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ZLYJ Series Extruder Gearbox – Application-Based Selection Guide
◆When selecting an extruder gearbox for rubber and plastic machinery, it is essential to consider not only power and speed but also the unique demands of extrusion processes—high continuous torque, significant axial thrust from screw back pressure, and the need for exceptional reliability under continuous operation. Below is a practical selection guide based on real-world applications of the HelmeDrive ZLYJ Series Extruder Gearbox—built on real-world data, so you can choose with confidence.
◆The ZLYJ Series is a specialized gearbox designed specifically for single-screw extruders in the rubber, plastic, and chemical fiber industries. It features high-strength alloy steel gears with case-hardening and precision grinding (gear precision Grade 6 per GB10095, tooth surface hardness HRC 58–62), a dedicated thrust bearing assembly at the hollow output shaft to handle screw axial forces, and optional forced lubrication with cooling for continuous-duty reliability. The series is designed for input speeds up to 1500 r/min, operating in ambient temperatures from -40°C to 50°C, and can be used for both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation (with special attention when a lubrication pump is fitted).
▼Product Overview
Parameter | HelmeDrive ZLYJ Series |
Applicable Standard | GB10095 (gear precision Grade 6) |
Gear Design | Case-hardened and precision-ground helical gears |
Gear Material | High-strength low-carbon alloy steel |
Gear Hardness | Surface: HRC 58 – 62 |
Input Speed | ≤ 1500 r/min |
Ambient Temperature | -40°C to +50°C |
Lubrication | Splash lubrication (standard); forced lubrication with cooling optional |
Mounting | Horizontal (foot-mounted) with multiple assembly positions |
Rotation | Bi-directional (when lubrication pump is fitted, default is clockwise facing output shaft; specify when ordering) |
▼Application Areas
Industry / Application | Typical Driven Machines | Load Characteristics | Selection Focus |
Plastic Extrusion | Single-screw extruders (pipe, profile, film, sheet) | High continuous torque, axial thrust | Thrust bearing capacity, thermal rating |
Rubber Extrusion | Rubber extruders, strainers | Variable load, shock loads | Overload capacity, forced lubrication |
Chemical Fiber | Fiber extrusion lines | Continuous duty, precise speed | Efficiency, reliability |
Recycling | Pelletizing extruders | Abrasive materials, variable feed | Wear resistance, seal protection |
1. Plastic Extrusion Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High axial thrust from screw back pressure
n Continuous 24/7 operation requiring reliable cooling
n Need for precise speed control for consistent product quality
n Space constraints in extrusion lines
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Thrust Bearing Capacity | HelmeDrive ZLYJ Series with oversized thrust bearing at output shaft | Handles axial thrust from screw back pressure; calculate usingFa = π × (ds² × Ps) / (4 × 1000) |
Gear Durability | Case-hardened and precision-ground gears (HRC 58–62, Grade 6) | Withstands continuous torque and provides long service life |
Thermal Management | Forced lubrication with cooling (water-cooled) | Essential for high-power continuous extrusion |
Speed Control Compatibility | Designed for standard motor speeds (1500 r/min) | Direct compatibility with common electric motors |
Lubrication | Recommended oil: CKD220 or CKD320 heavy-duty industrial gear oil | Ensures proper lubrication and heat dissipation |
2. Rubber Extrusion Applications
Common Pain Points:
n Variable torque due to rubber compound properties
n Higher operating temperatures from rubber friction
n Need for robust sealing against carbon black and fillers
n Shock loads during start-up and material feeding
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Overload Capacity | High safety margin in power rating selection | Handles start-up and material feed shock loads |
Seal Protection | Standard radial shaft seals; consult for special sealing | Prevents contamination from carbon black and fillers |
Lubrication | Forced lubrication with cooling; check oil pressure (0.1–0.4 MPa) | Maintains reliable operation under high-temperature conditions |
Cooling System | Water cooling with inlet temperature ≤ 30°C | Essential for rubber extrusion where heat generation is high |
3. High-Power Continuous Extrusion Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High power requirements (up to 200 kW or more)
n Need for efficient cooling to maintain oil temperature ≤ 90°C
n Long service life requirements (10,000+ hours)
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Power Rating | Select based onP_f ≥ Pfrom rating tables (see Table A-1) | Ensures sufficient capacity for continuous operation |
Thermal Rating | CheckP ≤ P_G2with standard cooling coil | Avoids overheating; forced lubrication with cooling may be required |
Thrust Bearing Life | Calculate bearing life usingL_h10 = (10⁶ / (60 × n₂)) × (C_a / F_a)^10 | Ensures bearing life meets application requirements |
Cooling Water | Flow rate ratio: cooling water flow : oil flow = 1.5 : 1 | Maintains proper thermal balance |
★Technical Specifications Reference
1. Recommended Configurations (Typical)
Gearbox Size | Ratio | Motor Power (kW) | Output Speed (r/min) | Screw Diameter (mm) | Screw Thrust (kN) |
112 | 8 | 5.5 | 100 | 35 | 41 |
133 | 8 | 7.5 | 100 | 45/50 | 46 |
146 | 10 | 11 | 90 | 55 | 153 |
173 | 10 | 18.5 | 90 | 65 | 153 |
180 | 10 | 22 | 90 | 75 | 187 |
200 | 10 | 25 | 80 | 90 | 250 |
225 | 12.5 | 45 | 70 | 100 | 268 |
250 | 12.5 | 45 | 70 | 105/110 | 356 |
280 | 16 | 55 | 60 | 120 | 403 |
315 | 16 | 75 | 60 | 130/150 | 448 |
330 | 16 | 90 | 60 | 150/160 | 495 |
375 | 16 | 110 | 60 | 160 | 515 |
395 | 16 | 132 | 60 | 165 | 545 |
420 | 16 | 132 | 60 | 165 | 545 |
450 | 16 | 160 | 60 | 165 | 590 |
450 | 16 | 200 | 60 | 165 | 590 |
Note: Values are based on 4-pole motors (1500 r/min) unless specified otherwise (e.g., 6-pole motors for larger sizes).
