Worm gear motors
Worm gear motors are an economical solution for drives in high-torque applications. Their compact size means mounting is easy, even in tight spaces.
Worm gear motors: powerful transmission in a compact form
A worm gear motor is the obvious choice if a machine builder has an application where the driveline requires a gear unit capable of achieving reduction ratios of up to 100:1 in a compact configuration. BEGE has the right worm gear motor for every application. All our products are durable, cost-effective and easy to mount.
Definition
A worm gear motor is a right-angle drive unit consisting of a worm (a screw-shaped gear) that meshes with a worm wheel to achieve high reduction ratios in a compact form. It converts relatively high motor speed into lower output speed with higher torque at a 90-degree angle, and depending on geometry and friction it can provide self-locking to help prevent back-driving.
Product overview
For machine builders looking for a powerful transmission, we manufacture a wide range of versatile worm gears.
SLM series
ATEK Worm Gear Motors
When you need high precision and efficiency.
ATEK’s SLM series offers very high precision and an ability to handle high loads. This series’ rated torque output is an impressive 10,500 Nm! And they are also remarkably quiet.
- Power: 0,18 – 30 kW
- Max. torque: 10.500 Nm
- Shaft diameter: 22 – 80 mm
RVM series
BEGE Worm Gear Motors
A universal and economical solution.
The modular RVM series has a distinctive square housing and is suitable for many applications. This range has a high torque output and is great for tight spaces.
- Power: 0,09 – 7,5 kW
- Max. torque: 1200 Nm
- Shaft diameter: 14 – 45 mm
Comparison table: SLM vs RVM worm gear motors
| Feature | SLM-Series (Universal) | RVM-Series (Robust) |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Torque | 59 – 10,500 Nm | Up to 1,200 Nm |
| Nominal Torque | 31 – 5,790 Nm | 14 – 1,654 Nm |
| Gear Reduction Ratios | 5:1 – 83:1 | 7,5:1 – 100:1 |
| IEC Motor Frame Size | 63 – 200 | 56 – 132 |
| Housing Material | Cast iron | Cast iron & Aluminium |
| Output Shaft Diameter | 22 mm – 80 mm | 14 mm – 45 mm |
All models are in stock at BEGE, the drive specialist
BEGE is the undisputed specialist when it comes to drive technology and the only company in the Netherlands with in-house manufacturing. All worm gear motor models are available from stock.
Our specialization means we can deliver products fast and to order, and we understand machine builders’ and end users’ needs and wishes:
- Cost-effectiveness and profitability
- Low noise
- Compact
- In stock for immediate delivery
Our worm gear motors’ main optional features:
- IEC flange
- MIG flange encoder
- Brake motor
- ATEX motor
- Forced cooling
Specialist in durable, cost-efficient worm gear motors.
From winches to the food industry, our worm gear motors are a great choice when you need power and efficiency. They are self-locking, cost-effective and available fast.
Wormwiel motorreductoren bij BEGE
High gear ratios & high torque
Gear reduction ratios from 7:1 to 100:1 and a maximum torque of 10,500 Nm. Shock-resistant and available for immediate delivery.
Compact and easy to mount
Mounting is fast and easy thanks to our worm gear motors’ compact size, universal design and multiple mounting points.
Self-locking capability
In many cases, BEGE worm gear motors are self-locking. So, a belt or winch, e.g., will not run in reverse, eliminating the need to add a (large) motor brake.
Applications
Winches
When winding up a winch, power is more important than speed. This is a great application for a worm gear motor. Not least because of this type of gearbox’s self-locking ability and high gear ratio. This prevents the winch from unspooling unintentionally.
Fisheries
Trawling nets requires a lot of power. Worm gear motors can provide that power. Furthermore, the power is always transmitted dependably thanks to the relatively large amount of contact between worm and worm gear.
Food & Beverage Industry
BEGE also stocks a line of stainless steel products. These are specially designed for food production and processing applications. They have a smooth surface without cavities for dirt to accumulate, and are easily cleaned using a pressure washer.
Everything you need to know about worm gear motors
What is a worm gear motor?
A worm gear motor is a right-angle drive unit consisting of a worm (a screw-shaped gear) that meshes with a worm wheel. This configuration allows for high reduction ratios in a single stage, effectively converting high-speed motor rotation into high-torque output at a 90-degree angle.
Because the power is transmitted through sliding friction, these motors operate with exceptionally low noise levels, making them ideal for environments where quiet operation is essential.
What are the main benefits of using a worm gear motor?
The primary advantages of a worm gear motor include its compact, right-angle design and its cost-effectiveness. These motors are particularly valued for their smooth power delivery and ability to handle shock loads.
Furthermore, their unique geometry allows for the integration of a self-locking feature, which can prevent the drive from back-driving when the motor is stopped – a vital safety benefit in many material handling and lifting applications.
How does a self-locking worm gear work?
