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An AC or DC gear motor is designed to have a long life. The length of that life depends on which type you choose from a gear motor catalog, or custom build, along with its intended purpose. However, the way you stress and maintain a DC or AC gear motor can affect its longevity for better or worse.

The following factors affect the durability, performance and efficiency of gear motors:

Environment of use. Inappropriate environmental temperatures and high humidity can shorten the life of an AC or DC gear motor. While in use, the ideal temperature range for a gear motor is generally between 10 and 60 degrees Celsius. Environmental relative humidity shouldn’t exceed 85 percent.

Load conditions and impact loads. When a load exceeds a gear’s rated torque, the wear and tear makes the part increasingly inefficient. Exceeding the permitted thrust or overhang loads can also have a negative impact on a gear motor.

The gear motor’s operation. Mode of operation, frequent starting, reversing the turning direction momentarily and long-term, continuous operation can all shorten a gear motor’s life span.

Using the output shaft for forced turning. When you do this, the motor turns into an electrical generator and speed-increasing mechanism, which can damage the gears and other internal parts of the machine.

Pulse drives. Short breaks, PWM controls and counter electromotive force affect a gear motor’s durability.

Using nonstandard voltage instead of the recommend voltage.

Storage. Store gear motors in a location whose temperature doesn’t exceed 65 degrees Celsius, with low relative humidity and no materials that generate toxins or corrosive agents.

To learn more about increasing the longevity of a DC or AC gear motor, or for help finding the right one for your needs, contact Sinotech.