Spiral Bevel Gearboxes - When Size Matters

With torques up to 4,440Nm, frame sizes up to 350mm, and power ratings up to 267kW, the V-Series is tough enough to handle demanding power transmission applications.   

For miniature mechatronic applications when space is a premium, our L-Series is the best option available on the market. The housings are manufactured from high-strength aluminum which means they are light weight, dissipate heat efficiently, and resist corrosion.       

Learn More About L-Series Miniature Gearboxes

Considerations for Continuous Running Spiral Bevel Gearbox Applications

Spiral bevel gearboxes are often selected for continuous running applications due to their high efficiency ratings up to 96%.  However, in low ratio configurations, the input and output shafts will be running at higher speeds resulting in greater heat generation.  A properly sized gearbox will be able to dissipate the heat effectively and the temperature will stabilize to an acceptable level. 

While there are several factors that impact the gearbox temperature, two important considerations are the input running speed and mounting orientation.  These two criteria will help to determine if minor adjustments can be made to the gearbox during assembly to aid heat dissipation.  Adjustments can be made to the backlash, bearing pre-loads, lubrication (volume/viscosity), and a vent filter or oil cooling system may ultimately be required.  Spiral bevel gearboxes that cannot be adjusted may not be suitable for continuous running applications. 

The chart above graphs the housing temperature of a V-Series gearbox (blue-dash) and a competitive spiral bevel gearbox (red-dotted) of comparable size.  Both gearboxes were 1:1 ratios and tested at a continuous input speed of 1,800 RPM for 2 hours.  Because the V-Series gearbox (blue-dash) was sized and assembled for the continuous application, it was able to dissipate the heat properly allowing the temperature to stabilize to an acceptable value of approximately 80°C.  The competitive spiral bevel gearbox (red-dotted) could not dissipate the heat and the gearbox temperature continued to rise to 140°C before the test was terminated to avoid eventual failure.

To help prevent a spiral bevel gearbox from failing due to overheating, it is important to specify the duty cycle, input running speed, and mounting orientation.  Those criteria are specified in GAM's V-Series type code to help ensure the gearbox is ordered and assembled to best suit each application. 

Size a V-Series Spiral Bevel Gearbox

GAM Spiral Bevel Gearboxes: Dependable by Design

1. Housing: Sturdy cast iron housing (Aluminum in size 35mm and 45mm) - all 6 sides can be used for mounting 

2. Bearings:  Deep groove ball bearings handle axial and radial loading. (Reinforced and taper roller options available)

3. Spiral Bevel Gearing:  Precision cut, hardened, and lapped in pairs for ideal tooth contact. Mathematically precise ratios from 1:1 to 6:1

4. Input:  Available with shaft input or integrated motor adapter and coupling to easily mount to any IEC, NEMA, or servo motor

5. Output:  Solid shaft with key or keyed hollow shaft are standard. (Smooth shaft or shrink disc clamping available)

6. Seals:  Lubricated for life and protected with high quality NBR seals. (Viton® and FPM seals available) 

Carefully engineered and crafted with high quality materials, GAM spiral bevel gearboxes are robust and can handle high shock loads. Since they are maintenance free and lubricated for life, have confidence knowing that they are built to last. Put one onto your machine and forget about it!

Learn More About V-Series Gearboxes

High School Students in Career Exploration Course Visit GAM

Students enrolled in a Summer Career Exploration Course sponsored by Oakton Community College and NSERVE, visited GAM to see what a future in engineering and advanced manufacturing could be like.  Through the Career Exploration Course, students get first hand experience of the careers and work environments in the areas of their choice.  The program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors from nearby high schools.

What are Engineers?  

What things do Engineers build? 

What skills must one have to become an Engineer?

What is the job outlook like for Engineers?  

These were some of the questions answered in an interactive presentation with the students.  Students also learned how important internships are to discover their interests in addition to getting an upper hand at landing a job after college.  After the presentation, the students were split into three groups for a factory tour to see different functions at GAM including design engineering, machining, and assembly.

This is the third STEM program that GAM has been involved in this year alone.  In addition to participating in educational programs such as this, GAM often has internships available for high school students interested in engineering, manufacturing, and business.  For factory tours or information on internships, please contact info@gamweb.com.  For more information about the Career Exploration Course, please visit www.nserve.info