How to choose between hard tooth surface reducer and soft tooth surface reducer

The key to choosing a hard tooth or soft tooth reducer depends on the actual working conditions and requirements. The following are the core differences and selection points between hard tooth surface and soft tooth surface reducers:

1、 Comparison of core differences

1. Tooth surface hardness and material

Hard tooth surface: The gear has high hardness (>350HB or 38HRC) and is commonly made of high-strength alloy steel (such as 20CrMnTi) that has undergone carburizing and quenching treatment, resulting in strong wear resistance.

Soft tooth surface: The tooth surface has low hardness (≤ 280HB) and is often made of cast iron or die cast aluminum. The process is simple and the cost is low.

2. Performance characteristics

Hard tooth surface: high load-bearing capacity, long service life, high transmission efficiency (≥ 90%), low noise, suitable for high load and high-speed scenarios.

Soft tooth surface: Good shock absorption and low noise, but low efficiency (85% -90%), suitable for light load, low-speed, high torque output occasions.

3. Application scenarios

Hard tooth surface: Heavy machinery such as metallurgy, mining, and conveying equipment.

Soft tooth surface: light industry, packaging machinery, conveyors, etc.

2、 Selection suggestions

1. Select based on load and speed

High load, high speed (such as cranes, mining equipment) → Hard tooth surface.

Low load, low speed (such as packaging machines, conveyor belts) → Soft tooth surface.

2. Select based on efficiency requirements

Pursuing high efficiency (≥ 90%) → Hard tooth surface.

Low efficiency requirements (85% -90%) → Soft tooth surface.

3. Select based on budget

Adequate budget, pursuit of long lifespan and high reliability → Hard tooth surface.

Limited budget, mild operating conditions → soft tooth surface.

3、 Precautions

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the reducer matches the motor, bearing seat, and other components to avoid transmission system failures.

2. Usage environment: Consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, etc., and choose the appropriate type of gearbox.

3. Brand and after-sales service: Choose reliable brands to ensure after-sales support and technical services.

4、 Summary

Hard tooth surface: suitable for high load, high speed, and high efficiency scenarios, with a long lifespan but high cost.

Soft tooth surface: suitable for light load, low speed, high torque output, low cost, but low efficiency.