High-Performance Worm Gearboxes

“Made in Germany“
Development and manufacture of customer specific worm gearboxes for industrial applications

Auma drives high-performance worm gearbox

Illustration of an AUMA Drives worm gearbox S.1

AUMA Drives is specialised in design and manufacture of worm gearboxes. Customers for nearly all industrial sectors rely on worm gearboxes and complete drive systems from Coswig. Products of AUMA Drives have proven worldwide in heavy-duty applications as well as in more diverse precision applications.

AUMA Drives – Competence meets team spirit and experience

Competences

More than 200 gearbox specialists

A highly specialised team caters for top quality in development and production.

Tools

Own R&D with test center

On the safe side: The in-house test center guarantees long-lasting drive systems.

Company

Since 1896 in Coswig

More than 120 years of experience with worm gearboxes make AUMA Drives unique.

AUMA Drives – Competence in gears from a single source

As a developer and manufacturer of worm gearboxes and top-quality drive systems, AUMA Drives relies on production based in Germany. R&D, production and quality management work hand in hand at two production facilities in Coswig near Dresden.

Service portfolio from A to Z

AUMA Drives stands for top production quality and optimum service – from R&D and production right through to delivery or assembly.

Customer-specific development of worm gearboxes and drive systems

Gearbox production and assembly with top precision by experts in Germany

Comprehensive service options: Assembly, maintenance, repair, customer training

The utmost developmental competence, depth of production and optimum manufacturing conditions: These are the core factors of success in Coswig.

Certificates and certifications

AUMA Drives attaches great importance to regular certification of all products and processes. If required or desired by the customers, these exceed the standards which are typical for to the industry.

  • DNV GL approval certificate
  • ISO 50001:2015
  • ISO 9001:2015
  • ISO 45001:2018
  • ISO 14001:2015

Worm gearboxes: Multifunctional and variable

Many products by AUMA Drives are based on worm gearboxes. Their low-noise and constant power transmission allows for high torque even in a compact design. Due to the high transmission ratios and a high overload capacity, worm gearboxes are perfectly suited for a large variety of applications. For this reason, they are often paired with helical, bevel or planetary gears and reducers.

Auma drives double worm gearbox
Auma drives high-performance worm gearbox
Auma drives escalator gearbox

The standard portfolio of AUMA Drives includes worm gearboxes with variable direction of rotation, available with 15 different axis distances between 40 and 450 millimetres and standard transmission ratios ranging from i=5 to i=100. Furthermore, numerous proven options can be provided for integration of the gearboxes into existing systems.

Far more than 100 configurations possible

  • 15 sizes: Centre distances between 40 and 450 mm
  • Up to 11 standard transmission ratios: Configuration depending on the size i=5 and i=85, further sizes on request
  • Flexible power transmission: Torques from 100 to 600,000 Nm can be implemented
  • Multitude of options: Configurations e.g. with motor flange, output drive flange or output drive shaft possible

Advantages of AUMA Drives worm gearboxes

Thanks to AUMA Drives’ vast development expertise, customer alignment is of the highest standard. Together with customers, we develop tailor-made solutions with many advantages and customized functions – suitable for a wide range of worm gearbox applications.

Economically viable due to extended life span and low maintenance

Low-noise operation for demanding environments

Flexible design and housing sizes for all application

Variable service position of worm gearboxes for tailor-made solutions.

On the safe side: Static and dynamic self-locking systems available

Flexible design and housing sizes for all application

Variable direction of rotation for various requirements.

Transmission ratios between i=5 and i=85 possible – with double worm gearboxes up to i=10.000.

Torques from 100 to 600,000 Nm technically feasible

Worm Gearbox Basics

Worm gearboxes belong to the group of rolling helical gearboxes. The rotation of a cylindrical shaft is transmitted to a gear wheel whose axis is shifted by 90 degrees to the shaft. Their design makes them the ideal solution for applications where high transmission ratios must be implemented in confined spaces. They can transmit large forces with high precision and low maintenance requirement. During operation, they are known for their low noise levels and low wear.

The most important components of the worm gearbox are the worm and the worm wheel. The helical worm sits on the worm shaft, which is usually driven. The worm wheel offset at a 90° angle is usually responsible for the output drive. It continuously engages with several teeth into the worm which makes the worm gearbox the ideal solution for the transmission of high torques. At the same time, the speed of the driving motor is considerably reduced – a desirable feature when used in elevator and escalator gearboxes, for example.

