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• Couplings (rigid, universal joint)
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Linear motion

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• Racks
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• Pulleys, belts (positioning)
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Technical support

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Frequently Asked Questions on gearboxes

1. When is a reducing gear box 'irreversible'?
2. Can a reducing gearbox be used in reverse as a multiplier?
3. When should the grease be changed in a reducing gearbox?
4. Does HPC produce custom-made gearboxes?

1. When is a reducing gear box 'irreversible' ?

> When is a reducing gear box 'irreversible'? Firstly, some clarification on what 'irreversible' means: when a couple is transmitted to the output side of a reducing gearbox and the input does not move, it is considered to be irreversible.

 

Attention, irreversibility should not be confused with gearboxes which will only rotate in one direction: The input of an irreversible gearbox may be able to rotate in both directions and as a result the output will do the same.

 

Very few reducing gearboxes are irreversible. Only worm and wormwheel gearboxes with a low Lead angle have this property. To be more precise, the gearboxes with a single start on the worm are irreversible. Gearboxes with three or more starts on the worm are reversible. Regarding worms with two starts on the worm, the gearbox may or may not be reversible, depending on the Lead angle on the helix and the method of use. If in doubt, and if irreversibility is a requirement, do not use worms with two starts.

 

To summarise, only worm and wheel reducing gearboxes with one single start point on the worm are irreversible.

2. Can a reducing gearbox be used in reverse as a multiplier?

HPC's reducing gearboxes are designed to reduce speed.

 

Despite the fact that the majority of these gearboxes are reversible (the input will turn if the output is rotated), they should not be used as multipliers.

 

Using them in this way creates internal stresses which can cause irrepairable damage. In consequence, the 13 month guarantee offered on HPC reducing gearboxes will be null and void if they are used in this

way.

3. When should the grease be changed in a reducing gearbox?

HPC reducing gearboxes are greased for life and are maintenance free.

 

Certain gearboxes do have a grease nipple, but this is used to fill the gearbox at manufacture and should not be used afterwards.

 

Under no circumstances should an HPC gearbox be opened up for maintenance without our agreement.

Contact our technicians on +33(0)4 37 496 496

4. Does HPC produce custom designed gearboxes?

Yes. Please e-mail or fax in your requirements for us to look at. Small, Medium or Large volumes are accepted; we are very flexible. Here are some example of Special gearboxes.

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