May
4, 1998 Design News
FEATURED PRODUCT
Speed reducer increases operational
life
by Anna Allen, Staff Editor
Problems such as bearing lock-up and gear wear can
cause shaft-mount reducers to fail. The Model FX shaft-mounted
speed reducer from Rexnord Corp., Gear Products Div.,
addresses these problems in order to increase operational
life.
"The Model FX was created after a three-year study
and development effort which identified major industry
needs," says Daniel B. Hoden, sales manager for
the Gear Products Div.
"About 80% of shaft-mount reducer failures occur
because the bearings lock up," Hoden adds. "People
don't bother to lubricate the seal area because grease
points are too hard to reach or because it entails removing
the entire reducer."
A grease-purgable sealing system cleans dust and dirt
that gets into bearings and gears in adverse environments.
This allows year-round maintenance and avoids having
to rebuild the reducer during the winter.
The FX reducer uses 100% Timken roller bearings on
all shafts and American Gear Manufacturers Association
(AGMA) Class 12 case-carburized and ground bearings.
Other features, such as the small design and front-mounted
bushing arrangement, allow the reducer to fit close
to the shaft bearing. Larger reducers can cause uneven
loading on the shaft, creating bending moments and fatigue.
The smallest FX reducer weighs 55 lb.
Applications include conveying systems for cranes;
material handling equipment; rock products; mining and
process machinery; and food, chemical, and bulk material
handling.
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