Product Overview — EP-F97 Parallel-Shaft Helical Gear Reducer
Steel plants, port terminals, and refineries demand drive components that combine high torque density with the dimensional precision required for accurate process control. The EP-F97 parallel-shaft helical gear reducer addresses this requirement through a three-stage gear train rated at up to 4,800 N·m continuous output torque, accommodating motor powers from 0.55–30 kW and ratios from 4.92–73.34.
In continuous caster withdrawal roll drives, output speed uniformity directly affects slab surface quality: speed variation above 0.1% can cause longitudinal surface cracks that require crop-cut removal and reduce yield. The EP-F97's precision-ground gears and preloaded taper-roller output bearings hold speed variation below 0.05% across the full VFD frequency range, enabling high-speed casting programmes without surface-quality penalties.
The FA97-SZ (input shaft only) variant is noteworthy for installations where the motor cannot be directly flange-mounted: a belt-drive input from a remote motor, for example, or a HVAC fan system where the motor is located separately. This variant is described in detail in the Structural Types section below. Our engineering team provides free application calculations for steel and process plant enquiries.
Technical Specifications — EP-F97
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gear Type | Multi-stage parallel-shaft helical gears, precision-ground DIN 6/ISO 6 |
| Number of Stages | 3-stage |
| Motor Power Range | 0.55–30 kW |
| Max Output Torque | 4,800 N·m |
| Gear Ratio Range | 4.92–73.34 |
| Output Speed Range | 20–285 rpm |
| Approximate Unit Weight | 110–155 kg |
| Max Output Radial Load | 27,000 N |
| Transmission Efficiency | ≥ 96% per stage (overall ≥ 92% for 2-stage, ≥ 88% for 3-stage) |
| Lubrication | Splash lubrication; ISO VG 220 mineral oil (factory fill) |
| Housing Material | Close-grained cast iron (HT250 / EN-GJL-250) |
| Gear Material | Case-hardened alloy steel (20CrMnTi / 20MnCr5), HRC 58–62 |
| Protection Rating | IP55 standard; IP65 optional |
| Ambient Temperature | −25 °C to +45 °C (standard lubricant) |
| Noise Level | ≤ 72 dB(A) at rated load (1 m, free-field) |
| Standards Compliance | ISO 6336, DIN 3990 gear rating; ISO 281 bearing life; CE Machinery Directive |
Structural Types & Mounting Configurations — F97 Series
The F97 series is available in multiple structural types to suit different installation geometries and driven-machine interfaces. All types share the same internal gear set and achieve identical torque and efficiency ratings; the differences lie in mounting method and output connection.
| Type Code | Description |
|---|---|
| F97 | foot-mounted, solid output shaft |
| FF97 | B5 flange-mounted, solid output shaft |
| FA97 | shaft-mounted, hollow output shaft |
| FAF97 | B5 flange + hollow output shaft |
| FAT97 | torque-arm, hollow output shaft |
| FA97-SZ | input shaft only, no motor flange |
Mounting Positions M1–M6
All F97 structural types support six standard mounting positions (M1 through M6), defined by the angular orientation of the output shaft relative to the horizontal. Oil fill level and vent plug position must be adjusted for each mounting position; refer to the installation manual for position-specific fill quantities and the correct vent-plug orientation.
Key Advantages of the EP-F97
Each gear stage delivers ≥96% mechanical efficiency through precision-ground helical flanks and optimised tooth profile corrections. Compared with worm reducers of equivalent output torque, the EP-F97 typically saves 15–35% in electrical energy over the same duty cycle — a saving that often exceeds the gearbox purchase price within two years.
With up to 4,800 N·m from a housing sized for 0.55–30 kW, the EP-F97 achieves torque density competitive with bevel-helical units of the same output-shaft diameter. The case-hardened alloy-steel gears (HRC 58–62) sustain high Hertzian contact stress without case fatigue, enabling compact dimensions even at the upper end of the power range.
Bearings are selected for a minimum L10h life of 20,000 hours at rated conditions and verified by ISO 281 calculation using actual application load spectra. Precision-ground gears eliminate the geometric errors that cause micro-pitting, extending tooth-flank life to typically 40,000 hours or more when correctly lubricated.
Five standard structural types — F, FF, FA, FAF, FAT — and an input-shaft-only FA-SZ variant address virtually every machine interface geometry without custom engineering. The FA and FAT hollow-bore types eliminate external couplings entirely, reducing drivetrain length and eliminating one routine maintenance item.
