Parallel shaft drives are no longer the only option for high-torque applications. Nowadays, a concentric shaft reducer can handle high torques just as well – and often for a fraction of the cost and delivery time. Concentric drives have become more compact, as well; where once a concentric shaft reducer would have dwarfed the motor that powered it, today’s concentric drives are often smaller than their motors.
When choosing between concentric and parallel shaft drives, it’s important to select the Falk gear reducer that best meets the needs of your high-torque application. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of a concentric shaft reducer:
Short lead times. When you order your gearbox reducer, it may take several months to receive a parallel shaft drive. A concentric shaft reducer, on the other hand, is often a stock item that can be shipped quickly.
Lower up-front cost. When compared to a parallel shaft drive of similar torque rating, a concentric shaft reducer often presents up to 25 percent savings.
Replacement parts. When your Falk gear reducer fails, the faster you can get replacement parts, the less downtime you’ll experience. Because concentric drives are stock items, replacement parts are typically available much more quickly than for a parallel shaft drive.
A final important factor in deciding between the two is to find out is whether your manufacturer offers same essential features on a concentric drive as on a parallel shaft drive. These features include the ability to quickly and easily monitor lubrication levels; tapered roller bearings, which withstand side loads and thrust better than ball bearings; and carburized/ground gears, which run cleaner than through-hardened gears.
Posted under Products/Services on Monday, November 28th, 2011