This section provides an overview for geared motors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 geared motor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked geared motor companies as of November, 2024: 1.ISL Products International., 2.ElectroCraft, Inc., 3.Robot MarketPlace, LLC.
Table of Contents
A geared motor is a device that combines gears and a motor. By combining gears and motors, the number of revolutions and torque can be designed as desired.
Compared to belt pulleys, geared motor produce less noise due to friction and are easier to maintain. The appropriate gear is selected by selecting the gear ratio based on the motor's rotation speed and torque. The size of the gearhead must also be checked, as it requires space for the gearhead.
Mounting methods include flange-mounting and tap-mounting types.
Geared motors provide high torque at low RPMs due to their gears. They are often used especially in large machinery such as food processing machines, multilevel parking garages, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and woodworking machinery.
Familiar examples are also used in electric shutters and car washes. Taking advantage of their low RPM and high torque characteristics, they are also used in industrial robots.
Geared motors come in many sizes, from ultra-small to large. In addition, geared motors are available in a wide range of products, including those with electromagnetic brakes and those using stepping motors.
Geared motors consist of a motor and a reduction gear.
While the motor rotates at high speed, the reduction gear adjusts the speed of rotation by combining gears. Geared motors have a high torque at a low rpm due to the reduction gear.
Three-phase induction motors are often used in industrial applications. Since the rated speed of induction motors is determined by the frequency and number of poles, the speed and torque are selected by adjusting the gear ratio.
The gear ratio is the rotation ratio of the motor rotation shaft to the reduction gear output rotation shaft. The higher the gear ratio, equates to the higher the torque.
The parallel or perpendicular shaft is selected according to the position of the gear and motor. A clutch brake type may also be used when the motor is frequently run and stopped.
There are many ways to use geared motors, of which the most typical are deceleration, high load, and high precision.
The rotational speed of a three-phase induction motor, for example, is determined by the number of poles and frequency. Therefore, to use induction motors at the required rotational speed, they are decelerated by a decelerator.
Since geared motors with various reduction ratios are sold by various companies, select a model that matches the required rotational speed.
The output torque increases in proportion to the reduction ratio due to deceleration, and the allowable moment of inertia increases in proportion to the square of the reduction ratio. This makes it possible to rotate large objects at the cost of reduced speed.
When used for positioning operation, the stopping angle accuracy of the motor is improved.
For example, with a reduction ratio of 2, if the error of the motor output shaft is 1.0°, the error of the reducer output shaft is 0.5°, resulting in better accuracy. However, many reduction gears have play, called backlash, and care must be taken when using them for high-precision positioning.
There are various types of reduction gears used in geared motors, which are selected according to the application. Typical examples include spur gear reducers, bevel gear reducers, hypoid reducers, worm reducers, planetary gear reducers, and wave gear reducers.
1. Spur Gear Reducer
Spur gear reducers are the most common type of gear reducer and use a combination of spur gears to reduce speed. They are also available in multi-stage types and can be manufactured with large reduction ratios, but they have a large backlash.
2. Bevel Gear Reduction Gears and Worm Reduction Gears
In bevel gear reducers and worm reducers, the input and output shafts are orthogonal. Worm reduction gears have a self-locking function and are often used in elevators.
3. Hypoid Reduction Gears
Hypoid reduction gears use spiral bevel gears and feature a large reduction ratio and smooth power transmission.
4. Planetary Gear Reducer
Planetary gear reducers are reducers that use planetary gears, and the input and output shafts are concentric. Planetary gear reducers are often used in stepping motors.
5. Wave Gear Reducer
Wave reduction gears are also called "harmonic reduction gears" after the company named Harmonic Drive Systems, which developed them. They are often used in robot joints as reduction gears with no backlash.
There are also ball reduction gears, cyclo reduction gears, etc. Since the output characteristics vary depending on the reduction gear, it is important to know the characteristics of the reduction gear when selecting geared motors.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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ISL Products is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of engineered electromechanical component solutions, founded in 1975 and headquartered in New York. With a focus on meeting specific application requirements, they provide unique solutions at the component level. They specialize in a wide range of components such as dc motors, dc gear motors, electronic ballasts for uvc lamps and audio components. Their comprehensive component solutions are tailored to match the unique needs of diverse industries, including healthcare, medical, commercial, and industrial applications. Alongside their product offerings, they also provide integration assistance, industry leading customer service, and global logistical support.
ElectroCraft Inc., established in 1960 and headquartered in Stratham, United States of America, is a supplier of application-engineered fractional-horsepower motor and motion products. The company provides DC motors, motor drives, linear actuators, and brush motors. It also delivers AC motors, gear motors, mobile drivetrains, and cables. It provides advanced precision solutions for the lowest cost of ownership for the largest brands and the newest cutting-edge companies. The products are used for medical equipment, laboratory automation, mobile robotics, industrial automation, agricultural automation, and military & defense industries. It serves North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia markets.
