Size a 130 motor gearhead. Estimate ratio, power and current.
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Estimate ratio, power and current. Verify ratings with your supplier.
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Request a gearmotor quoteUse the calculator to describe an operating point, then qualify a specific motor and gearbox. “130 motor gearhead” (or “130 motor gear head”) identifies a sub-fractional DC gearmotor built around the 130 motor family; it does not establish the voltage, output torque, service life or payload of a complete gearmotor.
130 evidence reviewed . Manufacturer tables describe the named windings at their stated voltages; release dates are not shown on those product pages.
Return to the calculator selectorThe FA-130RA (metal brush, 1.5–3.0 V) and FK-130SH (carbon brush, 6–24 V for the named windings) have different operating ranges. Match the full supply range and driver to the exact winding; PWM duty alone does not qualify operation outside that range.
Mabuchi lists 2.10 A stall at 3 V for the 18100 winding. The DRV8833 datasheet specifies 2 A peak per bridge under stated conditions. Do not assume a single bridge can supply unrestricted stall current. Qualify current regulation and jam shutdown against the motor, driver and gearbox limits.
Pololu’s motor-noise guide describes one to three non-polarized 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors, short motor leads, separated signal routing and local supply decoupling. Verify component values with the selected driver; suppression does not establish EMC compliance.
maxon’s backdriving guidance distinguishes backdriving torque from motor detent. Gear friction cannot guarantee holding under vibration or shock; security locks and vertical hoists need a validated holding mechanism selected for their actual load and fault conditions.
N20
Check the candidate body, shaft and mounting dimensions.
Output torque and life: unknown until model-qualified.
130
Use the named winding benchmarks below, then qualify the complete gearbox.
Output torque and life: unknown until model-qualified.
180
Compare its actual curve and package against the same load requirement.
Output torque and life: unknown until model-qualified.
370
Compare its actual curve, mass and package against the same load requirement.
Output torque and life: unknown until model-qualified.
Frame names are search categories, not interchangeable power or payload ratings.
| Winding / nominal voltage | Brush type & voltage range | No load (rpm / A) | Maximum efficiency (rpm / A / mN·m / W) | Stall (mN·m / A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FA-130RA-18100 / 3 V | Metal brush (1.5–3.0 V) | 12,300 / 0.15 | 9,710 / 0.56 / 0.74 / 0.76 | 3.53 / 2.10 |
| FA-130RA-2270 / 1.5 V | Metal brush (1.5–3.0 V) | 9,100 / 0.20 | 6,990 / 0.66 / 0.59 / 0.43 | 2.55 / 2.20 |
| FK-130SH-09450 / 12 V | Carbon brush (6.0–24.0 V) | 7,200 / 0.03 | 5,680 / 0.11 / 1.12 / 0.66 | 5.30 / 0.42 |
| FF-130SH-14230 / 6 V | Precious metal (2.5–10.0 V) | 7,400 / 0.05 | 6,060 / 0.23 / 1.20 / 0.76 | 6.67 / 1.03 |
The cited pages identify FA as metal brush, FK as carbon brush and FF as precious metal brush. They do not establish a generic brush-life advantage or a PWM frequency limit. Calculator efficiency defaults (43%–50%) are rounded from Pout/(V × I) for its three presets at their maximum-efficiency points; FF is a comparison reference only.
| Quantity | Equation / units | Interpretation and limit |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction ratio i | n_motor / n_output | Use loaded speed at the intended torque. i < 1 needs a speed increase, not reduction. |
| Output power | Pout = Tout × 2π × n_output / 60 [W] | Torque in N·m, speed in rpm. This expresses demand, not motor capacity. |
| Motor shaft requirement | Pmotor = Pout / ηgear; Tmotor = Tout / (i × ηgear) | Efficiency is a fraction, e.g. 70% = 0.70. Catalog ratio and losses must match. |
| Supply current estimate | I = Pout / (V × ηgear × ηmotor) [A] | An assumed steady operating point; excludes driver losses, acceleration and stall. |
| Tangential force | F = 2000 × Tout / D_mm [N] | A torque-equivalent force, not total radial load. Belt preload and shaft overhang need separate analysis. |
| Thermal dissipation loss | Ploss = Pelec - Pout = (V × I) - Pout [W] | Combined motor and gearbox losses under the entered assumptions. Temperature rise needs separate thermal data for each component and the enclosure. |
| Shaft overhang bending moment | M = Fr × L [N·mm] | A simplified shaft moment for radial force Fr at overhang L. Bearing reactions and allowable load require the exact support geometry and vendor data. |
The calculator does not solve a coupled motor torque-speed curve. Check that its required motor torque and entered loaded speed coexist on the manufacturer curve. If they do not, revise the motor, speed or load and recalculate.
