Gear Motor: What It Is And How It Works

Gear motor is a type of electrical motor, an all-in-one combination of electric motor and a gearbox. The gear motor has a unique ability of lowering the speed of a motor, while increasing the output torque. This motors reduce the costs and complexity of designing and manufacturing various tools, machines and devices that need high torque at a low speed or RPM. Whenever a device is in need of high torque, but not at the expense of the speed, you simply install a gear motor.

As any other type of electrical motor, the gear motor uses the magnetism from the electrical current to rotate the rotor, which is connected to a shaft. The gear motor transfer energy from the rotor to the shaft, which is later used to power up a connected device. Gear motors use the energy output to turn a series of gears into a gear train. On the market, you can find a variety of gear motor types, but they are all categorized to two types: AC and DC models.

The magnetic current in gear motors is produced by either an electromagnet or a permanent magnet and is used to turn gears. Whether in a gear reduction unit or in a gear train, the gears are turned by magnetic forces. There is a second shaft attached on these gears, which greatly increase torque of the motor and simultaneously reduce the output speed of the motor. The motor will then operate at a slower speed, but it will provide the needed greater torque. These small, efficient motors turn the low-horsepower motors to provide big motion forces at low speeds, which is common with jacks, robotics, winches, lifts, etc.

Most AC electric motors have an output range from 1,000 to 3,500 RPM. Since their speed and torque specifications are normal, they are most commonly used for industrial applications. AC gear motors provide a greater control-degree, which is what makes them more suitable for industrial applications. DC gear motors provide much greater torque and are more suitable for automotive applications, such as power window motors, trucks' power winches, windshield wiper motors, etc.

The small electric gear motor is a key component of millions of garage door openers, stair lifts, can openers, power drills, rotisserie motors, electro-mechanical clocks around the world. There are a plenty of different gear motors, each type adjusted to a specific motor or application. Also, gear motors are used in robotics, conveyor-belt drives, platform lifts, medical equipment, laboratory equipment, machine tools, home appliances, cranes, jacks, printing presses and many more.