Slew drives are an update to worm drive mechanisms and are made for applications that need rotational torque and load holding in the same gearbox. SlewMaster is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) delivering slew drives that are customizable, high quality and competitively priced. We will work alongside you throughout the entire process, from design to implementation, to ensure total satisfaction.
A slew drive is a type of gearbox that is critically designed to handle high axial, radial, and tilting moment loads while providing high rotational output torque. Across different applications, a slew drive can also be known as worm gear slew drive, slewing drive, turret bearing, worm drive, rotational unit and many other slewing product labels.
| Series | Precision | Back Holding Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| RKE-Series | High | High | Light |
| RKO-Series | High | High | Light |
| LKE-Series | High | Low | Very Light |
| RSE-2-Series | Medium | Very High | Very Heavy |
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Singe/Dual worm | Open/Enclosed housing |
| Controlled Backlash | Self-locking helical gear – worm shaft mesh |
| IP 55/IP 65 Sealing | Four-Point contact bearing |
| Single/Double row | Slew ring material: C45 |
| Standard/Custom housing design | ID range: 7.5” (200mm) - 20” (500mm) across 6 models |
| Bearing raceway hardened to 50~54HRC | Standard/Custom mounting holes |
| Standard/Custom spline and key worm shaft input | Standard/Custom manual rotator on worm shaft |
| Standard/Custom grease zerk locations | RPM range: 1~3 |
| Gear mesh efficiency ~40% | Standard Paint: C3 + ED Coating. Optional C5 + ED Coating |
* Open housing models are usually lighter than enclosed housing models due to less housing material
The mechanics behind it is built on the concept of a worm wheel where a slewing ring with external teeth is meshed with complementing worm gear with a predefined gear ratio. Internal components are contained and assembled inside a cast iron or aluminum housing for protection and installation.
The unique design of a slew drive allows it to utilize two perpendicular planes transmitting high output rotational torque with a relative speed ratio to its inputs. As the worm gear rotates through a low input torque on the horizontal plane, its hardened teeth translate rotational motion onto the external slewing teeth. This force creates a rotation around the perpendicular axis of the slew drive through the slewing outer ring.
The use of a worm-wheel design makes room for a wide range of low torque inputs to the slew drive to transmit or hold high torque applications. Slew drives can be found across several constructions and heavy machinery equipment. The versatility and weight allow slew drives to act as an immediate solution to rotary-related issues.
Slew drives are a powerful and cost-effective alternative compared to traditional gearbox systems. Its advantages include:
Slewing products can be found in many applications, including:
Many of these applications are OEMs. Slew drives for OEMs can be customized to fit these high-volume OEM applications.
Our slewing drive product line is unique in the market because of its versatility. While a slewing drive comes standard in terms of size and outer dimensions, customization and customer-specific requirements can be adhered to in the early design phases. The worm gear input can be modified to fit different motor input shaft dimensions as per application requirements. Cast iron or aluminum end caps are bolted down on both sides of the worm shaft to press the gear into position. This prevents axial play and provides better control over backlash.
The standard orientation of a slew drive is horizontal, allowing high axial loads and minimal radial loads. However, vertical orientation is widely spread across different applications. The number of bolts and their distribution on the slew drive surface plays a major role in the load capacity of a slew drive, but can be custom modified to fit/replace current models used by our customers.
Other slew drive features include:
SlewMaster provides its customers with a high-quality application-based slew drives product line. Sizes range from 7.5” (200mm) up to 20” (500mm) in ID. Standard hydraulic or electric motors are used to rotate the drive-through standard worm shaft inputs and can be assembled upon customer request, depending on their application. To provide 360-degree rotation, hydraulic swivels are to be coupled with slew drives.
Our team of engineers is well equipped with the tools and technology necessary to work alongside our customers. We work to understand their applications, design requirements, project scope and loads, as well as to help identify the most suitable products. We are ready to provide technical support and slew drive recommendations based on application requirements. Request a quote for your worm gear slew drive today.
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