Nord Drivesystems now offers a new range of worm gear units in a robust, one-piece UNICASE housing in five sizes with a maximum torque of 427 Nm. New, larger output bearings allow users to choose increased shaft diameters than the previously available series. In addition, the large bearings ensure a much extended service life. The aluminium permanent mould casting process was optimised for the SMI series, resulting in an especially smooth surface that prevents dirt build-up. Closed SMI worm gear versions are washdown-capable, and can therefore be easily cleaned along with other systems during plant cleaning processes. If required, these gear units are available with Nord's NSD tupH surface conversion treatment, which transforms their durability with up to seven times the hardness of the base aluminium material, providing excellent protection against acids and alkaline solutions. A synthetic long-life lubricant makes the worm gears maintenance-free during their entire service life. Equipped with oil gauge screws, the gear units are now also suitable for use in hazardous areas.

The worm gear units provide transmission ratios between i=5:1 and i=3000:1. Thanks to the modular design, they are easily configured according to application requirements. Users can optionally select the field-proven and extensive SI series modular worm gear unit program which is flange-compatible to the SMI series, allowing for very versatile configuration. On the drive side, several standard IEC interfaces (B5/B14) are available for every gear unit size. The worm gear units can be foot- or flange-mounted and equipped with solid or hollow shafts, and as closed or open frame versions.

Nord Drivesystems develops, produces and sells drive technologies with around 2,800 employees, and is one of the international leaders in the industry. In addition to standard drives, Nord supplies application-specific concepts and solutions, even for special applications, for example with energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. The company produces a wide variety of drive units for torques from 10 to 200,000 Nm, electric motors with powers from 0.12 kW to 200 kW as well as the necessary power electronics in the form of frequency inverters and servo controllers. Inverter solutions are available for classical installations in the switch cabinet and for decentralised and fully integrated drive units.

Jyoti Mishra, Nord Drivesystems Pvt Ltd, Pune. Email: jyoti.mishra@nord.com