Illustrative requirements, not measured performance. All use 3 V, 70% gearbox efficiency, 45% motor efficiency and 40 mm diameter. Copy the stated inputs into the tool.
| Scenario / input | Calculated requirement | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| A: light feederMotor 9710 rpm; output 100 rpm at 0.05 N·m | 97.1:1; 0.524 W output; ~0.554 A under assumptions | Compare required motor torque and speed with the 3 V curve; then request the gearhead duty rating. |
| B: slower feederMotor 9710 rpm; output 50 rpm at 0.05 N·m | 194.2:1; 0.262 W output; ~0.277 A under assumptions | Demanded output power halves at the same torque. More reduction can change efficiency, cost and size; recheck the motor operating point. |
| C: speed mismatchMotor 1000 rpm; output 1500 rpm at 0.01 N·m | No reduction; 1.571 W output | No reduction solution. Obtain a faster loaded motor point or reconsider the speed target. |
| Architecture | What to compare | Required qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic spur (POM / PA66) | Compare mass, noise, tooling cost and wear for the same ratio and load. | Torque, temperature and jam limits are unknown without the exact gearbox data. Request continuous/peak ratings and life tests. |
| Sintered metal spur (Fe-Cu / Bronze) | Compare gear grade, lubrication, mass, noise and shock qualification. | Metal alone establishes neither strength nor life. Obtain ratio-specific torque, input-speed and duty limits. |
| Coaxial planetary (Metal gear train) | Compare inline packaging, number of stages, backlash and purchase cost. | Request measured efficiency and backlash at the operating point. Planet count and load sharing depend on the design. |
| Worm reduction (Right-angle) | Compare right-angle packaging, losses, thrust support and holding behavior. | Confirm efficiency, thrust capacity and backdriving on the complete assembly. A worm gear does not guarantee holding under vibration. |
Required ratio, output power and torque from your inputs.
Gearbox torque rating, efficiency, backlash, life and quote.
Compare exact part numbers at the same ratio, load, duty and quantity.
This is a procurement comparison framework, not a ranking from a controlled test. There is no universal plastic/metal torque ceiling, noise level or efficiency for a 130 assembly. Prices and lead times are unknown until quoted for the same drawing, ratio, volume and test requirements.
The TI DRV8833 datasheet specifies a 2.7–10.8 V operating supply and 2 A peak per bridge. RMS capability depends on package and cooling: the datasheet lists 1.5 A for PWP/RTY and 0.5 A for PW under its stated conditions. A direct 1.5 V rail is below the undervoltage lockout (UVLO), while a 12 V bus exceeds the recommended operating range. Compare driver voltage drop and heating using its datasheet at the intended current and temperature; the calculator excludes controller losses.
The two FA windings above are specified for 1.5–3.0 V. For a 2S LiPo (7.4 V nominal, 8.4 V fully charged), use a regulated motor rail or qualify another winding for the entire battery range. A motor's nominal voltage alone does not prove suitability; confirm loaded speed, current and fault behavior.