Helical gear engagement produces a progressive, distributed contact zone rather than the sudden full-face mesh of spur gears. This characteristic, combined with profile-ground tooth flanks and dynamically balanced rotating components, keeps noise levels below 72 dB(A) at 1 m — important in operator-occupied environments and buildings with vibration-sensitive equipment.
The parallel-shaft geometry keeps the overall drive envelope short in the radial direction, allowing direct-couple installation in machine frames where right-angle units would require a longer cantilevered arrangement. The F97's small envelope also reduces the inertia of the stationary drive assembly, which matters in frequent-cycle indexing applications.
Structural Type Diagrams — F97 Series
The diagrams below show the external geometry and connection interfaces for each structural type in the F97 family. Use these to confirm mounting space requirements and driven-machine interface compatibility before finalising your order.
F97 Standard Foot-Mount (Solid Output Shaft)
FF97 Flange-Mount (Solid Output Shaft)
FA97 Shaft-Mounted (Hollow Output Bore)
FAF97 Flange + Hollow Bore
FAT97 Torque-Arm (Hollow Bore)
FA97-SZ Input Shaft Only
Industry Applications — Where the EP-F97 Excels
| Industry Sector | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| Continuous caster withdrawal roll auxiliary drives and billet cooling bed transfer cars. | |
| Heavy Port Equipment | Container terminal yard tractor wheel drives and grab crane hoist slow-traverse units. |
| TBM conveyor belt drives and ballast tamping machine auxiliary drives. | |
| Petrochemical | Cooling tower fan gearboxes and crude oil pipeline pump auxiliary drives. |
Application Case Study: Continuous Caster Withdrawal Roll
A steel plant's slab caster withdrawal unit was upgraded with an EP-F97 to handle a new high-speed casting programme. The gearbox maintained output speed uniformity to within 0.05% across the full 3:1 VFD speed range, directly improving slab surface quality and reducing crop-end length by 120 mm per heat.
Model Designation Guide — How to Order an EP-F97
The model code contains all ordering information required for production. An example order code for a torque-arm, hollow-bore, 7.5 kW unit is:
EP – F97 – FAT – Y – 3 – 7.5 – 4P – M1
| Code Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EP | Brand identifier — Ever Power |
| F97 | Series and frame size |
| FAT | Structural type: torque-arm, hollow-bore output |
| Y | Motor type: Y-series IEC standard induction motor |
| 3 | Number of gear stages |
| 7.5 | Motor rated power in kW |
| 4P | Motor pole count (1,450 rpm at 50 Hz) |
| M1 | Mounting position |
Frequently Asked Questions — EP-F97
What is the rated service life of the EP-F97 bearings?
EP-F97 main bearings are selected for a minimum L10h life of 20,000 hours at rated load and speed. With correct lubrication and operating conditions, field experience demonstrates typical actual life of 40,000–60,000 hours. Bearings are available as genuine replacement kits through our spares programme.
Can the EP-F97 be supplied with a hollow bore and integrated backstop?
Yes. FA97 and FAT97 hollow-bore variants can be specified with an integral sprag-clutch backstop for inclined conveyor or bucket elevator service. The backstop is factory-aligned to the hollow bore centreline and does not require field adjustment.
What motor frame sizes are compatible with the EP-F97?
The EP-F97 standard motor flange accepts IEC frames 100L through 180L (4P) or 132 through 180 (6P). Adaptors for IEC 200L and for NEMA frames 143–182T are available as accessories. Specify the motor kW, frame size, and shaft diameter when ordering.
What are the lead times and trade terms for the EP-F97?
Standard EP-F97 units (catalogue ratios) are available in 10–25 working days. Custom configurations (special bore diameters, surface treatments, or non-catalogue ratios) require 20–45 working days. For project-scope orders involving 10 or more units, contact us for scheduling and EXW/FOB/CIF/DAP pricing. Minimum order value is USD 1,500; mixed-model orders are supported.
How does the FA-SZ (input shaft only) variant differ from the standard FA97?
The FA97-SZ variant omits the IEC motor flange and input shaft coupling, providing only an input shaft stub for connection to a belt drive, chain drive, or separate coupling. This configuration suits applications where a direct motor coupling is impractical, such as HVAC fan drives with belt-drive speed adjustment.
Optimise Your Steel or Process Plant Drive Train
Ever Power supplies EP-F97 units to integrated steel plants, refineries, and port operators on six continents. We offer consignment stock programmes, frame agreements, and value-added services including shaft pre-machining and painting to your specification. Begin with a project inquiry.