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S Series Helical-Worm Gear Motor – Application-Based Selection Guide
◆When selecting a helical-worm gear motor for industrial applications, it is essential to consider not only power and speed but also the unique demands of each sector—compact installation spaces, frequent start-stop cycles, self-locking requirements, and diverse environmental conditions. Below is a practical selection guide based on real-world applications of the HelmeDrive S Series Helical-Worm Gear Motor—built on real-world data, so you can choose with confidence.
◆The S Series is a helical-worm gear motor designed for applications where output shafts are perpendicular to input shafts. It combines a helical gear input stage with a worm gear output stage, providing smooth operation and high efficiency in a compact right-angle configuration. The series features high-strength cast iron housing, factory-filled lubrication, and multiple mounting options. Key features include compact structure, smooth and quiet operation, good self-locking capability (especially at higher ratios), and versatile mounting configurations.
▼Product Overview
Parameter | HelmeDrive S Series |
Shaft Configuration | Right-angle (input and output shafts perpendicular) |
Number of Stages | Helical + worm (2 stages total) |
Frame Sizes | S39, S49, S59, S69, S79, S89, S99, S109 |
Power Range | 0.12 kW – 11 kW (typical; refer to selection tables) |
Reduction Ratios | 5:1 – 350:1 (wide selection; actual ratios vary) |
Output Torque | Up to 3,500 N·m (depending on size and ratio) |
Efficiency | Up to 89% |
Input Speed | ≤ 1500 r/min |
Ambient Temperature Range | -10°C to +40°C (standard) |
Housing Material | High-strength cast iron |
Lubrication | Factory-filled with oil; quantity varies by mounting position |
Mounting Options | Foot-mounted, flange-mounted, hollow shaft, torque arm |
Mounting Positions | M1–M6 |
Protection Class | IP54 (standard); IP55 available on request |
Note:For detailed power, torque, and ratio tables—including values for specific sizes and operating conditions—please consult HelmeDrive engineering.
▼Understanding HelmeDrive S Series Model Designation
Example: S79-15.93-M1
Code Element | Description | Options |
S | Series designation (helical-worm gear motor) | S |
79 | Frame size | 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99, 109 |
15.93 | Actual reduction ratio | Varies by size and motor power |
M1 | Mounting position | M1–M6 (see mounting arrangement diagrams) |
▼Application Areas
Based on industry-standard load classifications, the S Series is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications where right-angle drives are required:
Industry / Application | Typical Driven Machines | Load Characteristics | Selection Focus |
Conveying Systems | Belt conveyors, Screw conveyors, Apron feeders | Uniform to medium shock, inclined | Self-locking, high radial load capacity |
Material Handling | Bucket elevators, Palletizers, Stackers | Intermittent duty, reversing | Compact mounting, backstop functionality |
Mixing & Agitation | Stirrers, Agitators, Blenders | Variable load, continuous duty | Low noise, smooth operation |
Hoisting & Lifting | Small hoists, Winches, Scissor lifts | Peak torque, safety-critical | Self-locking, high starting torque |
Packaging Machinery | Wrappers, Fillers, Labelers | Frequent start-stop, reversing | Precise positioning, compact footprint |
Food Processing | Dough mixers, Meat grinders, Filling machines | Washdown, moderate shock | Corrosion protection, smooth operation |
Textile Machinery | Looms, Spinning frames, Dyeing equipment | Continuous duty, low noise | Quiet operation, high reliability |
Automation Equipment | Rotary tables, Indexing drives, Pick-and-place units | Precise positioning, frequent cycling | Low backlash, right-angle output |
1. Conveying Systems Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High radial loads from pulleys and sprockets
n Need for self-locking on inclined conveyors
n Continuous operation in dusty environments
n Space constraints requiring compact right-angle drives
