Torque, speed and accuracy are central to selecting a precision drive system. The operating environment also deserves careful consideration. Moisture, salt spray and cleaning chemicals can affect exposed components, making material selection, surface treatments and sealing arrangements an important part of the specification.
At Tandler Precision, we help customers select protection for the complete assembly, considering the gearbox housing, shafts, seals and coupling together.
TANDLER offers several housing protection options, including nickel plating, application-specific paint finishes and anodised aluminium. Tenifer 30 NO treatment provides a corrosion-resistant black surface finish on suitable housing components. Each approach has its place, with selection depending on the environment, cleaning requirements and gearbox configuration.
For applications with demanding hygiene and corrosion-resistance requirements, stainless steel gearbox housings are also available. Smooth external surfaces and mounting holes machined to customer requirements help support effective cleaning. The material specification still needs to be assessed against the substances and conditions the gearbox will encounter.
Exposed input and output shafts require similar attention. TANDLER offers stainless steel and hard chrome plated shaft options, allowing shaft protection to be specified alongside the housing finish. The shaft material and surface condition must also support the mechanical and sealing requirements of the application. Particular attention should be given to the surface on which the shaft seal runs, as its condition affects sealing performance.
Sealing arrangements play a further role by retaining lubricant and limiting the entry of external contaminants. The seal material needs to be compatible with both the gearbox lubricant and any substances encountered during operation or cleaning. Temperature, shaft speed and pressure conditions must also be considered.
TANDLER can provide non-standard seals and sealing arrangements for specific operating requirements. Protective cover plates are also available to help shield radial shaft seals from contamination and damage caused by foreign bodies. These details should be considered during specification, particularly where equipment operates in exposed or heavily contaminated areas.
The coupling connecting the gearbox to the surrounding drive system also needs to suit the environment. R+W offers stainless steel coupling options, including the BKS metal bellows coupling, which combines stainless steel bellows and hubs with welded bellows-to-hub connections.
Designed for applications involving moisture, aggressive media and elevated temperatures, the BKS provides torsionally stiff, backlash-free torque transmission while accommodating axial, lateral and angular shaft misalignment within its specified limits. Its welded construction provides an alternative to an adhesive joint at the bellows-to-hub interface. Material compatibility and operating conditions remain central to selection.
A suitable corrosion-protection specification therefore starts with a clear understanding of the application. The type and concentration of cleaning chemicals, operating temperature, duration of exposure and cleaning method all help determine the appropriate combination of materials, finishes and seals. Fasteners and other exposed interfaces should form part of that assessment.
Whether you are developing machinery for food processing, outdoor installation or another demanding environment, Tandler Precision can help you select a gearbox and coupling solution around your requirements.
Contact our technical team to discuss your application:
sales@tandler.co.uk | 01604 588056