apply, has a long lifespan, and can provide adequate protection for moderate to heavy loads. However, it's less effective at high speeds and temperatures and can cause overheating and increased friction if not applied correctly.
• Oil lubrication is another common method that uses liquid oil to provide lubrication and cooling. Oil lubrication can provide superior cooling and lubrication properties, making it ideal for high-speed and high-temperature applications. It can also provide better protection against wear and reduce maintenance requirements. However, applying it can be challenging and may require a complex system to ensure proper distribution.
• Synthetic lubricants are a type of oil lubrication that uses synthetic compounds to provide superior protection against wear and reduce friction. Synthetic lubricants can withstand extreme temperatures and loads and have a longer lifespan than traditional lubricants. They can also improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. 
  • Mobil SHC™ Gear Hi-Shock 150 | A unique synthetic lubricant from Sumitomo Drive Technologies, Hi-Shock, provides superior resistance to shock loads and extreme temperatures. Suitable for harsh operating environments, Hi-Shock extends the gearmotor's lifespan and reduces maintenance requirements.

In addition to lubrication, proper cooling is crucial to ensure the gearmotor operates within its temperature limits. Overheating can result in premature gear failure and reduced efficiency. Choosing a gearmotor with suitable cooling systems, such as fans or heat sinks, is important to maintain them properly.

Sizing and selecting the right gearmotor can be a challenging and complex task. Seeking expert advice from a US gearmotor manufacturer like Sumitomo Drive Technologies or a distributor can help ensure the perfect gearmotor is chosen for your application. Additionally, they can provide insights on best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and the latest gearmotor technologies and trends.

Proper gearmotor sizing and selection are essential for ensuring optimal performance and reliability in your application. Following our best practices, such as considering load requirements, duty cycle, motor overload capacity, efficiency, gear ratio, and environmental factors, can help you select the right gearmotor for your specific needs.

Using gearmotor selection tools such as our Product Configurator can also help simplify the gearbox selection process.

By following these best practices, you can improve gearmotor performance and reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and operating costs, and avoid common mistakes that can lead to premature failure or reduced efficiency. 

Investing time and resources into proper gearmotor sizing and selection can result in long-term benefits for your application. With proper gearmotor selection, you can ensure optimal performance and reliability, ultimately leading to increased productivity and efficiency.