Audible noise is evidence to investigate, but fault location depends on whether the sound tracks speed, torque or the machine structure.
Helical Gearbox Noise Diagnosis by Speed and Load
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EP-R17 Helical Gear Reducer – Compact Inline Gearmotor
The EP-R17 is a compact frame-17 inline helical gear reducer with output torque up to 81 Nm, gear ratios i=3.83–81.64, and M1–M6 mounting. IP55 sealed, suitable for lab automation, packaging, and food processing. MOQ: 1–5 sample units; mixed orders from ~USD 1,500; lead time 10–25 working days.
EP-R17 Inline Helical Gear Reducer – Compact 3-Stage Gearmotor Overview
The EP-R17 inline helical gear reducer is the smallest frame size in Ever Power's R-series helical gearbox range, engineered specifically for applications where installation space is tight but precise speed control and reliable torque transmission are non-negotiable. With a gear unit weight of just 8 kg, the EP-R17 delivers outstanding power density in a compact, rigid housing suited to modern automated production environments. Whether you are integrating this compact helical gearmotor into conveyors, packaging lines, or precision positioning systems, the EP-R17 provides the efficiency and longevity that industrial users depend upon. Learn more about Ever Power's engineering philosophy and our commitment to producing world-class drive solutions.
Compatible with motor power inputs of 0.12 kW to 0.18 kW, the EP-R17 covers gear ratios from i = 3.83 up to i = 81.64, enabling output speeds from approximately 19 rpm up to 342 rpm when paired with a 4-pole (1450 rpm) motor. The output torque reaches up to 81 Nm across available ratio-motor combinations. This flexibility makes the EP-R17 a versatile choice across light-duty industrial automation tasks where energy efficiency and smooth operation are paramount.
EP-R17 — standard foot-mount (R) inline helical gear reducer
Model Variants and Configuration Options
The EP-R17 is available in several mounting and shaft configurations to fit diverse machine layouts:
R17
Standard inline helical gear unit, foot-mount housing, solid output shaft. Ideal for horizontal shaft layouts where mounting feet are preferred.
Standard inline helical gear unit, foot-mount housing, solid output shaft. Ideal for horizontal shaft layouts where mounting feet are preferred.
RF17
Flange-mounted variant of the R17. The output flange simplifies direct mounting to driven machines without requiring a separate adapter plate.
Flange-mounted variant of the R17. The output flange simplifies direct mounting to driven machines without requiring a separate adapter plate.
RX17 / RXF17
Shaft-input version of the R17 / RF17, allowing direct coupling from an existing motor shaft without a standard motor adapter (IEC B5/B14 flange), offering additional flexibility in retrofit applications.
Shaft-input version of the R17 / RF17, allowing direct coupling from an existing motor shaft without a standard motor adapter (IEC B5/B14 flange), offering additional flexibility in retrofit applications.
Each variant accepts IEC-standard motor flanges (B5 and B14), making it straightforward to pair with most commercially available 2-pole, 4-pole, or 6-pole induction motors. The EP-R17 is also compatible with Ever Power's servo motor adapter kits for applications demanding precise dynamic response.
Key Technical Features
High Efficiency Helical Gearing
Precision-ground helical gears provide quiet, smooth operation and transmission efficiencies typically exceeding 96% per stage, reducing heat generation and energy costs over the product lifetime.
Precision-ground helical gears provide quiet, smooth operation and transmission efficiencies typically exceeding 96% per stage, reducing heat generation and energy costs over the product lifetime.
Compact Inline Architecture
The inline (coaxial) shaft arrangement minimises installation footprint. Motor and output shaft share the same axis, simplifying machine design and reducing coupling complexity.
The inline (coaxial) shaft arrangement minimises installation footprint. Motor and output shaft share the same axis, simplifying machine design and reducing coupling complexity.
Rigid Cast Iron Housing
The die-cast housing delivers exceptional rigidity and thermal conductivity, dissipating heat from both the gear unit and the integrated motor to extend service intervals.
The die-cast housing delivers exceptional rigidity and thermal conductivity, dissipating heat from both the gear unit and the integrated motor to extend service intervals.