Pololu describes 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors close to the terminals, optionally adding one from each terminal to the case. It also recommends short, twisted motor leads, separation from signal wiring and bulk supply decoupling near the electronics. Choose decoupling from the selected driver's guidance and measured transients. The motor case is not automatically chassis ground, and neither H-bridge output is a permanent ground terminal.
| Check | Known here | Unknown / how to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal / duty | Steady power demand and electrical dissipation from entered assumptions. | Thermal resistance, allowable temperature rise and duty are not established by the cited performance tables. Request vendor limits and test the actual enclosure through its load cycle. |
| Shaft radial loading | Tangential force F = 2000 × Tout / D_mm if diameter is entered. | No generic bearing-load limit is verified here. Provide belt preload, wheel weight, axial load and shaft overhang; request the exact gearbox load diagram or use external shaft support. |
| Gear tooth shear strength | Calculated required output torque and core motor torque. | Continuous torque, peak duration and jam limits need ratio-specific gearbox data. Set current limiting and fault response from the weakest qualified motor, gear or driver limit. |
| Brush / gearbox life | Published brush categories for the named cores. | No generic life in hours is verified. Request life tests matching start frequency, load, supply, lubrication, temperature and acceptance criteria. |
Shaft Overhung Radial Load & Cantilever Moment Diagram
Neither a short run time nor a chosen “intermittent” label proves thermal suitability. The calculator intentionally gives no winding-temperature, generic torque safety factor or continuous-duty approval.
Stall torque is not a running rating. Obtain permissible current and peak duration for the motor and gearbox, then qualify current limiting and jam shutdown. No generic safe stall time is established.
Compare quotes for the same bearing arrangement, lubrication, noise controls and life criteria. Include any external supports, driver protection and qualification tests in total cost; quoted assembly prices are unknown here.
Qualify reversal ramps, current peaks and regenerative bus voltage with the actual load. There is no universal reversal delay. For holding loads, test the complete assembly and qualify a brake or other holding mechanism; worm gearing alone is insufficient evidence.
For N20, 130, 180 or 370 candidates, compare actual dimensions and curves at the same operating point. Frame names alone cannot determine robot payload. For holding loads, use assembly-specific backdriving data and qualify a brake or other holding mechanism where required.
Reviewed 2026-11-01: Mabuchi FA-130RA 18100, Mabuchi FA-130RA 2270, Mabuchi FK-130SH 09450 (12 V), Mabuchi FF-130SH 14230 (6 V), TI DRV8833 Rev. E, Pololu motor noise suppression, and maxon backdriving guidance. These sources support only the named products and stated principles. Equations and scenarios are our algebraic calculations. Comparison and RFQ sections are engineering review recommendations; they are not certified limits or test reports.
The calculator screens mechanical output power and a starting ratio. It cannot select a safe motor, battery, or driver without model-specific operating curves and duty ratings.
For a deeper 12V DC screening workflow and supplier evidence, see the 12V DC gearhead motor selection guide.
| Decision check | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Operating point, not no-load speed | Speed, torque, output power, and current change together under load. | Request the model-specific torque-speed-current curve at the intended voltage and load. |
| Current and driver sizing | Output power divided by 12 V is only a lossless lower bound; it omits motor, gearhead, and controller losses. | Confirm rated and start/stall current for the exact motor, then match the battery, wiring, and driver. |
| Gearhead ratio and duty rating | Efficiency and allowable torque depend on the specific gearhead and configuration. | Check continuous and intermittent torque, input speed, efficiency, and thermal limits in the selected gearhead data. |
| Source example | Published data | Decision use and limit |
|---|---|---|
| Pololu 75.81:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 12V | 450 rpm / 0.08 A no-load; 350 rpm / 0.20 A at its listed maximum-efficiency point; 31% maximum efficiency. Stall values are identified as theoretical. | Shows why a single current-per-watt assumption is not a candidate motor rating. Pololu warns that stall can damage this model; do not treat its extrapolated stall point as a continuous operating point. |
| maxon GPX 8 planetary gearhead catalog | Published maximum efficiencies vary by listed configuration: 90% (one stage), 76%-81% (two), 66%-73% (three), and 57%-65% (four); the five-stage entry is 59%. | Use the selected ratio/configuration and its operating limits. These catalog maxima do not include the motor or controller and should not be applied to another gearhead. |
These conclusions translate the industrial AC tool into decision constraints for procurement and engineering review. The underlying report snapshot is 2026-05-13; newer regulatory and price references are individually dated in the evidence table below.
US efficiency floor for 10 HP class
>= 91.7% nominal
10 CFR 431.25 tables include 10/7.5 kW rows where multiple covered 4-pole classes list 91.7% nominal full-load efficiency.