Advantages of AUMA Drives worm gearboxes

Advantage 1: The in-house R&D department allows for the precise design of gearboxes to meet customer requirements – from initial drawing to CAD model.

Advantage 2: Over 120 years of experience with worm gearboxes and many long-serving team members guarantee extraordinary know-how.

Advantage 3: At its in-house test center, AUMA Drives puts its own Gearboxes and components from suppliers to the test for quality and performance.

Advantage 4: AUMA Drives’ worm gearbox production depth in Coswig is exceptional and ensures the highest precision of all components..

Advantage 5: As part of quality management, every component in AUMA Drives gearboxes can be precisely traced.

Worm gearbox applications

The use cases for worm gearboxes are diverse: as reliable and efficient high-performance gearboxes, they are used in the steel and mining industries, where constantly high forces need to be transmitted safely with minimal backlash. Precision versions are used in machine tools, milling heads, rotary tables or stepper motors – in some cases also in duplex versions. On request, they can also be supplied with virtually no play.

Gearboxes from AUMA Drives have proven themselves in these industries and areas of application

  • Elevator technology
  • Mining machinery and surface mining
  • Stage and theatre equipment
  • Chemical industry
  • Crane systems
  • Vehicles used in agriculture and forestry
  • Presses and roller mills
  • Shipbuilding and hydraulic steel structures
  • Steel and roller mill sector
  • Actuators
  • Shaping technology
  • Packaging lines

Tailored to the application

AUMA Drives’ drive systems are developed precisely for every application. For optimum performance, worm gearboxes are often combined with additional gear stages.

For further solutions and inquiries please contact the experts at AUMA Drives.

AUMA Drives worm gearboxes at a glance

Sizes and ranges (selection)

The modular system of AUMA Drives ensures a wide portfolio of configuration options. Each size can be configured for various requirements and may be enhanced with additional options if required.

Center distance 40 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 10
  • Transmission ratio: i=7.25 to i=60
  • Output torques: 58 to 105 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 1.6 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 22 mm

 

Center distance 50 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 12
  • Transmission ratio: i=4.83 to i=83
  • Output torques: 105 to 205 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 4.79 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 30 mm

 

Center distance 63 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 12
  • Transmission ratio: i=4.83 to i=82
  • Output torques: 175 to 400 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 5.94 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 35 mm

 

Center distance 80 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 12
  • Transmission ratio: i=5 to i=82
  • Output torques: 320 to 800 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 8.02 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 45 mm

Center distance 100 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 12
  • Transmission ratio: i=5 to i=82
  • Output torques: 710 to 1,700 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 19.03 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 60 mm

 

Center distance 125 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 12
  • Transmission ratio: i=4.83 to i=83
  • Output torques: 1,200 to 2,300 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 27.8 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 70 mm

 

Center distance 160 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 12
  • Transmission : i=5 to i=83
  • Output torques: 2,400 to 4,390 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 52.16 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 80 mm

Center distance 200 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 11
  • Transmission ratio: i=7.5 to i=63
  • Output torques: 4,270 to 11,430 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 57.6 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 95 mm

 

Center distance 225 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 8
  • Transmission ratio: i=6.75 to i=46
  • Output torques: 12,180 to 13,300 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 85.1 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 105 mm

 

Center distance 250 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 11
  • Transmission ratio: i=7.75 to i=61
  • Output torques: 9,180 to 19,740 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 98.7 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 115 mm

 

Center distance 280 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 11
  • Transmission ratio: i=6.5 to i=46
  • Output torques: 14,250 to 24,640 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 135.7 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 125 mm

 

Center distance 315 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 11
  • Transmission ratio: i=7.5 to i=60
  • Output torques: 13,340 to 32,730 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 167.7 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 140 mm

 

Center distance 355 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 9
  • Transmission ratio: i=6.75 to i=47
  • Output torques: 38,090 to 52,680 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 232.9 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 155 mm

 

Center distance 400 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 11
  • Transmission ratio: i=7.75 to i=63
  • Output torques: 25,730 to 74,280 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 292.8 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 180 mm

 

