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What is a gearbox? How does it work?
What is a reducer?
A reducer, also known as a gearbox or gear reducer, is a sealed mechanical device positioned between an electric motor and a machine. It employs a gear train to increase torque while reducing the drive speed. Typically, a reducer consists of a housing that contains at least two sets of gears—depending on the desired gear ratio—along with supporting bearings, shafts, and seals, enabling transmission via spur gears, worm gears, or worm‑and‑gear arrangements. As such, it constitutes a critical component in mechanical power‑transmission systems.
How does it work?
Gear reducers are typically used in drive systems requiring low speed and high torque. The output gear of a reducer has more teeth than the input gear. Consequently, while the output gear rotates more slowly—reducing the input speed—the torque is increased. In summary, the combination of a large gear and a small gear reduces speed while increasing torque. The ratio of the rotational speed of the driving gear to that of the driven gear is known as the gear ratio. By adjusting the torque–speed output, machinery—often an electric motor or an engine—can be precisely controlled for improved performance. The torque output of a reducer can be calculated by multiplying the motor’s output torque by the reduction ratio (note that the reducer’s actual torque output must not exceed its rated torque). When reducing the speed of an electric motor, the gearbox also reduces the load inertia reflected back to the motor by the square of the gear ratio.
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About Us
Shenzhen Jier Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise that has been focusing on the sales, maintenance, and technical services of reducers for more than ten years. It is the core agent of world-renowned brands such as SEW reducers, NORD reducers, Bauer reducers, and Baumer sensors in Switzerland in Germany
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