Usual service envelope
-15 C to 40 C, <= 1000 m
NEMA MG 1 Part 31.1.2 sets this as usual service for inverter-fed motors; outside this range needs additional validation.
Nameplate compliance checkpoint
Nominal efficiency + DOE CC number
10 CFR 431.31 requires both marks on covered motors and gives timing rules for CC number placement.
Gearhead efficiency
Model and load-point specific
Gearhead efficiency varies with configuration, ratio, speed, and torque. Compare data for the exact selected model rather than applying a universal per-stage percentage.
US industrial electricity benchmark
8.51 cents/kWh (2025 annual, final)
EIA Table 5.3 lists this final 2025 annual average in its October 23, 2026 release. It is a historical sensitivity baseline, not a current tariff.
Next regulatory cutover window
2027-06-01
10 CFR 431.25 switches to new tables (8-10) on this date, including expanded 1-750 hp scope and dedicated air-over treatment.
| Input Condition | Use Tool Output? | Boundary Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Target speed 80-220 rpm with output torque below 900 N.m | Yes | Usually lands in standard 8:1 to 25:1 range with manageable thermal and lead-time risk. |
| 12V DC system with continuous duty | Conditional | Verify the exact motor, controller, and gearbox continuous ratings at the operating point. The 12V screening tool does not predict temperature or service life. |
| Target speed below 35 rpm | Conditional | High ratio stages can push efficiency and lead time; dual-ratio validation is recommended. |
| Starts per hour above 25 and 24/7 duty | Conditional | Service factor and motor thermal class should be reviewed before committing to frame size. |
| Ambient above 40 C or altitude above 1000 m | Conditional | NEMA MG 1 Part 31.1.3 treats these as unusual service conditions with thermal adjustment requirements. |
| Outdoor washdown or high-temperature environment | Conditional | Seal package, coating, and maintenance interval affect both reliability and delivery date. |
| Output torque demand above 1800 N.m | No (without redesign) | A 10 HP baseline may require a larger frame or staged transmission redesign. |
Match the voltage, output speed, torque and duty before comparing supplier quotes. A series number alone does not identify a complete motor and gearhead.
This block converts standards and regulation language into explicit RFQ actions so procurement does not miss late-stage compliance blockers.
| Checkpoint | Reference | Decision Impact | RFQ Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency floor confirmation | 10 CFR 431.25 | A covered 10 HP motor below the applicable nominal-efficiency floor is non-compliant for US market placement. | Request rated nominal full-load efficiency and exact motor class/pole count in the quote sheet. |
| Nameplate readiness | 10 CFR 431.31 | Missing nominal efficiency mark or DOE CC number can block acceptance even if performance is adequate. | Add nameplate photo + CC-number verification as a pre-shipment document gate. |
| Test-method traceability | 10 CFR 431 Appendix B | Efficiency claims without method context are hard to compare across suppliers. | Ask vendors to state which recognized test method family under Appendix B supports the efficiency claim. |
| Ambient and altitude boundary | NEMA MG 1 Part 31.1.2 and 31.1.3 | Above 40 C ambient or 1000 m altitude, thermal assumptions from baseline quotes may not hold. | Escalate to thermal-derating review and confirm duty point in supplier calculation sheet. |
| Representation method consistency | 10 CFR 429.64 + 10 CFR 431.31 | Nominal values used in marketing/nameplates must be derived under DOE representation rules, not ad-hoc brochure rounding. | Ask supplier to state test or AEDM basis and confirm represented nominal value source table in the quote package. |
This matrix prevents over-generalization. It maps where DOE covered motor logic is directly usable and where you should treat outputs as provisional pending classification confirmation.
