Purchase now: Bonfiglioli VF 49 P1 18 P80 B14 B3 Gearbox
Purchase now: Atlantechdrives provides you the VF 49 P1 18 P80 B14 B3, a highly versatile, ultra-compact worm gear reducer expertly engineered by the global power transmission specialists at Bonfiglioli. Belonging to the widely utilized and exceptionally reliable VF Series, this fractional gearbox represents the absolute industry standard for space-constrained, 90-degree power transmission applications. This specific unit features a highly responsive 18:1 reduction ratio. This minimal torque multiplication factor provides a very high output rotational speed, making it the ultimate solution for fast-moving conveyor belts, rapid automated packaging mechanisms, precision dosing pumps, and light-duty material handling where swift, dynamic movements are required. Configured with a standard «P1» output housing, it provides integral mounting feet and a hollow output shaft for seamless, direct machine integration. It is perfectly built to accept a standard IEC P80 electric motor via a compact B14 face-mount flange. The die-cast aluminum casing guarantees exceptional thermal dissipation while keeping the overall assembly extremely lightweight, minimizing structural strain on your robotic end-effectors or mobile automated frameworks.
Technical Specifications of the VF 49 P1 18 P80 B14 B3
Despite its small and compact footprint, the VF 49 utilizes a precision-machined steel worm shaft driving a centrifugally cast bronze worm wheel. Because of the relatively low 18:1 ratio, the lead angle of the worm is steep, providing exceptionally smooth sliding friction and high mechanical efficiency for a worm drive.
- Part Number: VF 49 P1 18 P80 B14 B3
- Gearbox Series: VF (Ultra-Compact Aluminum Worm Gear)
- Frame Size: 49 (Highly versatile fractional size)
- Output Configuration: P1 (Standard foot mounting and hollow shaft)
- Reduction Ratio (i): 18:1 (Fast output speed)
- Motor Interface: IEC P80 frame
- Motor Flange Type: B14 (Compact face mount)
- Mounting Position: B3 (Horizontal, foot mounted)
Expert Tips: Total Dynamic Reversibility of an 18:1 Ratio
Understanding the tribology and mechanical properties of your selected worm gear ratio is absolutely critical for machine safety. Expert Tip: Many junior automation engineers make the dangerous assumption that all worm gearboxes act as natural mechanical brakes. Because the VF 49 features a fast 18:1 reduction ratio, the lead angle of the internal steel worm thread is incredibly steep. This geometry makes the gearbox highly mechanically efficient, but it also means the gearbox is completely dynamically reversible. This signifies that any heavy load or kinetic energy applied to the output shaft can effortlessly «back-drive» the gearbox and spin the electric motor backward when the power is turned off. It offers virtually zero mechanical braking force. If your micro-application involves lifting, holding a suspended weight against gravity, or requires sudden emergency stops, you must never rely on an 18:1 worm gear to hold the load. You must install an external failsafe electromechanical brake on the AC motor.
Installation Advice: B14 Flange and Factory Lubrication
This specific model utilizes a B14 motor input flange. Unlike the massive standard B5 flange, the B14 is a «face-mount» design. The mounting bolts pass directly through the gearbox casting and thread into the face of the electric motor. This significantly reduces the outer radial footprint of the assembly, making it perfect for incredibly tight machine guards. The VF 49 is a factory-sealed unit, pre-filled with high-performance synthetic ISO VG gear oil. It is completely «lubricated for life,» meaning it lacks breather, drain, or fill plugs. When mounting your IEC P80 motor, you must apply a premium anti-seize paste (such as Molybdenum Disulfide) to the solid motor shaft before inserting it into the gearbox input quill. Without this paste, microscopic vibrations will cause fretting corrosion, essentially cold-welding the motor to the gearbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does the P1 output designation signify for the VF 49?
A: The P1 designation refers to Bonfiglioli’s standardized housing geometry. It indicates that the aluminum casing is cast with integral mounting feet at its base and features a standard hollow output shaft bore with a keyway for simple, direct-drive machine integration.
Q: Will the aluminum casing get hot during continuous 24/7 operation?
A: Yes. Because all worm gears rely on sliding friction, a portion of the mechanical energy is always converted into radiant heat. The aluminum casing is specifically designed with cooling fins to dissipate this energy and will run warm or hot to the touch during continuous duty cycles.
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