What is a worm gearbox?

A worm gearbox is a compact power transmission device that uses a threaded screw (worm) meshing with a spur gear (worm gear) to transmit motion between perpendicular shafts. The meshing action provides high torque multiplication and inherent self-locking capability in high-ratio configurations. Worm gearboxes are ideal for applications requiring compact design, quiet operation, and self-holding loads without brake mechanisms.

What are the advantages of worm gearboxes?

Worm gearboxes offer several key advantages: (1) Compact size — high torque multiplication in a small footprint compared to parallel shaft gearboxes. (2) Self-locking — ratios above 5:1 prevent backdriving without an external brake, holding loads indefinitely at rest. (3) Quiet operation — gradual tooth engagement produces minimal noise and vibration. (4) High efficiency — worm mesh transmission converts rotary motion smoothly with minimal shock. (5) Cost-effective — simple design and mature manufacturing process keep costs low. (6) Multiple mounting options — foot-mounted, flange-mounted, or shaft-mounted configurations available.

What sizes of worm gearboxes does AEI offer?

AEI manufactures two complete worm gearbox product lines: (1) Cast Iron Worm Gearboxes — sizes 50-305CD with power outputs from 3 kW to 25 kW, torque to 4200 Nm, ratios from 5:1 to 100:1, in under-driven, double-worm, vertical, adaptable, and motorised configurations. (2) NMRV Aluminium Worm Reducers — sizes 025-150 with power outputs from 0.37 kW to 18.5 kW, torque to 1550 Nm, ratios from 5:1 to 100:1, offering weight savings and corrosion resistance for outdoor/food applications. Both lines feature hardened worm shafts and bronze worm gears for durability.

Worm Gearboxes — Cast Iron Worm Gear Reducers

Name: Worm Gearboxes
Brand: Anand Gears

AEI worm gearbox with self-locking capability

Power Transmission

Self-Locking Worm Gearboxes for Heavy-Duty Applications

AEI worm gearboxes deliver high torque multiplication in a compact design, making them ideal for applications requiring load-holding without external brakes. Our cast iron worm gearboxes (sizes 50–305CD) handle power outputs up to 25 kW with torque to 4200 Nm, while our NMRV aluminium worm reducers (sizes 025–150) offer 18.5 kW power and 1550 Nm torque with superior corrosion resistance. The self-locking property of high-ratio worm meshes (5:1 and above) means the load remains stationary when power is removed — essential for conveyor systems, lifting equipment, and positioning applications where safety is critical.

Self-locking at high ratios (eliminates backdriving)

Ratios 5:1 to 100:1 with smooth engagement

Cast iron (50–305CD) and NMRV aluminium variants

Under-driven, double-worm, vertical, and motorised options

Hardened worm shaft and bronze gear for durability

Foot-mounted, flange-mounted, and shaft-mounted configurations

Specialized Designs

Worm Gearbox Variants

Six configurable worm gearbox types optimized for specific application demands — from compact under-driven designs to heavy-duty motorised units.

Under-Driven Worm Gearboxes

Compact single-shaft design with the worm directly mounted on the motor shaft or prime mover. Eliminates coupling, saving space and weight. Ideal for space-constrained equipment like conveyors and packaging lines.

Mounting Direct shaft coupling

Footprint Highly compact

Best For Space-limited installations

Double-Worm Gearboxes

Dual worm shafts driving a single worm gear, doubling torque output without increasing size. Two synchronized inputs from separate motors allow load sharing and fail-safe redundancy for critical material handling applications.

Torque Output 2× single-worm capacity

Inputs Dual synchronized shafts

Best For High-torque lifting and heavy material handling

Vertical Worm Gearboxes

90-degree output shaft orientation for vertical lifting applications. The worm gear shaft points upward, ideal for stage lifts, platform elevators, and scissor mechanisms where vertical thrust is required.