| Condition | Coverage Status | Decision Action |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Hz polyphase, <= 600 V, single-speed induction, squirrel-cage, continuous duty, 2/4/6/8 poles, 1-500 hp (manufactured before 2027-06-01) | Covered (current table set) | Use 10 CFR 431.25 tables 5-7 path and keep class/pole/frame details explicit in RFQ. |
| Same core criteria but 1-750 hp manufactured on/after 2027-06-01 | Covered (new table set) | Re-check against 10 CFR 431.25 tables 8-10 and do not rely on pre-2027 screening only. |
| Air-over motors (standard frame 1-250 hp or specialized frame 1-20 hp) manufactured on/after 2027-06-01 | Covered with dedicated rows | Apply dedicated air-over tables and verify frame classification before PO. |
| Fire pump electric motors | Separate track | Do not apply non-fire-pump tables; validate against the fire-pump-specific requirements in 10 CFR 431.25. |
| Inverter-only, liquid-cooled, submersible, or component-set cases | Potentially exempt / boundary case | Mark as “needs classification confirmation” before relying on covered-motor assumptions. |
| 50 Hz-only or non-US compliance target | Outside this DOE scope | Treat this page as engineering pre-screen only and run target-market compliance mapping separately. |
This closes a common audit gap: buyers compare quoted nominal values, but skip the representation path that determines whether those numbers are comparable.
| Workflow Stage | Rule Anchor | Requirement | Procurement Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before distribution in commerce | 10 CFR 429.12(a), (e) | Certification must be filed before distribution, then maintained with annual updates. | Block release unless supplier confirms filing status for the exact basic model. |
| Certification submission channel | 10 CFR 429.12(h) | DOE filings are submitted electronically through CCMS with required templates. | Ask who controls CCMS submission and archive point-of-contact in the RFQ record. |
| Represented nominal efficiency value | 10 CFR 429.64(b), (e) | Represented nominal value must come from Appendix B and be no greater than tested/AEDM efficiency. | Request declared nominal value source path (test or AEDM) with supporting statement. |
| Sampling floor when not using certification program | 10 CFR 429.64(c), (e) | Default sample size is at least five units (or all units if production is below five). | Flag very-low-volume claims for additional scrutiny before final supplier scoring. |
| Nameplate + catalog alignment | 10 CFR 431.31(a), (b) | Nominal efficiency and CC number are required on nameplate and in marketing disclosures for covered motors. | Require nameplate photo and matching catalog page as pre-shipment acceptance evidence. |
Time boundary matters. If project execution crosses a regulatory cutover date, a quote that looked compliant at bid time may require a second check before shipment.
| Delivery Window | Change Point | Risk If Skipped | Minimum Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufactured before 2027-06-01 | Current table regime (up to 500 hp for common covered classes). | Medium risk if supplier documentation still omits class/pole/frame clarity. | Keep current compliance gate and preserve test/label evidence package. |
| Manufacturing window spans 2027-06-01 cutover date | Post-cutover rules introduce tables 8-10, including expanded scope and air-over detail. | High risk of late re-qualification or commercial delay if table mapping changes. | Add dual-date compliance check: bid phase and planned manufacture-date phase. |
| Unclear motor subtype (e.g., inverter-only or component set) | 431.25 exemptions and sub-categories can change whether a model is covered. | High risk of false confidence from generic “premium efficiency” marketing claims. | Mark status as “needs classification confirmation” and escalate before PO. |
Method transparency keeps the page auditable: you can trace how each output was calculated and where assumptions enter.
