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In Stock & Custom Slew Drives

In Stock & Custom Slew Drives

In Stock & Custom Slew Drives

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.

 

What Is a Slew Drive?

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.

 

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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
* Open housing models are usually lighter than enclosed housing models due to less housing material
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

How Do Slew Drives Work?

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.

 

Benefits of Using Slewing Drive Technology

Slew drives are a powerful and cost-effective alternative compared to traditional gearbox systems. Its advantages include:

  • High power density: While slewing rings are most commonly used to generate slew rotation, slew drive technology capitalizes on the capacity of its internal slewing ring while introducing a built-in driving force through the worm gear. Speed and reduction ratios are better controlled through the worm wheel design as opposed to a standard slew ring and pinion.
  • Space-saving: Slew drives allow for considerable space saving in the perpendicular planes as no additional gearboxes are required for speed reduction.
  • Protection for internal components: In harsh environments, an enclosed housing slewing drive protects the internal components from debris and contamination through different sealing solutions.
  • Plug and play: Slew drives can be integrated and installed into any system once they are in place and attached to a power source. This setup is an improvement from the corrective adjustments made on older systems.
  • Customizable: Slew drives can be customized to meet their application, such as including multiple drive motors to double the torque capacity.

 

Slew Drive Applications

Slewing products can be found in many applications, including:

  • Construction equipment.
  • Renewable energy solar trackers and wind turbines.
  • Turntables and welding positioners.
  • Packing and packaging equipment.
  • Assembly lines.
  • Aerial platforms.
  • Vacuum Trucks.
  • Public transportation.

Many of these applications are OEMs. Slew drives for OEMs can be customized to fit these high-volume OEM applications.

 

Worm Gear Slewing Drive Features

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:

  • Maximum load capacity.
  • Compact design to save space.
  • Simple integration into existing applications.
  • Quick customization options.
  • Shock resistant.

 

Contact Us For In Stock & Custom Slewing Drives 

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.

 

Call For A Free Quote (905)-828-4001

 

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