Output Shaft Vertical orientation

Load Holding Self-locking prevents drift

Best For Vertical lifting, stage platforms

Adaptable Worm Gearboxes

Flexible mounting arrangement with replaceable gear shafts and customizable center distances. Allows engineers to adjust output speed and load distribution to match evolving process requirements without purchasing new units.

Flexibility Modular shaft and bearing design

Customization Field-adjustable gear ratio

Best For Equipment with evolving duty cycles

Motorised Worm Gearboxes

Integrated motor-gearbox assembly with the electric motor flange-coupled to the gearbox, reducing assembly time and cost. Available with standard AC motors or premium-efficiency IE3 motors. Single unit for plug-and-play installation.

Motor Integration Flange-mounted IEC motors

Setup Time Minimal — ready to operate

Best For Turn-key automation solutions

Stainless Steel Variants

AISI 316 stainless steel housing and shafts with Niploy coating for extreme corrosion resistance. Ideal for food processing, chemical plants, wash-down areas, and marine environments where hygiene and durability are non-negotiable.

Material AISI 316 stainless steel

Coating Niploy anti-corrosion

Best For Food, pharma, and marine applications

Engineering Data

Worm Gearbox Specifications

Detailed performance parameters for cast iron and NMRV aluminium worm gearboxes across all available sizes.

Product Line	Size Range	Power (kW)	Torque (Nm)	Ratio	Efficiency	Housing
Cast Iron Worm	50–305CD	3–25 kW	Up to 4200 Nm	5:1–100:1	75–85%	Cast Iron
NMRV Aluminium	025–150	0.37–18.5 kW	Up to 1550 Nm	5:1–100:1	70–82%	Aluminium

Self-Locking Capability

All AEI worm gearboxes with ratios 5:1 and above exhibit self-locking behavior due to the high friction angle of the worm mesh. This means the worm cannot be back-driven by the load — the load remains stationary when power is removed, eliminating the need for external braking systems. This is ideal for safety-critical applications like stage lifts and hoisting equipment.

Note: For ratios below 5:1, or when backdriving is required (e.g., lowering under load control), specify low-friction ratios or consult our engineering team for brake recommendations.

Industry Solutions

Worm Gearbox Applications

Proven performance across food processing, material handling, conveyor systems, and beyond.

Conveyor Systems

Horizontal, inclined, and curved conveyor drives where smooth, load-holding transmission is critical. Self-locking worm gearboxes prevent belt slip on uphill inclines and hold loads stationary when the motor stops — improving safety and reducing wear.

Mixers & Agitators

Heavy-duty industrial mixers for concrete, paint, chemicals, and food products. The compact size and high torque delivery of worm gearboxes make them ideal for direct mixer coupling or multi-point drive systems through bevel gear synchronized units.

Packaging Machinery

Format changeover systems, film advance drives, and sealing bar positioning. Food-grade stainless steel worm gearboxes with NSF H1 lubricants ensure sanitary operation and comply with food safety regulations.

Material Handling Equipment

Stackers, tiered conveyors, and level control systems. The self-locking feature prevents load drop during power failure, a critical safety requirement in material handling operations.

Food Processing

Dough mixers, sauce kettles, and filling machinery. Washdown-rated stainless steel variants with sealed bearings withstand high-pressure cleaning and humid environments while maintaining food safety compliance.

Custom Installations

Non-standard applications requiring custom gear ratios, mounting arrangements, or special materials. Our adaptable gearbox line and engineering expertise deliver tailored solutions within 4–8 weeks.

Pricing & Availability

Anand Gears Worm Gearboxes are competitively priced for the Indian market. Pricing depends on size, ratio, material, and customisation requirements.

Starting From

₹3,500

Small Frame Size

Mid-Range

₹15,000

Standard Models

Heavy-Duty

₹65,000+

Large / Custom

Prices are indicative and vary based on specifications. GST extra. Contact us for an exact quotation.

Get Exact Quote

Worm Gearboxes