| Step | Expression | What It Delivers |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Motor-side torque baseline | T = 9550 x P(kW) / n(rpm) | 10 HP (7.46 kW) at 1760 rpm => ~40.5 N.m |
| 2. Service-factor adjusted design torque | T_design = T_required x SF | SF assembled from duty hours, starts/hour, and environment multipliers |
| 3. Candidate ratio sweep | R in [5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60] | Each ratio scored by speed gap + torque reserve |
| 4. Lead-time and budget screening heuristic | Reference weeks + environment/class factors (internal model) | Returns low/medium/high timing risk and budget band for first-round supplier screening |
| 5. Compliance gate before PO | Nameplate + efficiency + test-method evidence | Verifies DOE/NEMA checkpoints and blocks procurement-ready decisions if evidence is missing. |
| Evidence Block | Source | Snapshot Date | How Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal minimum efficiency requirements for covered motors | eCFR 10 CFR 431.25 (DOE energy conservation standards) | 2026-10-08 | Anchors minimum nominal full-load efficiency floors and 2027 transition scope/tables used in report conclusions and RFQ checks. |
| Nameplate and certification mark requirements | eCFR 10 CFR 431.31 (labeling requirements) | 2026-10-08 | Adds mandatory PO checklist items: nominal efficiency mark and DOE CC number on nameplate. |
| 12V DC planetary gearbox stage-efficiency limit | maxon GPX 8 gearhead catalog page | 2026-10-14 review | Shows maximum efficiency by specific GPX 8 stage/configuration. It is not a universal per-stage efficiency and excludes motor/controller losses. |
| 12V brushed gearmotor operating-point example | Pololu 75.81:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 12V | 2026-10-14 review | Model-specific listing separates no-load, maximum-efficiency, and theoretical stall values; the vendor warns that stall values are not operating targets. |
| Gearhead efficiency interpretation | FAULHABER technical information | 2026-10-14 review | Explains that gearhead efficiency depends on configuration, reduction ratio, speed, and torque; use model-specific operating data. |
| Certification timing and submission workflow | eCFR 10 CFR 429.12 (certification reports) | 2026-05-13 | Used to define the pre-distribution certification gate, annual filing expectation, and CCMS submission workflow. |
| Represented nominal-efficiency determination rules | eCFR 10 CFR 429.64 (electric motors) | 2026-05-13 | Used to enforce comparability rules: represented nominal values must map to Appendix B values no greater than test/AEDM results. |
| Recognized efficiency test methods | Appendix B to Subpart B of 10 CFR Part 431 | 2026-05-13 | Defines referenced IEEE/IEC/CSA methods used for efficiency representations under DOE scope. |
| Usual versus unusual operating conditions for inverter-fed motors | ANSI/NEMA MG 1-2016 Part 31 | 2026-05-13 | Used to define ambient, altitude, and service-factor boundaries in applicability and risk sections. |
| US industrial electricity benchmark and monthly volatility context | EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.3 | 2026-11-01 (2026-10-23 release) | The October 23, 2026 release reports prices through August 2026; 2025 values are final and 2026 values preliminary. |
| DOE enforcement process for non-compliance checks | eCFR 10 CFR Part 431 Subpart U | 2026-05-13 | Used to map escalation risk: test notice process, sample-size envelope, and post-determination distribution consequences. |
| Planetary gearbox stage-efficiency reference range (Industrial) | Neugart gearbox technical pages | 2026-05-13 | Used as comparative context only; detailed torque-speed-loss curves remain vendor/model specific. |
| Case | Input Power | Annual Energy | Annual Energy Cost | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline at 91.7% nominal efficiency | 8.14 kW | 32,541 kWh (4,000 h/yr) | $2,769/yr | Uses 7.46 kW shaft output and 2025 US industrial average price (8.51 cents/kWh). |
| Reference at 95.0% efficiency | 7.85 kW | 31,411 kWh (4,000 h/yr) | $2,673/yr | Same shaft output and duty assumption; only efficiency changes. |
| Annual delta (91.7% -> 95.0%) | 0.28 kW less input | 1,130 kWh saved (4,000 h/yr) | ~$96/yr saved | At 8,000 h/yr, the same delta scales to ~2,261 kWh and ~$192/yr. |
| Period | Industrial Price | Data Status | Implied Annual Cost | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 annual total | 8.51 cents/kWh | Final (EIA October 23, 2026 release) | ~$2,769/yr | Historical baseline used for the 4,000 h/yr sensitivity calculation; not a current tariff. |
| 2026 August | 9.64 cents/kWh | Preliminary | ~$3,137/yr | Latest monthly industrial price in the reviewed EIA release dated 2026-10-23; the implied cost uses the same illustrative load and hours as the baseline. |
| 2026 year to date (Jan-Aug) | 9.09 cents/kWh | Preliminary | ~$2,958/yr | Eight-month average in the same EIA release; use as a broad sensitivity input, not a supplier or utility quote. |
| Rolling 12 months ending August 2026 | 8.91 cents/kWh | Preliminary | ~$2,899/yr | Provides a smoothed comparison with the final 2025 annual baseline; this 2026 value remains preliminary. |
Items below are explicitly marked as unresolved where no reliable public benchmark exists.