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Self-Locking | HelmeDrive S Series with ratios ≥ 30:1 | Prevents back-driving on inclined conveyors without additional brakes |
Radial Load Capacity | HelmeDrive output shaft designed for high radial forces (see FRa values) | Supports heavy conveyor pulleys and idlers |
Mounting Flexibility | Hollow shaft or torque arm options | Direct mounting on conveyor shaft saves space |
Seal Protection | Standard radial shaft seals; consult for special sealing | Prevents contamination in dusty environments |
Duty Cycle | Service factor selection based on daily hours and load type | Ensures long bearing and gear life |
2. Hoisting & Lifting Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High starting torque under load
n Safety requirements for load holding
n Need for self-locking to prevent reverse rotation
n Compact installation in machinery houses
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Self-Locking | HelmeDrive S Series with high reduction ratios (≥ 30:1) | Prevents load back-driving when motor is off |
Starting Torque | High starting torque capability inherent to worm gear design | Handles peak loads during lifting |
Brake Compatibility | Motor-mounted brake option available | Provides additional safety for load holding |
Compact Design | Right-angle configuration with foot or flange mounting | Saves space in hoist and lift machinery |
Safety Factor | Higher service factor for hoisting applications | Provides margin against peak loads |
3. Packaging & Food Processing Applications
Common Pain Points:
n Frequent start-stop cycles in automated lines
n Need for smooth, accurate positioning
n Compact installation in crowded production lines
n Washdown requirements in food processing
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Positioning Accuracy | Precision worm gear design with controlled backlash | Ensures accurate filling and labeling positioning |
Mounting Versatility | Flange-mounted or hollow shaft options | Saves space in tight packaging line layouts |
Duty Cycle | Designed for frequent start-stop operation | Ideal for intermittent packaging line cycles |
Protection Options | IP55 protection available; special coatings on request | Withstands washdown environments |
Smooth Operation | Precision-ground helical gears and high-quality worm wheels | Ensures gentle product handling on conveyors |
4. Mixing & Agitation Applications
Common Pain Points:
n Variable torque due to viscosity changes
n Smooth, vibration-free operation required
n Vertical mounting with motor above tank
n Quiet operation for indoor environments
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Input Type | Flange-mounted with motor flange | Allows motor mounting at 90° to vertical output shaft |
Smooth Operation | Precision-ground helical gears ensure low noise | Minimizes vibration transmitted to mixing vessels |
Lubrication | Factory-filled oil; ensure proper level for vertical mounting | Prevents upper bearing starvation in vertical orientation |
Mounting Position | Specify vertical mounting position (M2, M4) | Ensures correct oil level for vertical installations |
Noise Level | Helical-worm design with quiet operation | Suitable for indoor and noise-sensitive environments |
★Technical Specifications Reference
For complete power, torque, and ratio tables—including values for specific sizes and operating conditions—please consult HelmeDrive engineering.
1. Frame Sizes and Corresponding Motor Power Ranges (Typical)
Frame Size | Applicable Motor Power Range (kW) / 4P | Notes |
S39 | 0.12 – 0.37 | Helical + worm |
S49 | 0.25 – 0.75 | Helical + worm |
S59 | 0.37 – 1.5 | Helical + worm |
S69 | 0.55 – 2.2 | Helical + worm |
S79 | 0.75 – 4.0 | Helical + worm |
S89 | 1.1 – 5.5 | Helical + worm |
S99 | 2.2 – 7.5 | Helical + worm |
S109 | 3.0 – 11 | Helical + worm |
Note: Power ranges are indicative; specific values depend on ratio and operating conditions. Consult selection tables for exact ratings.
2. Reduction Ratios (Typical)
Frame Size | Typical Ratio Ranges |
S39 | 5 – 100 |
S49 | 5 – 100 |
S59 | 5 – 100 |
S69 | 5 – 100 |
S79 | 5 – 100 |
S89 | 5 – 100 |
S99 | 5 – 100 |
S109 | 5 – 100 |
Note: Actual ratios vary by motor power; consult selection tables for precise values.