Sealed Lubrication System
Factory-filled with synthetic gear oil, the EP-R17 operates as a sealed unit requiring no periodic oil changes under standard operating conditions, reducing maintenance burden.
Factory-filled with synthetic gear oil, the EP-R17 operates as a sealed unit requiring no periodic oil changes under standard operating conditions, reducing maintenance burden.
Multiple Mounting Positions
Supports M1 through M6 mounting orientations, enabling flexible machine integration regardless of shaft orientation (horizontal, vertical upward, vertical downward, and angled positions).
Supports M1 through M6 mounting orientations, enabling flexible machine integration regardless of shaft orientation (horizontal, vertical upward, vertical downward, and angled positions).
Surface Treatment
External surfaces are treated with anti-corrosion primer and industrial topcoat, providing robust protection against workshop environments, humidity, and cleaning agents.
External surfaces are treated with anti-corrosion primer and industrial topcoat, providing robust protection against workshop environments, humidity, and cleaning agents.
EP-R17 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Frame Size | 17 |
| Motor Power Input | 0.12 – 0.18 kW |
| Gear Ratio (i) | 3.83 – 81.64 |
| Output Speed (n₂, 4P motor) | approx. 19 – 342 rpm |
| Max Output Torque | up to 81 Nm |
| Gear Unit Weight | 8 kg |
| Permitted Radial Load (f_B typical) | up to 2375 N (varies by ratio) |
| Mounting Positions | M1 – M6 |
| Housing Material | Die-cast aluminium / cast iron |
| Lubrication | Synthetic oil, sealed for life |
| Output Shaft Configuration | Solid shaft (R17), Flange (RF17) |
| Motor Pole Options | 2P, 4P, 6P |
| Efficiency per Stage | > 96% |
| Protection Class | IP55 (standard) |
Selection Parameter Table (Constant Power, 0.12 kW motor, 4P)
| Output Speed n₂ [rpm] | Output Torque [Nm] | Gear Ratio i | Permitted Radial Load [N] | Service Factor fB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 10 | 12.98 | 1682 | 7.90 |
| 66 | 16 | 19.71 | 1910 | 5.20 |
| 54 | 19 | 24.07 | 2024 | 4.10 |
| 34 | 31 | 38.61 | 2185 | 2.70 |
| 23 | 43 | 57.35 | 2375 | 1.90 |
| 19 | 53 | 70.39 | 2375 | 1.55 |
Mounting Positions – M1 to M6
Available mounting positions M1–M6 for R-series inline helical gearmotors
The EP-R17 supports all six standard mounting orientations as defined in the IEC and ISO standards for gear units. This ensures that regardless of the spatial constraints of your machine, a compatible mounting arrangement exists:
M1: Output shaft horizontal, pointing right. Standard horizontal installation, most common for conveyor and mixer drives.
M2: Output shaft horizontal, pointing left. Mirror image of M1 for left-hand drive arrangements.
M3: Output shaft vertical, pointing downward. Suitable for agitator drives and vertical conveyor screw installations.
M4: Output shaft vertical, pointing upward. For overhead-mounted drives, cooling tower fans, and upward-feeding systems.
M5: Motor shaft horizontal, gear output pointing downward at 90° to M3. Compact footprint for side-mounted configurations.
M6: Motor shaft horizontal, gear output pointing upward. Inverted M5 for upward-facing side installations.
Model Number Explanation
Model number designation — Ever Power R-series inline helical gearmotor
| Code Element | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| R | Inline helical gear series | R |
| F (optional) | Flange output (no F = foot mount) | RF |
| X (optional) | Shaft input (no X = motor flange input) | RX |
| 17 | Frame size designation | 17 |
| R17 | Gear ratio sub-code (e.g., R17 = ratio 17) | R17R17 |
| 4P / 6P | Motor pole count | 4P |
Typical Application Industries
The EP-R17's compact dimensions and versatile ratio range make it a natural fit across a range of light-duty industrial sectors. Its sealed lubrication and robust housing make it especially valued in environments where maintenance access is difficult or where hygiene standards must be maintained.
