What are the main performance parameters of a gearbox and what are their respective meanings

The main performance parameters of a gearbox include the following aspects, each with its specific meaning and function:
reduction ratio

Meaning: Reduction ratio refers to the ratio of the speed of the input shaft to the speed of the output shaft of a reducer, which is also equal to the ratio of the output torque to the input torque (in an ideal situation where mechanical losses are ignored). Usually expressed as an integer or fraction, such as 5:1, 10:1, 1/20, etc., or written directly as 5, 10, 20, etc.

Function: It determines the multiple by which the gearbox can reduce the input speed and amplify the input torque, and is one of the important parameters when selecting a gearbox, directly affecting the operating speed and output force of the equipment.

Torque

Meaning: Rated torque refers to the torque value that a gearbox can continuously output under rated operating conditions, usually measured in Newton meters (N · m). It is an important indicator for measuring the load-bearing capacity of a gearbox.

Function: Indicates the size of the load that the reducer can drive. When selecting a gearbox, it is necessary to determine the appropriate rated torque based on the load torque of the equipment to ensure that the gearbox will not be damaged due to overload during operation.

input speed

Meaning: Input speed refers to the rotational speed of the input shaft of the gearbox, measured in revolutions per minute (r/min). It is usually determined by the speed of the driving motor or other power source.

Function: The input speed and reduction ratio jointly determine the output speed, and also affect the stress and wear of internal components of the reducer. Different gearbox models have certain limitations on input speed, exceeding which may lead to a decrease in gearbox performance or damage.

output speed

Meaning: Output speed refers to the rotational speed of the gearbox output shaft, also measured in revolutions per minute (r/min), which can be calculated by dividing the input speed by the reduction ratio.

Function: The output speed directly determines the operating speed of the equipment, such as the operating speed of the conveyor belt, the rotation speed of the stirring blade, etc., and is one of the key parameters to meet the process requirements of the equipment.

transmission efficiency

Meaning: Transmission efficiency refers to the ratio of the output power to the input power of a gearbox, usually expressed as a percentage. It reflects the energy loss of the gearbox during the transmission of power.

Function: The higher the transmission efficiency, the smaller the energy loss of the reducer when transmitting power, the higher the energy utilization rate of the equipment, and the lower the operating cost. Generally speaking, the transmission efficiency of cycloidal pinwheel reducers is relatively high, reaching over 90%.

Allow input power

Meaning: Allowable input power refers to the maximum input power that the gearbox can withstand, measured in kilowatts (kW). It depends on factors such as the structure, materials, manufacturing process, and heat dissipation conditions of the gearbox.

Function: When selecting a reducer, it is necessary to ensure that the output power of the driving motor does not exceed the allowable input power of the reducer, in order to avoid overloading and heating of the reducer, which may affect its service life and performance.