Start with the 5:1 right angle worm gearbox preset, estimate output speed, torque, thermal loss, and service-factor risk, then use the report to decide whether worm, bevel, hypoid, or a braked solution belongs in the RFQ.
Evidence sources
5
Architecture paths
4
RFQ fields
5
Run the checker to see output speed, estimated torque, heat loss, and the next RFQ action.
The main goal is not to prove that every 5:1 request needs a worm gearbox. The goal is to screen ratio, heat, holding, and architecture fit early enough that the RFQ asks for the right rating evidence.
| Decision | Evidence | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canonical intent | 5:1 right angle worm gearbox is a ratio-specific request inside the right angle worm gearbox topic. | Keep the query on this canonical URL and use the 5:1 preset in the checker. |
| Best fit signal | A 5:1 worm stage can be compact, quiet, and inexpensive when duty is moderate and holding is not safety-rated. | Validate output speed, torque, heat loss, and mounting before sending an RFQ. |
| Escalation signal | High duty, high starts, safety holding, or ratios above 40:1 change the decision from catalog fit to engineering review. | Ask for thermal rating, brake strategy, lubricant position, and service factor confirmation. |
| Alternative path | Bevel, hypoid, or planetary right-angle drives usually outperform worms where efficiency is the dominant constraint. | Compare lifecycle power loss before locking the architecture. |
The 5:1 preset usually stays in the quick-screen zone because efficiency is higher and heat loss is lower. Higher ratios can still be viable, but the decision shifts from "does the ratio match?" to "can the housing reject the heat?"
| Ratio | Efficiency screen | Heat risk | Decision use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:1 | 78% to 86% | Low to moderate | Good first screen when compact 90-degree layout is the goal. |
| 10:1 | 72% to 82% | Moderate | Check duty cycle and service factor before catalog selection. |
| 20:1 | 62% to 74% | Moderate to high | Thermal review is part of the baseline RFQ. |
| 40:1 | 48% to 60% | High | Continuous duty needs housing and lubricant validation. |
| 80:1 | 34% to 46% | Boundary | Treat as an engineering boundary, not a quick-fit result. |
Worm gearboxes are often selected for geometry and simplicity, but final selection frequently turns on thermal power. A torque-capable unit can still fail the application when continuous losses exceed housing dissipation.
| Architecture | Advantage | Caution | Use when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right angle worm gearbox | Compact 90-degree package, quiet mesh, economical reduction. | Efficiency and thermal loss fall as ratio and duty rise. | Space is tight, speed reduction is useful, and heat can be managed. |
| Right angle bevel gearbox | High mechanical efficiency and clean 90-degree transfer. | Usually needs separate braking when holding is required. | Battery life or continuous duty is more important than cost. |
| Hypoid right angle gearbox | Compact offset shafts with higher efficiency than worm drives. | Availability, lubricant, and cost can vary by vendor. | You need high ratio density but cannot accept worm heat loss. |
| Planetary plus right-angle stage | High torque density and controlled backlash options. | More parts, longer stack, and often higher price. | Precision, shock load, or lifecycle efficiency drives the choice. |
Speed and torque
Output speed equals input speed divided by ratio; output torque applies estimated mesh efficiency.
Heat loss
Input power not delivered to the output is treated as heat to flag thermal review.
Holding boundary
Parking preference is informational; safety holding triggers brake or lock review.
Vendor rating
Final selection needs catalog thermal power, shaft loads, mounting, lubricant, and service factor.
The calculator intentionally returns "boundary" before a precise catalog model. That protects against the common error of treating a ratio phrase as a complete gearbox specification.
| Metric | Screen value | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Input case | 0.40 kW, 1500 rpm, 5:1, 8 h/day | Default alias screen for a moderate-duty right-angle worm request. |
| Output speed | 300 rpm | Input speed divided by the 5:1 ratio before downstream reduction. |
| Output torque | 10.4 Nm | Power-derived input torque multiplied by ratio and 82% screening efficiency. |
| Heat loss | 0.07 kW | Power not delivered to the output shaft; still confirm vendor thermal rating. |
| Service factor marker | 1.35 | Moderate starts and duty remain inside quick-screen range, not final sizing. |
| Risk | Trigger | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal overload | High duty, low efficiency, poor airflow, or small housing. | Ask for thermal power rating at ambient temperature and mounting position. |
| False self-locking assumption | Using worm geometry as a safety brake. | Use a brake or lock designed and rated for the safety function. |
| Lubrication mismatch | Vertical shaft, sealed-for-life unit, or inverted mounting. | Confirm oil level, breather, seal orientation, and service interval. |
| Output shaft overload | Cantilever load, belt pull, wheel load, or shock starts. | Validate radial/axial load and bearing life, not torque alone. |
| Ratio-only RFQ | Spec says only "5:1 right angle worm gearbox". | Add power, speed, duty, mounting, load direction, and environment. |
| Field | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Power and speed | Converts the ratio request into input torque, output speed, and heat loss. | 0.40 kW motor, 1500 rpm input, 5:1 reduction. |
| Duty profile | Separates intermittent indexing from thermal continuous duty. | 8 hours/day, 20 starts/hour, moderate shock. |
| Mounting and shaft layout | Controls lubrication, seal life, and package fit. | Hollow output, foot mounted, horizontal worm shaft. |
| Holding requirement | Prevents using worm backdrive behavior as an unverified safety brake. | Parking hold only; external brake if safety-rated. |
| Environment | Ambient heat, washdown, dust, and vibration change derating. | 35 C ambient, indoor conveyor, IP54 target. |
| Scenario | Input profile | Likely path |
|---|---|---|
| Light conveyor turn station | 0.25 to 0.55 kW, 5:1 to 10:1, 8 h/day. | Catalog screen plus mounting and radial-load check. |
| AMR accessory lift or latch | Low speed, intermittent duty, parking hold preference. | Worm may fit, but safety holding needs separate design. |
| Continuous mixer or auger | High duty, heavy shock, warm ambient. | Thermal rating and service factor gate before selection. |
| Battery vehicle drive axis | Runtime-sensitive with frequent starts. | Compare bevel or hypoid efficiency before choosing worm. |
| Source | Use in this page |
|---|---|
| AGMA 6034-C21American Gear Manufacturers Association | Service-factor and rating-method discipline for wormgear speed reducers. |
| SEW-Eurodrive gear unit documentationSEW-Eurodrive | Mounting, lubrication, duty, and thermal-rating checks used as RFQ gates. |
| SEW-Eurodrive thermal limit guidanceSEW-Eurodrive | Thermal power and operating-condition checks before final selection. |
| NORD angled gear unit comparisonNORD Drivesystems | Architecture trade-off context between bevel and worm right-angle drives. |
| NIST Appendix B9National Institute of Standards and Technology | Power-unit conversion reference when RFQs mix hp, W, and kW. |
Use when the question is worm gearbox first and does not require a right-angle-specific decision path.
Use when high efficiency or true 90-degree transfer is more important than worm reduction.
Use after the checker confirms the architecture and you need product-family context.
Use when the right-angle requirement still needs broader worm gearbox product options.
Use when heat loss or battery life may outweigh the compact worm layout.