Power Electric is a manufacturer and distributor of custom electric and gear motors that was established in 1986 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, USA. Power Electric’s products include AC and DC motors, gear motors, and other custom gearing options. Its products are used by several industries, as diverse as food and beverage, packaging, and material handling in Food and Beverage Equipment, Automatic Door Operators, Medical Equipment, and Commercial Equipment. The company also offers many of services, including design, engineering, manufacturing, and testing. The company specializes in the designing and manufacture of custom motors such as to customer’s specifications.
Robot MarketPlace, LLC, came into being in 2002 in Bradenton, Florida, USA, as a distributor of robot parts and hobby accessories. The product portfolio of the company encompasses the FDC3260 Triple Channel 60A 60V Brushed DC Motor Controller, Custom Battery Pack, FingerTech Beater Bar Electronics, and 1/2 inch bore UCFL 2-bolt Flange Mount Bearing, among various others. The products are crucial in robotics for motor control, power various electronic devices, are used in combat robotics for weapon control, and serve as essential components in mechanical systems, offering stability. The company caters to various industries, including robotics, electronics, mechanics, automotive, and aerospace.
TiMOTION was founded in 2005 in Taiwan as a manufacturer of electric motion systems. The company's product range includes Electric Linear Actuators, and lifting columns for vertical movement of equipment related to offices, industry, and medical. There is also Standing Desk Motor Kit along with gear motors compatible with control boxes and power sources and other related accessories available that are required to complete the electric systems. There are linear actuator controllers with designs for hand controls, foot switches, and wireless remotes. The markets that benefit from these products are the healthcare industry, home and office automation, and industrial motion.
Citizen Chiba Precision was established in Chiba, Japan in 1979. Citizen is a leader of miniaturized precision motors and customized products which custom-made to meet specific customer requirements for among others, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical equipment, and laser application products. Examples of Citizen’s products include optical scanners, linear actuators, servomotors, gear heads, and control drivers.
Nidec Corporation was founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1973 and is a conglomerate with over 200 subsidiaries. Primary products are hard-disk drive motors and automotive parts, and specializes motors ranging from miniature to gigantic. Nidec’s products are used in robotics, automotive, home appliances, agriculturel equipments well as molding, cutting, and machining equipment and sensors.
NORD is a global manufacturer of drive technology and automation solutions, founded in 1965, and headquartered in Bargteheide, Germany. Their comprehensive range covers gear units for seamless power transmission; motors to drive various machinery; frequency inverters for precise speed control; rugged industrial gearboxes for heavy-duty applications; and drive electronics for seamless integration. NORD drive components are calculated according to DIN 3990, NIEMANN, and AGMA. The certification according to DIN ISO 9001 documents their commitment to quality management.
Lenze is a company established in 1998 by the founder Hans Lenze and it is a developer and manufacturer of integrated automation solutions. This company manufactures products such as IoT, controllers, inverters, geared motors, motors, gearboxes, accessories, and software. Additionally, Lenze provides drive components for machines and installations. The company has served industries including converting and printing, airport logistics, warehouses, textile, and packaging. Furthermore, Lenze is ISO certified. Their support section offers software downloads and a knowledge base for assistance.
Mitsubishi Electric was established in Japan in 1921 and headquartered in Tokyo. The company’s Semiconductors & Devices division is a manufacturer of products serving several industries ranging from home appliances and automotive to renewable energy and optical fiber communication. The company’s products are divided into 4 product segments: power devices, high-frequency devices, optical devices, and infrared sensors. Power devices encompass motion controls, most home appliances, and SiC applications. High-frequency devices include satellite communications systems, radios, and base transceiver stations. Optical devices include projector light sources and optical fiber communication. Infrared sensing systems include MeIDIR thermal sensors.
Micro Motors SRL is based in Verderio, Italy, and is a manufacturer of miniature DC gearmotors originally established in 1966 as CEL-MA before rebranding in 1973. The company produces small gear and brushless DC motors available in various sizes, lengths, speeds, and currents for use in vending machines, medical equipment, or automated machines. It also offers various high-power planetary motors, as well as stepper models for precision positioning or motion control purposes. The company's products are used for home automation, banking, and photovoltaic operations.
Bauer Gear Motor GmbH, founded in 1927 and headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, is a manufacturer of geared motors and is part of the Regal Rexnord Brand. Its products include worm-geared, monorail, bevel-geared, shaft-mounted, and helical-geared motors used in several industries, including concrete, material handling, wastewater, energy, and metals. The company has manufacturing locations in Germany, Slovakia, the United States, and China and a design team for tailored gear solutions. It provides customizable coatings with over 100 color options and various corrosion protection classes, and its energy-saving motor ranges are cost-efficient and last a lifetime.
Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd., founded in 1918 and headquartered in Nagano, Japan, is a manufacturer of drive systems and precision motors and also offers customized motion solutions. Its products include robotic grippers, drivers, actuators, blowers, and pumps, used in several industries, including automation, life environment, automotive, space, and assistive technology. The company stocks over 9000 drive system and motor models, and over 95% are customized. It is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO13485 certified, and it also acquired IATF16949 accreditation.
Oriental Motor USA Corp., established in 1978 and based in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of motors and control systems and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. The company stocks over 50,000 products that it sells worldwide, including actuators, motors, and controller products used in several industries like the medical, semiconductor, and factory automation industries. In 1983, the company developed brushless DC fans, and it later developed watertight, dust-resistant motors in 1990. In 1991, it came up with motorized linear slides and motorized cylinders.
WEG S.A. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of industrial engineering products founded in 1961 and based in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. The company produces equipment and products for power generation, control, and coating metal or wood. These include powder coatings for decorative or protective purposes, gas turbines, and dry-type transformers. The company primarily serves clients in the oil and gas, wastewater processing, and mining industries. It also offers maintenance, engineering, and automation services to its customers.
Coreless Motor Co. Ltd. is based in Yamato, Kanagawa, Japan, and is a manufacturer of coreless motors and related components that was established in 2017 following the merger of M-Link Co. Ltd., IC Fan V-Tech Co. Ltd., and Coreless Motor Co., Ltd. The company’s product lineup includes coreless AC servo motors, coreless brushless DC motors, and coreless IC fan motors. It also offers custom design and development services, as well as opto-mechanical assembly and optical coating. The company chiefly serves client manufacturers of automobiles, aircraft, and heavy machinery.
Citizen Micro Co. Ltd., founded in 1958 and currently a subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co. Ltd., is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Hidaka City, Saitama, offering electric products. The company introduced industry-standard gear motors, utilizing its ultra-fine machining technology applied in producing watch parts. Its product lineup includes an extensive selection of gear and direct current (DC) motors, gearheads, and rotary encoders. It also engages in joint development projects to create customized products, such as paradox planetary gearheads. The company serves diverse manufacturing sectors, including industrial, housing, and medical equipment.
NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS was established in Japan in April, 1967 as a specialty manufacturer of electronic components. NIDEC’s offerings have increased to serve the automotive, construction, medical equipment, FA equipment, analytical measuring equipment, and residential security industries. Among the offerings are components for LiDAR, railway pressure sensors, CPAP, dialysis, MRI, and ultrasonography machines, wireless base stations, and power tools. These components include switches, sensors, mirrors, motors, and fans.
Demag Cranes & Components Corp., founded in 1968 and based in Wetter, Germany, specializes in producing industrial cranes, hoists, and crane components. Its product lineup includes a range of offerings such as crane kits, enclosed rail crane systems, enclosed rail monorail systems, rope hoists, and chain hoists. The company's offerings cater to diverse industrial needs, providing efficient solutions for material handling, lifting, and transport, thereby enhancing operational productivity and safety across various sectors.
KING RIGHT MOTOR CO., LTD of Taoyuan City, Taiwan, specializes in the research and development and manufacture of DC brushed motors, servo motors, and DC gears. King Right Motor’s main products include DC motors, planetary gear motors, worm gear motors, spur gears, servo motors and pumps ranging in output power from 10W to 1,000W. These are used in equipment, industrial machinery, garage doors, elevators, elevator doors, mixers, medical equipment, health and welfare equipment, garden equipment tools, stage design and vehicle applications. King Right Motor has passed ISO 9001 certification.
TSUKASA ELECTRIC CO.,LTD was founded in 1969 in Japan. Tsukasa primarily develops two types of components. First are motors, which are used in vending machines, ATM machines, and amusement machines. These also include gear motors, gear pumps, linear motion units, and rotary actuators. Secondly, Tsukasa develops tube pumps which are generally mounted to the aforementioned motors.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | ISL Products International. |
17.5%
|
2 | ElectroCraft, Inc. |
7.5%
|
3 | NORD |
7.0%
|
4 | Lenze SE |
6.9%
|
5 | Robot MarketPlace, LLC |
6.7%
|
6 | Power Electric |
5.7%
|
7 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation |
5.7%
|
8 | NIDEC SANKYO |
5.5%
|
9 | Bauer Gear Motor GmbH |
5.2%
|
10 | MICRO MOTORS SRL |
4.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the geared motor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 7 | 38.9% |
United States of America | 4 | 22.2% |
Germany | 3 | 16.7% |
Taiwan | 2 | 11.1% |
Singapore | 1 | 5.6% |
Italy | 1 | 5.6% |