2. Rated Power P_f and Output Torque T₂ (Table A-1)
Gearbox Size | Ratio | Rated Power P_f (kW) |
112 | 8 | 19 |
133 | 8 | 27 |
146 | 10 | 40 |
173 | 10 | 60 |
180 | 10 | 77 |
200 | 10 | 97 |
225 | 12.5 | 145 |
250 | 12.5 | 160 |
280 | 16 | 200 |
315 | 16 | 260 |
330 | 16 | 290 |
375 | 16 | 330 |
395 | 16 | 360 |
420 | 16 | 390 |
450 | 16 | 430 |
Note: For complete rating tables, consult HelmeDrive engineering.
3. Gearbox Selection Example
▸Input speed n₁ = 1500 r/min, required output speed n₂ = 152 r/min
▸Required ratio i_s = 1500 / 152 = 9.868 → select nominal ratio i_N = 10
▸Input power P = 45 kW → from Table A-1: ZLYJ200 has rated power P_f = 60 kW (60 ≥ 45, acceptable)
▸Thermal power check: P = 45 kW ≤ P_G2 (standard cooling coil) → acceptable
▸Axial thrust calculation (example):
▻Screw diameter d_s = 90 mm, screw pressure P_s = 26 MPa
▻F_a = π × (90² × 26) / (4 × 1000) = 165.4 kN
▸Thrust bearing life calculation (example):
▻Bearing rated load C_a = 923 kN, output speed n₂ = 152 r/min
▻L_h10 = (10⁶ / (60 × 152)) × (923 / 165.4)^10 ≈ 33,798 hours
★Understanding HelmeDrive ZLYJ Model Designation
Example: ZLYJ200-10-I
Code Element | Description | Options |
ZLYJ | Series designation for extruder gearbox | ZLYJ |
200 | Model number (center distance or frame size) | 112, 133, 146, 173, 180, 200, 225, 250, 280, 315, 330, 375, 395, 420, 450 |
10 | Nominal reduction ratio | 8, 10, 12.5, 16 (varies by size) |
I | Assembly type | I, II, III, IV (different input/output shaft orientations) |
★What to Know Before You Buy
▹Calculate axial thrust accurately– Use the formula F_a = π × (d_s² × P_s) / (4 × 1000) to determine the thrust generated by the screw. Select a gearbox with sufficient thrust bearing capacity.
▹Select the correct size based on power– Refer to the rating tables to ensure P_f (rated power) ≥ P (required power). Account for service factors if the application involves shock loads or frequent starts.
▹Check thermal rating for continuous duty– For continuous operation, ensure P ≤ P_G2 with standard cooling coil. For high-power applications, forced lubrication with water cooling (inlet temperature ≤ 30°C) is recommended.
▹Consider rotation direction– ZLYJ gearboxes can run in both directions, but when a lubrication pump is fitted, the default rotation (facing output shaft) is clockwise. If counter-clockwise rotation is required, specify when ordering.
▹Lubrication is critical– Use CKD220 or CKD320 heavy-duty industrial gear oil. For forced lubrication systems, maintain oil pressure between 0.1–0.4 MPa and cooling water pressure between 0.2–0.3 MPa. The cooling water flow rate should be approximately 1.5 times the oil flow rate.
▹Ambient temperature matters– The gearbox operates in -40°C to 50°C. At low temperatures, preheat the lubricant or use low-temperature oil. At high ambient temperatures, ensure adequate cooling.
▹Mounting position– ZLYJ Series is designed for horizontal mounting. Consult HelmeDrive for other mounting orientations.
▹Let HelmeDrive help with selection– Proper sizing requires accurate load data, including screw diameter, maximum pressure, required output speed, and duty cycle. Send your application parameters to HelmeDrive for precise gearbox sizing.
By matching your selection to your actual working conditions and operational challenges, you ensure longer equipment life, lower maintenance costs, and higher product quality.HelmeDrive is committed to providing robust, efficient solutions tailored to your extrusion needs.