Service Life of Geared Motors Doubled

Lenze research into gearbox materials, together with extensive test running, has resulted in a doubling of the service life of Geared Motors. One example is a change in the material in the rotary shaft seals to achieve double service life, resulting in reduced life-cycle costs for users. The new shaft seals are already being fitted on highly dynamic servo geared motors in series production.

Drive manufacturers such as Lenze can influence approximately 30% of a machine life-cycle costs by reducing maintenance and downtime, also by making parts more durable. Lenze has also been able to simplify servicing of the gears by adding plugs to small gearboxes which make it easier to check the level, top up and drain the oil.

Vent valves, which are now also used to provide pressure equalisation in small gearboxes, further help to reduce the wear on shaft seals and extend their life. Where the application calls for stopping and holding torques, particularly under conditions of power failure, spring applied friction brakes are fitted to the motors. Here Lenze, working in conjunction with their brake partner INTORQ, have introduced new friction materials for the brake linings.

Compared to conventional brake linings, the new materials have doubled service life resulting in lower service costs and greater durability. Increased productivity, reduced down times and longer service intervals for machines and plant are demands which drive technology must meet today. At the same time elements like geared motors are expected to run at higher speeds and be more compact, resulting in higher mechanical and thermal stresses. These product improvements demonstrate that Lenze is a competent partner in the design, implementation and operation of drive solutions.