Worm gearboxes

Worm Gearboxes – Compact Reducers for Reliable Power Transmission

At M&M Intercom, we offer a wide and technically advanced range of worm gearboxes, which are among the most commonly used mechanical transmissions in industry. Worm gearboxes provide high reduction ratios and quiet operation and, in many versions, also feature self-locking, making them suitable for use in lifts, conveyor systems, packaging lines, industrial machinery and automated drives.
Our range includes worm gear reducers from well-known manufacturers such as Bonfiglioli, Motovario, Rossi, SEW, STM, Chiaravalli, Renold, Siti, Wittenstein and others. This enables us to provide an optimal solution for every application – both standard and customized.

What Are Worm Gearboxes and Why Are They So Widely Used

A worm gearbox is a mechanical transmission consisting of a worm (screw shaft) and a worm wheel. Due to the geometry of the contact, it allows very high reduction ratios in a single stage, which results in:

• compact design,
• fewer components,
• easy integration into drive systems.

A key feature of worm gearboxes is the possibility of self-locking, where the output shaft cannot drive the input shaft. This characteristic is particularly important in applications where safety is critical, such as lifts, positioning systems and vertical conveying systems.

Advantages of Worm Gearboxes in Industrial Practice

In industrial environments, worm gearboxes are used due to a combination of mechanical, safety and economic advantages. Key benefits include:

• high reduction ratios (from low to extremely high),
• smooth and quiet operation,
• compact dimensions,
• self-locking capability,
• wide range of input and output configurations,
• easy maintenance.

Due to these characteristics, worm gear reducers are often the first choice for low-speed, high-torque applications.

Worm Gearbox Series Available at M&M Intercom

Our range covers a wide spectrum of worm gearbox types, allowing precise adaptation to each application. Available versions include:

• NMRV, NMRL, NMRX, NRV – classic industrial worm gearboxes by Motovario,
• CMRV, CMRB, CH, CHM, CHB – worm gearboxes by Chiaravalli,
• VF, W, WR, SW, SWL, SW-CD – worm gearboxes by Bonfiglioli,
• servo versions for precise and dynamic drives by Wittenstein,
• combined gearboxes by Motovario (e.g. worm gearbox + pre-stage, double worm gearbox).

This variety enables use across many industries – from logistics to heavy industry.

Designs and Types of Worm Gearboxes Available at M&M Intercom

• standard version with flange,
• double worm shaft,
• with input shaft,
• with torque limiter,
• clean-duty version.

Input Flanges and Motor Mounting Options

An important part of selecting a worm gearbox is the proper connection of the drive motor. Therefore, we offer gearboxes with various input flanges, such as:

• 56B5, 63B5, 71B5, 80B5, 90B5, 100B5, 132B5,
• 56B14, 63B14, 71B14, 80B14, 90B14, 100B14, 112B14,
• servo flanges,
• versions without flange or compact designs.

This ensures compatibility with most standard IEC electric motors and servo motors.

Gear Ratios and Output Shafts – Precise Application Matching

The gear ratio of a worm gearbox is one of the key selection parameters. At M&M Intercom, we offer an exceptionally wide range of ratios – from low values around 5 up to extremely high ratios exceeding 4000 or more, depending on the design.
Various output shaft diameters are also available, typically ranging from approximately 11 mm to 55 mm, allowing easy connection to:

• sprockets,
• pulleys,
• gears,
• couplings.

Typical Applications of Worm Gearboxes

Due to their versatility, worm gearboxes are used in numerous industrial applications, including:

• conveyor belts and roller conveyors,
• lifts and lifting tables,
• packaging and sorting machines,
• mixers, dosing and filling systems,
• woodworking and metalworking machines,
• automated positioning systems.

They are particularly suitable where slow movements, high torque and stable operation are required.

Materials, Efficiency and Limitations

Worm gearboxes also have specific technical characteristics. Due to sliding contact between the worm and the wheel, efficiency is generally lower than that of helical gear reducers. However, in many applications this is not a disadvantage but rather a benefit, for example in self-locking systems.

Material quality, machining precision and correct lubricant selection play a crucial role in:

• gearbox service life,
• thermal stability,
• operational reliability.

For this reason, M&M Intercom cooperates exclusively with proven manufacturers.

Professional Consulting and Support by M&M Intercom

At M&M Intercom, we understand that selecting the right worm gearbox is essential for long-term reliable operation of a drive system. Therefore, we offer customers:

• professional technical consulting,
• assistance in selecting the appropriate gearbox type,
• support in sizing gear ratios and torque,
• assistance with replacement of existing reducers,
• fast delivery of standard versions and support for special configurations.

Our goal is not merely to sell a product, but to provide an optimal drive solution that delivers long-term reliable, safe and efficient operation.

 

Ten Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are worm gearboxes?
Worm gearboxes are mechanical transmission units that transmit rotation between two shafts positioned at right angles. They consist of a worm (screw shaft) and a worm wheel and provide high reduction ratios in a very compact design.
2. Where are worm gearboxes most commonly used?
They are most commonly used in conveyor systems, lifts, packaging lines, mixers, industrial machinery, automation systems and wherever controlled speed and high torque are required.
3. What is the main advantage of worm gearboxes?
Their main advantage is the possibility of self-locking, which means that the output shaft cannot rotate backwards under load. In addition, they allow very high reduction ratios in a single stage.
4. Are worm gearboxes suitable for continuous operation?
Yes, worm gearboxes are suitable for continuous operation if they are correctly sized according to load, duty cycle and cooling conditions, and if they are properly lubricated.
5. What reduction ratios do worm gearboxes provide?
Worm gearboxes offer a very wide range of reduction ratios – from low ratios (e.g. 5:1) to very high ratios, even above 100:1 or more, depending on the design and manufacturer.
6. What is the difference between worm gearboxes and helical gearboxes?
Worm gearboxes provide higher reduction ratios and quieter operation, but they have lower efficiency than helical gearboxes. Helical gearboxes are more efficient, but usually require multiple reduction stages.
7. Do worm gearboxes require special maintenance?
Maintenance is relatively simple; however, correct selection and regular inspection of the lubricant are crucial, as friction between the worm and the wheel has a significant impact on gearbox service life.
8. How do you select the right worm gearbox?
When selecting a worm gearbox, it is necessary to consider the reduction ratio, output torque, input speed, mounting position, type of input flange, output shaft diameter and operating conditions (temperature, load, environment).
9. Are worm gearboxes suitable for servo applications?
Yes, certain types of worm gearboxes are also suitable for servo applications, especially where compact design, high positioning accuracy and position stability are required.
10. Which brands of worm gearboxes are available at M&M Intercom?
M&M Intercom offers worm gearboxes from renowned manufacturers such as Bonfiglioli, Motovario, Rossi, SEW, STM, Chiaravalli, Renold, Wittenstein and others, supported by professional technical consulting to ensure the optimal solution.

E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +386 1 29 27 960