| Question | Status | Current Reading | Minimum Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public transaction-level price index for 10 HP three-phase gearhead assemblies | No reliable open benchmark | Published pages are mostly list-price snapshots or quote-only pages with inconsistent configuration scope. | Treat tool budget output as screening heuristic and require model-level quotation before commitment. |
| Public lead-time dataset segmented by ratio, sealing package, and backlash class | No reliable open benchmark | Vendors publish broad lead-time statements, but not a normalized open dataset across equivalent configurations. | Run dual-ratio RFQ and collect promised lead times under the same spec sheet for direct comparison. |
| Cross-brand loss map across planetary stages at identical duty points | Partial public data only | Manufacturers publish efficiency ranges, but full-loss curves are usually model-specific and not openly harmonized. | Request efficiency/load curves at your duty point instead of relying on generic stage ranges. |
| Option Path | Ratio Band | Precision Band | Typical Lead Time | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard helical geared motor package | 5:1 to 30:1 | Medium | 4-8 weeks | Faster supply path, but backlash and compactness may not match tight automation requirements. |
| Planetary gearhead + 10 HP motor assembly | 5:1 to 60:1 | Medium to high | 6-10 weeks | Better torque density and layout flexibility; procurement requires deeper interface and compliance verification. |
| Custom low-backlash premium assembly | 8:1 to 100:1 | High | 8-14 weeks | Best control performance but higher budget and lead-time pressure for custom shafts/seals. |
| Risk | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Selecting ratio only from speed target | Output torque reserve collapses under duty peaks | Use design torque with service factor before ratio freeze. |
| Ignoring starts-per-hour and thermal loading | Unexpected overheating and nuisance trips | Raise thermal class margin and include start-count in technical RFQ pack. |
| Assuming indoor sealing for harsh environment | Premature seal wear and lubricant contamination | Specify IP/seal package and maintenance interval in purchase conditions. |
| 12V DC wiring voltage drop | Voltage at the motor falls under load, so the intended speed and torque operating point may not be reached. | Size wiring and the driver for the selected motor current and cable length; verify voltage at the motor under load. |
| Choosing a 12V motor from brush type alone | Brush type alone does not establish thermal capacity, duty rating, or expected service life at the application load. | Compare the exact model’s operating curve, continuous/intermittent ratings, controller requirements, and supplier life data. |
| Skipping DOE/NEMA compliance checks at RFQ stage | Nameplate mismatch, delayed acceptance, or re-qualification loop | Require nominal efficiency mark, DOE CC number, and test-method declaration in supplier documentation. |
| Lead-time target shorter than configuration baseline | Program slip or forced downgrade of configuration | Prepare a standard-ratio fallback path in parallel. |
| Project manufacturing window crosses 2027-06-01 without re-checking class scope | A quote can pass legacy assumptions but fail at delivery because applicable DOE table/scope changed. | Add a date-based compliance gate tied to expected manufacture date and re-validate class against 10 CFR 431.25 tables 8-10 where applicable. |
| Comparing vendor efficiency values without representation-method context | Non-equivalent nominal claims can distort supplier ranking and trigger acceptance disputes. | Request whether nominal values follow 10 CFR 429.64 (test or AEDM path) and capture the declared method in RFQ records. |
160 rpm target, 420 N.m required torque, 12 h/day, 8 starts/hour
Usually converges to 10:1 to 12:1 range with medium schedule risk and straightforward sourcing.
28 rpm target, 1500 N.m required torque, 20 h/day, 12 starts/hour
Often enters boundary-risk band; larger frame or staged redesign is frequently needed.
95 rpm target, 650 N.m required torque, 16 h/day, 24 starts/hour
Feasible but seal package and thermal margin dominate lead time and total-cost decisions.
Use these references when discussing package envelope, shaft orientation, and installation constraints with suppliers.
Grouped by selection logic, commercial choices, and risk controls for faster internal alignment.
No. It is a screening layer that helps procurement and engineering align on viable ratio direction before formal design review.
A multiplier reveals operational headroom. A configuration barely above 1.00x may still fail under transient peaks or lifecycle wear.
Treat it as a decision-priority signal. Low score means the quote should include stronger validation requirements and fallback options.
Only as a concept. The current tool assumptions are anchored to 10 HP three-phase baseline behavior.
It is a first-round heuristic band for supplier shortlisting, not a binding quotation. Actual pricing depends on drawing and compliance scope.
