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F Series Parallel Shaft Helical Gear Motor – Application-Based Selection Guide
◆When selecting a parallel shaft helical gear motor for industrial applications, it is essential to consider not only power and speed but also the unique demands of each sector—continuous operation, high radial loads, compact installation, and reliable performance in demanding environments. Below is a practical selection guide based on real-world applications of the HelmeDrive F Series Parallel Shaft Helical Gear Motor—built on real-world data, so you can choose with confidence.
◆The F Series is a parallel shaft helical gear motor designed for applications where input and output shafts are parallel. It features a modular design with two or three helical gear stages, providing high efficiency, smooth operation, and high torque density in a compact footprint. The series features high-strength cast iron housing, case-hardened and precision-ground gears, and multiple mounting options. Key features include parallel shaft configuration, high efficiency, smooth and quiet operation, and versatile mounting configurations.
▼Product Overview
Parameter | HelmeDrive F Series |
Shaft Configuration | Parallel shaft |
Number of Stages | 2 or 3 stages (helical gears) |
Frame Sizes | F39, F49, F59, F69, F79, F89, F99, F109, F129, F159 |
Power Range | 0.12 kW – 200 kW (typical; refer to selection tables) |
Reduction Ratios | 5:1 – 200:1 (wide selection; actual ratios vary) |
Output Torque | Up to 25,000 N·m (depending on size and ratio) |
Efficiency | ≥ 95% (gear stages) |
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 F Series Model Designation
Example: F79-15.93-M1
Code Element | Description | Options |
F | Series designation (parallel shaft helical gear motor) | F |
79 | Frame size | 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99, 109, 129, 159 |
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 F Series is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications where parallel shaft drives are required:
Industry / Application | Typical Driven Machines | Load Characteristics | Selection Focus |
Conveying Systems | Belt conveyors, Screw conveyors, Apron feeders | Continuous duty, medium shock | High radial load capacity, compact design |
Material Handling | Bucket elevators, Palletizers, Stackers | Intermittent duty, reversing | High starting torque, brake compatibility |
Mixing & Agitation | Stirrers, Agitators, Mixers | Variable load, continuous duty | Smooth operation, low noise |
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 |
Automation Equipment | Conveyor drives, Indexing units | Precise positioning, frequent cycling | Low backlash, high reliability |
Textile Machinery | Looms, Spinning frames, Dyeing equipment | Continuous duty, low noise | Quiet operation, high reliability |
1. Conveying Systems Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High radial loads from pulleys and sprockets
n Continuous 24/7 operation in dusty environments
n Need for reliable sealing against material spillage
n Space constraints requiring compact parallel shaft drives
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Radial Load Capacity | HelmeDrive F Series output shafts 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 |
Efficiency | High efficiency (≥95%) reduces energy consumption | Lowers operational costs in continuous conveyor applications |
2. Material Handling & Hoisting Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High starting torque under load
n Safety requirements for load holding
n Shock loads during acceleration/braking
n Space constraints in machinery houses
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Starting Torque | HelmeDrive F Series high starting torque capability | Handles peak loads during lifting |
Brake Compatibility | Motor-mounted brake option available | Provides safe holding and emergency stop |
Shock Load Capacity | Case-hardened gears (HRC 58–62) with high strength | Withstands impacts from load pickup |
Compact Design | Parallel shaft configuration with foot or flange mounting | Saves space in machinery layouts |
Safety Factor | Higher service factor for hoisting applications | Provides margin against peak loads |
3. Mixing & Agitation Applications
Common Pain Points:
n Variable torque due to viscosity changes
n Smooth, vibration-free operation required
n Quiet operation for indoor environments
n Continuous duty with high reliability
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Smooth Operation | Precision-ground helical gears ensure low noise | Minimizes vibration transmitted to mixing vessels |
Lubrication | Factory-filled oil; ensure proper level for mounting position | Prevents bearing starvation in all orientations |
Mounting Position | Specify required mounting position (M1–M6) | Ensures correct oil level for installation |
Noise Level | Helical gear design with quiet operation | Suitable for indoor and noise-sensitive environments |
Continuous Duty | Designed for 24/7 operation with high efficiency | Ideal for continuous mixing processes |
4. Packaging & Automation 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 Precise indexing and positioning requirements
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Positioning Accuracy | Precision 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 |
Compact Design | Parallel shaft configuration with multiple mounting options | Adapts to various machine layouts |
Low Backlash | Precision-ground helical gears | Enables accurate positioning for indexing drives |
★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 |
F39 | 0.12 – 0.37 | 2 or 3 stages |
F49 | 0.25 – 0.75 | 2 or 3 stages |
F59 | 0.37 – 1.5 | 2 or 3 stages |
F69 | 0.55 – 2.2 | 2 or 3 stages |
F79 | 0.75 – 4.0 | 2 or 3 stages |
F89 | 1.1 – 5.5 | 2 or 3 stages |
F99 | 2.2 – 7.5 | 2 or 3 stages |
F109 | 3.0 – 11 | 2 or 3 stages |
F129 | 5.5 – 22 | 2 or 3 stages |
F159 | 11 – 45 | 2 or 3 stages |
Note: Power ranges are indicative; specific values depend on ratio and operating conditions. Consult selection tables for exact ratings.
2. Reduction Ratios (Typical)
The F Series offers a wide selection of reduction ratios across all frame sizes, typically ranging from 5:1 to 200:1. Actual ratios vary by motor power and operating conditions; consult selection tables for precise values.
3. Efficiency
Configuration | Efficiency |
Helical gear stages | ≥ 95% |
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 (see catalog tables) |
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 (see catalog table) |
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) |
F39 | 123.5 | 98.5 | 1.07×10⁵ | 25 |
F49 | 153.5 | 123.5 | 1.78×10⁵ | 30 |
F59 | 170.7 | 135.7 | 5.49×10⁵ | 32 |
F69 | 181.3 | 141.3 | 4.12×10⁵ | 40 |
F79 | 215.8 | 165.8 | 7.78×10⁵ | 50 |
F89 | 263 | 203 | 1.19×10⁶ | 60 |
F99 | 350 | 280 | 2.09×10⁶ | 70 |
F109 | 373.5 | 288.5 | 4.23×10⁶ | 90 |
F129 | 442.5 | 337.5 | 9.49×10⁶ | 110 |
F159 | 512 | 407 | 1.07×10⁷ | 120 |
Note: For radial load calculation, use FxL = FRa × a / (b + X) for bearing life, and FxW = 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 (Typical)
Frame Size | FRa (kN) |
F39 | 8.5 |
F49 | 12.5 |
F59 | 18.5 |
F69 | 25.5 |
F79 | 35.5 |
F89 | 55.5 |
F99 | 85.5 |
F109 | 125.5 |
F129 | 175.5 |
F159 | 250.5 |
Note: Values are typical; refer to selection tables for exact FRa at specific ratios and motor powers.
★What to Know Before You Buy
▸Select the correct mounting position– The F 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– F 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.
▸Parallel shaft design is the key feature– The F Series features parallel input and output shafts, making it ideal for applications where the motor can be mounted in line with the driven equipment. This configuration provides high efficiency and compact axial length.
▸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.