When a gearbox fails, the nameplate is the fastest way to recover ratio and size — if you know which fields matter. This guide is generic (works across common industrial worms and helicals). It does not promote any third-party brand; it tells you what to read and photograph so Anand Gears can build a matched replacement.
Fields you will usually see
- Type / model / size — body family and size (for Anand Gears worms this often includes a CD number such as 72 or 100).
- Ratio — stamped as 20, 20:1, i=20, or sometimes as a pair of tooth counts.
- RPM in / RPM out — confirm ratio ≈ n_in / n_out.
- kW or HP — motor power the unit was sold against; still apply service factor for real duty.
- Serial / year — useful for traceability; not required to reverse-engineer geometry.
- Mounting code — may encode foot/flange or orientation; still photograph the actual installed orientation.
What the plate will not tell you
- Exact output shaft length and keyway (measure in mm).
- Whether the unit was modified after delivery (extended shafts, removed fan, custom cover).
- Oil grade currently filled — check tags or maintenance logs.
Photo checklist for a quote (5 shots)
- Nameplate, square-on, with flash if needed.
- Full side view showing orientation (worm high or low).
- Input end — flange or shaft.
- Output end — both sides if double output.
- Foot print or mounting face with a scale or measured dims written on paper in the frame.
If the plate is painted over or missing
Measure centre distance, count worm starts and wheel teeth (or measure process speeds), and record every shaft step in millimetres. Anand Gears builds many replacements from measurements alone.
Anand Gears naming you may see on our plates
- NU, Adaptable, NMRV / ALM, KL — product families.
- Under Driven / Over Driven / Top-Bottom — orientation.
- CD — centre distance in mm class size.
Related: How to Specify a Worm Gearbox · Replacement & Repair · Contact