Slewing Drive

What is slew drive?

slew drive is a full cycle rotary reduction transmission mechanism that integrates a driving power source. It uses a rotary bearing as the driving follower and mechanism attachment. By attaching an active component, driving source, and cover to one of the inner and outer rings of the rotary bearing, the other ring is used as both the driving follower and the connecting base of the driven working component. This takes advantage of the characteristic that the rotary bearing itself is a full cycle rotary connector, Efficient configuration of the driving power source and main transmission components makes it a universal reduction transmission mechanism that integrates rotation, deceleration, and driving functions, while also having a simple structure and convenient manufacturing and maintenance. The picture shows two typical slew drives.

Types of Slew Drive

Slew drives, which are specialized gearboxes that incorporate a slewing ring bearing, are designed to handle radial and axial loads and provide precise rotational motion. They are commonly used in applications requiring rotational torque and radial load support. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of slew drives:

1. Worm Gear Slew Drives

Worm gear slew drives are the most common type and are known for their high torque output and self-locking mechanism, which makes them ideal for applications where safety is a priority. The worm (a screw-like gear) meshes with the worm wheel to create rotational motion. This type of drive is very efficient at handling heavy loads at slow speeds and can hold loads in place without external power.

Features:

High Torque Capacity: Capable of handling significant torque loads.

Self-locking: Naturally prevents back-driving, which is crucial for applications requiring holding loads without power.

Precision: Offers smooth and controlled rotational movements.

Applications:

Solar trackers

Cranes

Aerial platforms

Satellite and radar dishes

2. Spur Gear Slew Drives

Spur gear slew drives use spur gears, which have straight teeth and are mounted parallel to the axis of rotation. This design is simpler and more cost-effective than worm gear drives but lacks the self-locking feature. Spur gear drives are suitable for applications requiring higher speed and less torque.

Features:

Higher Speed Capabilities: More suitable for applications requiring faster rotation.

Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper to produce than worm gear drives.

Efficient Power Transmission: Offers a more direct and efficient power transmission compared to worm gears.

Applications:

Lighter duty machinery

Automation equipment

Robotics

3. Bevel Gear Slew Drives

Bevel gear slew drives utilize bevel gears that allow the transmission of force and motion between intersecting axes, generally at right angles. This configuration is beneficial for applications requiring the transfer of power between perpendicular shafts.

Features:

Versatile Shaft Configurations: Allows for changes in the direction of the drive shaft.

Compact Design: Suitable for tighter spaces where right-angle configurations are needed.

High Load Capacity: Efficient at handling both radial and axial loads.

Applications:

Heavy-duty vehicles

Rotating tables

Industrial machinery

4. Helical Gear Slew Drives

Helical gear slew drives feature helical gears, which have angled teeth and operate more smoothly and quietly than spur gears. This type is similar to spur gears in terms of application but offers enhanced durability and operation.

Features:

Smooth Operation: The angled teeth engage more gradually, allowing for smoother and quieter operation.

Higher Load Capacity: Can handle higher loads due to better tooth engagement.

Reduced Vibration: Less vibration during operation compared to spur gears.

Applications:

Heavy machinery where noise reduction is important

Precision applications requiring smooth operation

Selection Considerations

When selecting a slew drive, consider the following:

Load Requirements: Choose based on the axial and radial load capacities.

Speed Requirements: Determine the necessary operational speed.

Precision and Backlash: Consider the required precision and whether backlash (play between the teeth) is permissible.

Environment: Take into account the environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and exposure to contaminants.

Each type of slew drive offers unique advantages that make it suitable for specific applications, and choosing the right one depends on the specific requirements of the project, including load, speed, precision, and environmental conditions.

Features of slew drives

Rotary drive is a highly integrated full circle rotary reduction mechanism, and its characteristics go beyond that. The difference in the maximum and minimum rotary drive can drive components and loads is tens of times, but their dimensions, especially the axial dimensions of the transmission chain, are not significantly different. This is conducive to flattening the structural form of the series transmission connecting components, thereby reducing the size of the entire mechanical equipment.

slew drive is a highly integrated full circle rotary reduction mechanism, and its characteristics go beyond that. The difference in the maximum and minimum slewing drive can drive components and loads is tens of times, but their dimensions, especially the axial dimensions of the transmission chain, are not significantly different. This is conducive to flattening the structural form of the series transmission connecting components, thereby reducing the size of the entire mechanical equipment.

In addition, whether it is a tooth type or a worm gear worm type slew drive, due to the large size difference between the driving and driven parts themselves, it is easier to achieve high transmission ratio transmission, which is also difficult for many other types of variable speed transmission mechanisms to achieve.

Applications of slew drives

The common applications are generally the full circle rotation structure of engineering and construction machinery, as well as solar, wind, and various long-term automatic tracking machinery. Due to its compact structure and short transmission chain, the rotation drive is easier to achieve high accuracy and digital control, so it is also widely used in the field of industrial robots.

Slew drives supplier 

LTZC slew drive accuracy covers four levels of Po, P6, P5 and P4. implementation standards: universal bearing GB/T307, slew drive JB/2300, ship industry CB/T3669, machinery industry JB/T10471, wind turbine bearing B/T10705. The SO9001 quality system certification has been passed in 2003.

LTZC slew drive, providing a series of services such as research and development, design, production, and sales of  slew drive products.If you are looking for slew drive supplier, please contact us for the latest quotation.