In addition to being a leader in Falk gearbox suppliers, Mar-Dustrial is a purchaser of used gearboxes that are restored and used in a wide variety of machines. If you’re replacing a gearbox, give us a call. Chances are we’d be interested in buying the old gearbox, depending on its state.
As we add gearbox acquisitions to the Mar-Dustrial name, we’re taking time to reflect on the important, varied roles gearboxes serve in a range of industries.
How Gearboxes Work: The Basics
At the most basic level, a gearbox reduces the speed of an incoming motor. Most driving motors run at a set speed, which is typically much higher than the required output. To wield the engine’s power, a gearbox accepts the driven shaft, converts incoming RPM into the desired outgoing torque and speed, and delivers that speed to an outgoing shaft. This primary purpose explains why the terms “gearbox” and “reducer” are synonymous.
Within the gearbox, gears (discs with teeth cut along the edge) match up with other gears to convert driving force to usable torque. From a physics perspective, the gear teeth act as levers on the shaft and mated gears. By changing the number and size of gears, gear engineers can change gear ratios and the resulting rotary force. Besides gears, gearboxes contain shafts, bearings, bearing covers, oilrings and seals, keys, and of course an external housing.
Applications that Require Gearboxes
Gearboxes are found in all industrial applications, as it is impossible to find a motor that delivers exactly the needed RPM. Here’s a sampling of the many applications for gearboxes.
1. Machining tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drills, and grinders
2. Cement machinery
3. Electric overhead traveling cranes
4. Material handling equipment, such as conveyor belt systems, crushers, mixers, and agitators
5. Automobiles. Automobile gearboxes are called transmissions
6. Sugar processing machinery
7. Wind Turbines
8. Elevators
9. Nuclear Cooling Towers
10. Extruders
Even a Ferris wheel contains a gearbox. Gearboxes are a standard element of many machines, so any industrialized setting will contain multiple gearboxes.
Given the industrialized nature of our society, any process that requires a machine will need gearboxes. Industries that use gearboxes include:
• Mining
• Pulp and Paper processing and manufacturing
• Sugar processing
• Plastics production
• Power plants
• Wastewater treatment
• Steel production
• Cement production
• Solvent extraction
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Tobacco processing
Practically every manufactured good requires a gearbox for production. Gearboxes help generate our power, process our wastewater, and even manufacture our food. Given their pivotal role in our modernized lives, we can’t help but be enthusiastic about gearboxes. If you have a gearbox for sale, call Mar-Dustrial!
Posted under Products/Services, Uncategorized on Tuesday, July 14th, 2015