The self-locking principle is based on the friction angle between the worm and the worm wheel. When the lead angle of the worm is smaller than the friction angle of the materials, the gear set becomes “irreversible.” This means the motor can drive the load, but the load cannot rotate the motor in reverse.
This mechanical braking effect is a critical safety feature for inclined conveyors or lifting systems, as it prevents the load from sliding back during a power failure.
How do BEGE SLM and RVM worm gear motors compare?
The following table highlights the technical differences between the universal SLM-series and the robust RVM-series.
Why is a worm gear motor the best choice for a space constraint application?
A worm gear motor is the ultimate solution for space constraints because the motor is mounted perpendicular (90 degrees) to the output shaft. This flat profile allows the drive to be installed along a conveyor wall or inside a machine frame where an inline helical motor would be too long.
By utilizing a hollow shaft execution, the motor can be mounted directly onto the machine’s drive shaft, eliminating the need for bulky couplings and reducing the total footprint of the installation.
How to select the correct gear ratio for a worm gear motor application?
Selecting the correct gear ratio involves balancing the required output speed with the necessary torque. Because worm gear motors offer high gear ratios (up to 100:1) in a single stage, they can achieve very low speeds without needing multiple gear stages.
However, since efficiency decreases at higher ratios due to sliding friction, it is crucial to calculate both the nominal and maximum torque requirements to ensure the worm geared motor performs reliably under load.
Which industries benefit most from robust worm geared motors?
Robust worm geared motors are widely used in heavy-duty industrial automation. Common applications include large-scale waste treatment systems, heavy-duty transport rollers, and large industrial mixers. Their ability to deliver up to 10,500 Nm of torque in a right-angle configuration makes them a preferred choice for OEMs building machinery that must operate under constant mechanical stress.
Where can I find reliable suppliers of high-performance worm gear motors?
BEGE is a leading supplier of worm gear motors, offering specialized solutions like the RVM and SLM series that meet a wide range of industrial demands. While many suppliers only offer lightweight aluminium units, BEGE provides both aluminium and cast-iron right-angle drives for the most demanding tasks. This expertise in both standard and bespoke drive systems makes BEGE a key partner for engineers requiring durable and safe worm drive motors.
What customization options are available for BEGE worm gear motors?
As the specialist in drive technology and the only company in the Netherlands with in-house manufacturing, BEGE offers unparalleled customization for worm gear motors. Our specialization allows us to deliver bespoke products rapidly, tailored to the specific needs of machine builders for profitability, low noise, and compact design.
Most models are available from stock for immediate delivery. Key optional features include:
- IEC flanges for flexible motor mounting.
- MIG flange encoders for precise speed and position feedback.
- Brake motors for enhanced safety and controlled stopping.
- ATEX motors for use in explosive or hazardous environments.
- Forced cooling to maintain performance during low-speed, high-load operations.
View all worm gear motors
These two types of worm gear motors are great choices for powerful, efficient drives. Our versions are the economical solution for drives with high torque requirements. They are also available with various additional options.
FAQs
1) What is the typical reduction ratio range for worm gear motors mentioned here?
The page mentions gear reduction ratios from 7:1 to 100:1. In the series comparison, SLM is listed as 5:1–83:1 and RVM as 7.5:1–100:1.
2) What makes worm gear motors suitable for quiet operation?
Worm gear motors can operate with low noise because power transmission occurs through sliding contact between the worm and the worm wheel.
3) What does “right-angle” mean in a worm gear motor?
Right-angle means the motor shaft and the output shaft are arranged at approximately 90 degrees, enabling compact installation in constrained spaces.
4) Are worm gear motors always self-locking?
No. Self-locking depends on the worm geometry and the friction conditions between materials. In many cases the design can be self-locking, but it is not guaranteed for every configuration.
5) Why can self-locking reduce the need for a motor brake?
If a worm gear set is self-locking, the load cannot back-drive the motor when stopped, which can eliminate the need for a large brake motor in some applications such as winches or belts.
6) What are the key highlights of the ATEK SLM worm gear motor series?
The SLM series is positioned for high precision and efficiency, with very high load capability and rated torque output up to 10,500 Nm, while remaining remarkably quiet.
7) What are the key highlights of the BEGE RVM worm gear motor series?
The RVM series is presented as a universal and economical modular solution with a distinctive square housing, suitable for many applications and designed for tight spaces, with max torque up to 1,200 Nm.
8) Which options are listed for configuring worm gear motors?
Listed options are IEC flange, MIG flange encoder, brake motor, ATEX motor, and forced cooling.
9) What applications are specifically mentioned for worm gear motors?
The page mentions winches, fisheries (e.g., trawling nets), and the food & beverage industry (including stainless steel solutions designed for hygienic environments).
10) What does BEGE claim about availability and delivery?
BEGE states that all worm gear motor models are available from stock for immediate delivery and that products can be delivered fast and to order.