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Gearbox service factor and service class

explained
DECEMBER 14, 2018 BY DANIELLE COLLINS — LEAVE A COMMENT

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2/29/2020 Gearbox service factor and service class explained

Sizing a gearbox (or gearmotor) for an industrial application typically begins with determining
the appropriate service factor. In simple terms, the service factor is the ratio of the gearbox
rated horsepower (or torque) to the application’s required horsepower (or torque). Service
factors are de ned by the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), based on the
type of gearbox, the expected service duty, and the type of application.

While service factors may seem to be very

speci c, with thousands of combinations of
gearbox types and applications each assigned its
own numerical value, the criteria used to
determine these values are based not on testing
and empirical data, but rather on extensive review
and analysis of gearbox manufacturers’
experience.

In general, the horsepower (or torque) rating of a

gear tooth is based on the durability of the gear
Image credit: Cone Drive
surface — its resistance to pitting — or on its
bending fatigue. As the service factor of a gearbox
is increased, the relationship between the gear teeth life (based on durability of the gear
surface) and load is proportional to the increase in service factor, raised to the 8.78 power. In
other words, if the service factor is increased by 30 percent (from 1.0 to 1.30, for example), the
gear tooth life will increase 10 times (1.308.78 = 10.01).

To determine the gearbox service factor, start by consulting a set of tables or charts provided
by the manufacturer, based on the type of gearing (worm, spiral bevel, helical, etc.). These
tables list a wide range of applications (conveyors, cranes, winders, saws, blowers, etc.), each
with (typically) three levels of service duty the gearbox is expected to see: zero to 3 hours per
day; 3 to 10 hours per day; or greater than 10 hours per day. Each of these application-service
duty combinations is assigned a recommended service factor.

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2/29/2020 Gearbox service factor and service class explained

Service factors by application type and gearbox service duty, per AGMA guidelines.
Image credit: Regal Beloit Corporation

Remember, the gearbox service factor is much like a safety factor to ensure the gearbox
meets the application requirements, taking into account typical operating conditions known to
exist for various types of applications. Once the AGMA-recommended service factor is
determined, consider other, non-typical, working conditions that can cause additional stress
and wear on the gear teeth, bearings, or lubrication. If any of these conditions exist, increase
the service factor accordingly to ensure a su cient safety margin and life of the gearbox.

Some conditions that may require an increase in the service factor are:

Elevated temperatures
Extreme shock loads or vibrations
Non-uniform loads (cutting versus conveying, for example)
Cyclic loads (frequent starts and stops)
High peak versus continuous loads

Once the appropriate gearbox service factor is determined, multiply the service factor by the
horsepower (or torque) required for the application, and the result is the output horsepower (or

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2/29/2020 Gearbox service factor and service class explained

torque) required by the gearbox.

How does service class di er from service factor?

In some cases, manufacturers cite gearbox “service classes” rather than service factors.
Service classes are designated as I, II, or III, and are generally translated to numerical service
factors of 1.0, 1.4, and 2.0, respectively, to be used in gearbox sizing calculations. It’s common
that even if a manufacturer publishes service classes for general application types, they also
publish the more speci c service factors for speci c applications as well.

Suggested service factors based on service class.

Image credit: STOBER Drives Inc.

Why don’t some catalogs list gearbox service factors?

Using service factor to guide the selection of a gearbox
is appropriate for applications driven by traditional AC
induction motors. But because gearbox output torque,
speed, and inertia are much more critical for the proper
operation of a servo system, sizing a so-called “servo-
rated” gearbox requires a more detailed and exact
method. For gearboxes that are used in servo systems, Servo-rated gearboxes require detailed
the primary emphasis in the sizing process is on sizing to choose inertia, output torque,
required torque and inertia match. and speed for proper servo system
operation.
Image credit: Wittenstein
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