Reliable open transaction datasets for this exact configuration are not available. We therefore mark budget as heuristic and require model-level quotes before decision.
Medium risk indicates that your target timeline is near baseline and may require parallel sourcing or standard-ratio fallback planning.
For medium/high risk outputs, request at least two adjacent ratios to protect schedule and tuning flexibility.
Ask each supplier whether the quoted nominal value follows 10 CFR 429.64 representation rules and request the test/AEDM declaration used to derive it.
Not always. It is justified when repeatability, dynamic settling, or noise limits are strict and measurable at system level.
Starts per hour, real duty cycle, and environmental protection needs are often under-specified and cause re-quoting loops.
Escalate to a larger frame, multi-stage architecture, or modified drive strategy instead of forcing a borderline ratio into production.
Request torque-speed curves, thermal assumptions, sealing details, and acceptance criteria in the same RFQ package.
Run a dual-date compliance gate: validate current requirements and re-check against post-2027 table scope before manufacturing commitment.
Treat baseline assumptions as invalid until supplier thermal calculations are refreshed under unusual service conditions per NEMA MG 1 Part 31.
It should map to this canonical page so buyers get both immediate tool output and full decision context in one URL.
It should map to this same canonical /learn/gear-head-motor page so users keep one workflow: run the tool, review evidence, and act with clear risk controls.
It is merged into this canonical URL. The 12V DC screening tool estimates output power and a starting ratio. Confirm current, duty, and gearbox limits against the exact manufacturer data before selecting a model.
A small gearmotor built around a 130-family motor core (130 motor gearhead). Specify the winding, voltage and gearbox part number: the frame name alone does not establish output torque or duty. Use the 130 calculator above to describe your required operating point.
There is no universal stripping torque for a plastic, metal or planetary 130 gearhead. Request the exact gearbox continuous and peak torque, permitted peak duration and jam limits. Motor stall torque is not a gearbox rating.
Brush noise and supply dips can disturb the controller. Pololu recommends capacitors near the motor terminals and careful wiring. Check supply capacity and decoupling with the selected driver; one capacitor network does not guarantee a fix.
Only if the selected motor and gearbox ratings cover the actual load, voltage, ambient and enclosure. Gear material alone does not establish duty capability. This tool does not predict temperature or certify continuous duty. Obtain manufacturer duty data and validate temperature rise.
Control acceleration and deceleration to avoid shock loads. Set reversal ramps, current limiting and jam detection for the actual motor and load, then test them. There is no universal safe reversal delay for every 130 assembly.
Use the chosen driver and motor guidance, then test acoustic noise, current ripple and heating in the assembly. A higher PWM frequency is not a universal guarantee of quiet or efficient operation.
No. Mabuchi lists a 1.5–3.0 V operating range for these two windings. Use a regulated motor rail within the winding specification or a motor rated for the full battery range. A PWM duty cap alone does not establish voltage, peak-current or fault protection.
Compare the exact motor and gearbox curves, dimensions, mass, duty and cost at the same target operating point. Frame names alone do not define mechanical power, wheel payload or service life.
No. Holding and backdriving depend on geometry, lubrication, vibration and the complete motor/gear assembly. Request holding data and qualify a separate brake or holding mechanism where required. See the maxon source in the 130 guide.
No verified generic life in hours is available from the cited motor performance tables. Specify the load, starts, supply, environment and maintenance, and request life-test evidence for the exact motor.
The tool uses F = 2T/D to calculate torque-equivalent tangential force. Belt preload, wheel weight, axial load, shaft overhang and support geometry are separate inputs to a bearing-load analysis.
No. It reports algebraic requirements under visible speed and efficiency assumptions. Verify that the required motor torque and loaded speed coexist on the motor curve, then check gearbox duty, shaft loads and driver start/jam capability. Use the result inquiry to request that evidence.
Use the 130 Micro DC or 12V screening tools above to establish your target speed, torque, reduction ratio, and gear material. Request manufacturer-backed torque-speed curves, stall current ratings, and CAD STEP drawings before final prototype commitment. The industrial AC sizing tool remains available in the selector above for heavy-duty power drives.