Center distance 450 mm

  • Number of standard transmission ratios: 6
  • Transmission ratio: i=9 to i=47
  • Output torques: 58,920 to 99,620 Nm
  • Maximum drive power: 330.2 kW
  • Hollow shaft diameter: 200 mm

Design & options

AUMA Drives worm gearboxes are designed for a wide range of connection and mounting options. As shaft-mounted gearboxes, they are attached to the electric motor directly on the drive shaft of the driven machine. They are secured via torque arms, the drive flange or/and bolt circles. The basic variant (SVA type) uses a solid shaft at the drive and a hollow shaft on the output. With the AUMA Drives modular system, it can be extended with various flanges, covers, shafts and many other options.

Worm

The helical worm sits on the worm shaft, which is usually driven. Its design determines whether the gearbox can be designed with a self-locking mechanism.

Worm wheel

The worm wheel, offset at a right angle, is generally responsible for the output. It permanently engages with several teeth in the worm, which makes the worm gearbox ideal for the transmission of high torques.

Housing

Cast iron gearbox housings protect the components and provide precise support for the axle bearings. For rugged applications, ductile iron is used.

Material

The material of the worm gearboxes is carefully chosen to complement each other. Chrome-manganese alloyed case-hardened steel (16MnCrS5), which is case-hardened and ground, is used for the worm shaft. The worm wheel is manufactured by the AUMA Drives specialists from extremely durable specialized bronze. Depending on the operating environment, gray iron or ductile cast iron is used for the housing.

Lubrication

Fully synthetic oils and lubricants are recommended for the lubrication of AUMA Drives worm gearboxes to achieve minimum maintenance requirements. Losses by unnecessary friction and reduced degrees of efficiency are thus considerably reduced.

Self-locking

For worm gearboxes, distinction is made between static and dynamic, having respectively different design parameters. With static self-locking, it is not possible for the worm shaft to start up when the worm wheel is driving without external factors.

Dynamic self-locking, on the other hand, can also be activated during operation and is dependent on the operating efficiency. Alternatives to self-locking are backlash stops or braking systems.

Bearing

AUMA Drives only uses quality bearings for its worm gearboxes, which are extensively tested in its own test center. This ensures maximum service life and reliable absorption of external forces.

Use in various operating situations

AUMA Drives worm gearboxes can be configured for a wide variety of operating positions. The positioning of the air vent and oil drain plug as well as the required lubricant quantities are based on the desired installation position.

The path to a customized drive system

Barely more complicated than ordering from a catalog: With the worm gearbox specialists at AUMA Drives, configuring a custom-fit gearbox solution is child’s play. The experts in the Design department will be happy to advise you on combining worm gearboxes with other types of gearing or developing new individual drive systems.

For more information:

Worm gear systems by AUMA Drives

In the worm gearbox sector, AUMA Drives offers many types of gearing that are required for special solutions for drive systems or other industrial applications.

Downloads

Operational instructions for worm gearboxes

FAQ

Worm gearboxes are not automatically self-locking, but can be supplied with self-locking splines on request. Self-locking is influenced by the material pairing and surface roughness of the gearing elements, the type and temperature of the lubricant, the lead angle and external factors such as vibrations.

Worm gearboxes are considered statically self-locking if they cannot be moved backwards from a standstill – i.e. by external forces on the output shaft (or worm wheel). This characteristic makes self-locking worm gearboxes ideal for precise positioning as in many cases there is no need for an additional brake.

Although AUMA Drives does not supply completely backlash-free worm gearboxes, it does supply extremely low-backlash versions for precision and servo applications. Worm gearboxes with duplex gearing allow the desired backlash to be set and subsequently adjusted directly in the gearbox.

AUMA Drives can also supply explosion-proof gearboxes in accordance with ATEX guidelines upon request.

Yes, be it a longer shaft, a larger bore diameter, a special flange or a labyrinth seal – we are happy to implement your wishes, please contact us.

AUMA Drives also supplies complete drive systems including motor, brake, pinion, traction sheave, incremental encoder, sensors and many more.

Further questions? Contact the gearbox specialists at AUMA Drives!

For information on worm gearboxes or other drive systems from AUMA Drives, please speak to one of our experts. Please let us know your requirements and we will get back to you as soon as possible.