Packaging & Labelling Machinery
Precise, low-noise operation makes the EP-R17 ideal for filling machines, capping stations, and labelling systems where vibration must be minimised to avoid product misalignment.
Precise, low-noise operation makes the EP-R17 ideal for filling machines, capping stations, and labelling systems where vibration must be minimised to avoid product misalignment.
Small Conveyor Systems
Belt and roller conveyors for sorting, inspection, and small-parts assembly lines benefit from the EP-R17's consistent speed output and multi-mounting versatility.
Belt and roller conveyors for sorting, inspection, and small-parts assembly lines benefit from the EP-R17's consistent speed output and multi-mounting versatility.
Food & Beverage Processing
The IP55-rated sealed housing and synthetic lubrication ensure the EP-R17 withstands wash-down and humid processing environments without lubricant ingress into food zones.
The IP55-rated sealed housing and synthetic lubrication ensure the EP-R17 withstands wash-down and humid processing environments without lubricant ingress into food zones.
Medical & Laboratory Equipment
Silent helical gearing and low vibration make the EP-R17 suitable for centrifuge drives, lab automation systems, and diagnostic equipment requiring consistent speed and low acoustic output.
Silent helical gearing and low vibration make the EP-R17 suitable for centrifuge drives, lab automation systems, and diagnostic equipment requiring consistent speed and low acoustic output.
Textile Industry
Used in winding, tensioning, and traversing mechanisms in yarn production and textile finishing lines where smooth, adjustable speed drives are critical to product quality.
Used in winding, tensioning, and traversing mechanisms in yarn production and textile finishing lines where smooth, adjustable speed drives are critical to product quality.
Automated Warehouse Systems
Small automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and shelf-moving robots increasingly rely on compact, lightweight gearmotors like the EP-R17 to navigate narrow aisles with precise positioning.
Small automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and shelf-moving robots increasingly rely on compact, lightweight gearmotors like the EP-R17 to navigate narrow aisles with precise positioning.
Customer Case Studies
Germany · Packaging Machinery
★★★★★
A mid-sized packaging equipment manufacturer in Bavaria integrated EP-R17 units into their new generation of horizontal form-fill-seal machines. The challenge was finding a gearmotor small enough to fit inside the machine frame without compromising the film drive torque. The EP-R17's power density exceeded expectations: "We saved 35mm of machine width compared to our previous supplier's unit, and noise levels on the line dropped noticeably. After 18 months of three-shift operation, we have had zero gearbox failures."
Japan · Laboratory Automation
★★★★★
A laboratory automation integrator in Osaka selected EP-R17 gearmotors for sample transport carriages in an automated clinical testing system. The low-vibration characteristics of the helical gearing were essential to avoid disturbing liquid samples during transport. The team reported: "The EP-R17 units run whisper-quiet even at 18-hour daily operation. Sample integrity issues we saw with a previous worm-gear solution were completely eliminated after switching."
USA · Food Processing
★★★★☆
A food processing equipment company in Wisconsin fitted EP-R17 inline gearmotors to their small-portion weighing and dispensing units. Operating in a wet, cold environment with daily wash-down, the sealed IP55 housing proved its value: "We've run these units through our standard wash-down protocol six days a week for over two years. No seal failures, no lubricant migration. The units paid for themselves by eliminating the monthly gear oil top-ups we were doing with the old open-style reducers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Ever Power for Your R17 Gearmotor?
Ever Power has supplied inline helical gearmotors to global OEMs and system integrators for over two decades. Our engineering team supports customers from selection through commissioning, including custom shaft dimensions, special surface treatments, and IEC motor adaptations. Every EP-R17 unit ships with full traceability documentation and is covered by our standard product warranty.
To explore the complete R-series lineup or to discuss a specific application, visit our company page or go directly to our contact page to reach our technical sales team.
Ready to Source the EP-R17 Inline Helical Gear Reducer?
Contact our team for datasheets, 3D CAD files, selection assistance, and competitive pricing. Sample orders and mixed-model inquiries welcome.
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