3. Efficiency
Configuration | Efficiency |
Helical-worm combination | Up to 89% |
4. Service Factor Selection
Total service factorfA = fAh × fAc × fAt × fAn
Factor | Description | Reference Values |
fAh | Load factor based on application and daily hours | 0.8 – 2.25 |
fAc | Start/stop frequency factor | <10/h: 1.0; <100/h: 1.15; <500/h: 1.25 |
fAt | Ambient temperature factor | 20°C: 1.0; 30°C: 1.1; 40°C: 1.25; 50°C: 1.5 |
fAn | Output speed factor | ≤2 rpm: 0.9; >200 rpm: 1.35 |
Note: For detailed load classification values, consult HelmeDrive.
5. Gear Unit Constants for Radial Load Conversion
Frame Size | a (mm) | b (mm) | c (N·mm) | f (mm) |
S39 | 118.5 | 98.5 | 6.0×10⁴ | 20 |
S49 | 130 | 105 | 1.33×10⁵ | 25 |
S59 | 150 | 120 | 2.14×10⁵ | 30 |
S69 | 184 | 149 | 3.04×10⁵ | 35 |
S79 | 224 | 179 | 5.26×10⁵ | 45 |
S89 | 281.5 | 221.5 | 1.68×10⁶ | 60 |
S99 | 326.3 | 256.3 | 2.54×10⁶ | 70 |
S109 | 453.5 | 283.5 | 2.85×10⁶ | 90 |
Note: For radial load calculation, useFxL = FRa × a / (b + X)for bearing life, andFxW = c / (f + X)for shaft strength. FRa is the permissible radial load at the shaft midpoint from selection tables.
6. Permissible Radial Load (FRa) at Shaft Midpoint
Frame Size | FRa (kN) |
S39 | 8.5 |
S49 | 12.5 |
S59 | 18.5 |
S69 | 25.5 |
S79 | 35.5 |
S89 | 55.5 |
S99 | 85.5 |
S109 | 125.5 |
Note: Values are typical; refer to selection tables for exact FRa at specific ratios and motor powers.
★What to Know Before You Buy
▸Understand self-locking characteristics– HelmeDrive S Series offers good self-locking at higher reduction ratios (typically ≥ 30:1). However, self-locking depends on operating conditions, vibration, and load characteristics. For critical safety applications (hoists, lifts), always use additional braking devices—do not rely solely on self-locking.
▸Select the correct mounting position– The S Series supports multiple mounting positions (M1–M6). The default is M1 (foot-mounted, motor horizontal). For other orientations, ensure proper lubrication as oil levels may need adjustment. Vertical mounting (M2, M4) requires special attention to ensure upper bearings are lubricated.
▸Account for service factors– Calculate fA = fAh × fAc × fAt × fAn based on your application’s load type, daily operating hours, start/stop frequency, ambient temperature, and output speed. Ensure the selected gearbox has fB ≥ fA.
▸Calculate radial loads accurately– For overhung loads (sprockets, pulleys, gears), calculate the radial load using Fr = 2 × Mr × fr / d. If the load is not applied at the shaft midpoint, use the conversion formulas with gear unit constants to determine the permissible load at the actual load point.
▸Check axial load capacity– Axial loads up to 5% of the permissible radial load are allowed when no radial load is present. For combined radial and axial loads, or for significant axial loads, consult HelmeDrive.
▸Consider the operating environment– For dusty environments, request enhanced sealing. For outdoor installations, ensure proper protection against moisture. For high ambient temperatures, apply the temperature factor fAt and consider forced lubrication if thermal capacity is a concern.
▸Lubrication is factory-filled– S Series gear units are delivered with oil. The exact oil quantity depends on the mounting position; refer to the oil level mark for proper filling. For vertical mounting, consult HelmeDrive to ensure correct lubrication.
▸Let HelmeDrive help with selection– With multiple frame sizes, ratios, and mounting options, proper sizing requires accurate load data. Send your application parameters—load characteristics, required power/speed, duty cycle, mounting position, and environmental conditions—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 system reliability. HelmeDrive is committed to providing robust, efficient solutions tailored to your industrial needs.