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UK-developed gear reducer has global ambitions

01 April, 2002

UK-developed gear reducer has global ambitions

A British-based gear-maker has developed a shaft-mounting gear reducer which it hopes will help it to penetrate new markets around the world. Hull-based Sumitomo Cyclo Europe has spent two years developing the helical shaft-mounted (HSM) reducer which improves upon, and is interchangeable with, its earlier SMSR (shaft-mounted speed reducer) which is already a market-leader in many regions.

The new reducer is designed to be mounted directly onto a machine shaft and restrained using a torque arm or flange, thus eliminating the need for an extra coupling or chain drive. In most applications, the device will be driven by from an electric motor via a belt drive, but it can be supplied with an adaptor input flange allowing it to be driven directly by an electric or hydraulic motor.

Sumitomo claims that the new design has several advantages over the SMSR model, including higher torque capacities (up to 44kNm) because of an improved gear geometry. The new reducer is also said to be easier to fit and replace, and offers the option of a Taper Grip bush which secures it to a driven shaft without needing a key or keyway.

The case design has also been improved to produce a smaller package with lower weight-to-output ratios. Using a taper roller bearing option on the output hub, the reducer can be used in high axial load applications, such as screw conveyors.

The reducers are available in 13 case sizes and four ratios of 5, 13, 20 and 25:1.




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