Purchase now: Bonfiglioli W 86 U 46 P90 B5 B3 Gearbox
Purchase now: Atlantechdrives provides you the W 86 U 46 P90 B5 B3, a massive, industrial-grade universal worm gear reducer engineered by the power transmission experts at Bonfiglioli. Belonging to the heavy-duty W Series, this gearbox is specifically designed to handle intense torque applications and severe shock loads that would easily destroy standard lightweight aluminum drives. The «U» designation stands for a Universal cast-iron housing, precision-machined on all faces to provide unmatched mounting flexibility in complex machine frames. Configured with a steep 46:1 reduction ratio and designed to accept a robust IEC P90 frame electric motor via a standard B5 mounting flange, this unit acts as a formidable 90-degree torque multiplier. It is heavily utilized in aggregate processing, heavy-duty mixing vats, massive rotary positioning tables, and continuous extrusion machinery.
Technical Specifications of the W 86 U 46 P90 B5 B3
The W 86 series utilizes a profile-ground steel worm shaft paired with a highly wear-resistant bronze worm wheel. This metallurgical combination ensures optimal sliding friction, reducing operating noise and extending the lifespan of the gearbox under brutal, continuous duty cycles.
- Part Number: W 86 U 46 P90 B5 B3
- Gearbox Series: W (Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Worm Gear Reducer)
- Frame Size: 86
- Housing Type: U (Universal, multi-face mounting)
- Reduction Ratio (i): 46:1 (High ratio torque multiplier)
- Motor Interface: IEC P90 frame
- Motor Flange Type: B5 (Large standard mounting flange)
- Mounting Position: B3 (Horizontal, foot mounted)
Expert Tips: The «Gray Zone» of Static Self-Locking
When engineering a system with high-ratio worm gears, understanding mechanical holding power is vital. Expert Tip: The 46:1 reduction ratio places the W 86 squarely in the mechanical «gray zone» for self-locking. Ratios below 30:1 are highly reversible, while ratios of 60:1 or 80:1 are considered statically irreversible (they act as a mechanical brake). At 46:1, the gearbox will generally hold a static load stationary. However, if the machine frame experiences a sudden vibration, a shock load, or a temperature change that alters the internal oil viscosity, the static friction can break, and the load may suddenly back-drive the motor. Therefore, if your application involves an inclined conveyor or a lifting hoist where a falling load presents a safety hazard to personnel, you must not rely on the 46:1 worm gear to act as a fail-safe brake. Always install an external electromechanical brake on your AC motor.
Installation Advice: The B3 Mounting and Vent Plugs
Unlike smaller, sealed-for-life gearboxes, the cast-iron W 86 size requires active thermal and internal pressure management. This specific gearbox is configured for the B3 mounting position (horizontal, with the mounting feet located at the bottom). As the sliding friction of the 46:1 ratio heats the internal synthetic oil during operation, the air inside the housing expands. To prevent this pressure from blowing out the input and output oil seals, Bonfiglioli installs a breather/vent plug at the highest point of the gearbox based strictly on this B3 orientation. If you alter your machine design and mount this gearbox vertically without physically relocating the vent plug to the new highest port, the expanding oil will destroy the rubber seals, causing a catastrophic lubrication leak. Always verify plug locations prior to commissioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What size motor shaft does the P90 B5 input accept?
A: A standard IEC 90 frame motor with a B5 flange features a 24mm diameter shaft and a 200mm outer flange diameter. The gearbox input quill and mounting flange are perfectly matched to these standardized dimensions.
Q: Can I use standard mineral oil in the W 86?
A: No. High-performance, high-ratio worm gears require specific ISO VG synthetic gear oil to handle the extreme pressure (EP) sliding friction and elevated operating temperatures. Using standard mineral oil will cause rapid overheating and premature bronze wheel failure.
Do you need more references from this brand? Explore our full catalog of Bonfiglioli here.
To ensure optimal mechanical efficiency and long-term durability, this universal worm gearbox is frequently coupled with the high-performance BN 100LA 4 230/400-50 IP55 asynchronous electric motor.
