In industrial automation and motion control systems, gearmotors play a critical role in converting electrical energy into controlled mechanical motion. A gearmotor combines an electric motor with a fully integrated gearbox to increase torque, reduce output speed, and improve mechanical efficiency for demanding applications. By integrating the gearbox and motor into a single unit, gearmotors simplify installation, reduce mechanical complexity, and often improve reliability.

At Anaheim Automation, we offer a wide selection of gearmotor technologies, including Stepper, Brushess DC (BLDC), Brush DC, and AC gearmotors, to meet the needs of OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders across a variety of industries. Each motor and gearbox type offers unique advantages depending on the application's requirements for precision, cost, torque, efficiency, and control.


Stepper Gearmotors

Stepper gearmotors combine a stepper motor with a gearbox to deliver precise incremental motion with increased torque. Stepper motors divide rotation into discrete steps and can often operate in open-loop systems without requiring a feedback device such as an encoder. Stepper gearmotors are ideal for positioning and indexing applications that require high torque and low speeds. We offer stepper motors in multiple NEMA frame sizes, with a broad range of gear ratio options.

Stepper Motors with Planetary Gearboxes
  • Motor Sizes: NEMA 11, 17, 23, and 24
  • Torque: Up to 10,000 oz-in
  • Cost-Effective, High-Torque, Compact Package
  • Available in 5 Stack Lengths
  • Choose from 14 Gear Ratios
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
Stepper Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Motor Sizes: NEMA 23 and 24
  • Torque: Up to 3,500 oz-in
  • Cost-Effective, Compact Solution
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
PM Stepper Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Motor Sizes: 24 - 42mm Diameter
  • Torque: 300 - 4,000 g-cm
  • Round-Bodied PM Step Motor with Spur Gearbox
  • Precise Motion, Low Cost
  • Customization Available
  • Possible MOQ Requirement
Type Advantages Disadvantages Common Applications

Stepper Motors with Planetary Gearboxes

  • High torque density in a compact footprint
  • Efficient torque transmission
  • Reduced backlash compared to spur gearboxes
  • Wide gear ratio range
  • Higher cost than spur gearboxes
  • Slightly more complex mechanical design than a direct-drive motor alone
  • CNC machinery
  • Robotic arms
  • Indexing tables
  • Semiconductor equipment
  • Pick-and-place machines
Stepper Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Simple and economical design
  • Good efficiency
  • Wide range of gear ratios
  • Higher backlash compared to planetary gearboxes
  • Lower torque density
  • Labeling machines
  • Automated dispensers
  • Small conveyors
  • Laboratory automation
Permanent Magnet Stepper Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  •  Compact size
  • Low cost per unit
  • Good torque at low speeds
  • Lower power output than hybrid stepper motors
  • Reduced precision compared to larger stepper motors
  • Medical instruments
  • Office automation equipment
  • Camera positioning systems
  • Small robotics

Brushless DC Gearmotors

Brushless gearmotors combine a BLDC motor with a gearbox to deliver high efficiency, long service life, and excellent torque density. Unlike brushed DC motors, BLDC motors use electronic commutation instead of brushes, eliminating mechanical wear, reducing maintenance requirements, and allowing to unit to operate more quietly.

Brushless Motors with Planetary Gearboxes
  • NEMA Sizes: 09, 11, 17, and 23
  • Speeds: <500 - 15,000 RPM
  • Closed-Loop Control for Velocity Functions
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
Brushless Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • NEMA Sizes: 23 and 34
  • Speeds: <225 - 11,000 RPM
  • Closed-Loop Control for Velocity Functions
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
 Type Advantages Disadvantages Common Applications

Brushless Motors with Planetary Gearboxes

  • High torque density
  • High efficiency
  • Low backlash
  • Long service life
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires electronic motor controller
  • Mobile robots, AGVs, AMRs
  • Industrial robotics
  • Automated warehouse systems
  • Conveyor systems
  • Semiconductor equipment
Brushless Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Lower cost than planetary systems
  • Efficient torque transmission
  • Relatively simple mechanical structure
  • Higher backlash compared to planetary gearboxes
  • Slightly lower torque density
  • Packaging equipment
  • Automated inspection systems
  • Light material-handling equipment

Brushed DC Gearmotors

Brush DC gearmotors combine traditional brushed motors with gearboes to provide simple, cost-effective motion control solutions. These motors use brushes and a commutator to switch current through the motor windings. Although brush wear limits lifespan compared to BLDC motors, brushed gearmotors remain widely used due to their simplicity and low cost.

PM Brush DC Motors with Planetary Gearboxes
  • Input Voltage: 12 - 24 VDC
  • Frame Sizes: 22mm - 60mm
  • Continuous Torque: Up to 4,166 oz-in
  • Speed: Up to 1,350 RPM
  • Gear Ratio Options: 3.6:1 - 720:1
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
PM Brush DC Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Input Voltage: 6 - 24 VDC
  • Frame Sizes: 24mm - 83mm
  • Continuous Torque: Up to 2,750 oz-in
  • Speed: Up to 1,000 RPM
  • Gear Ratio Options: 3:1 - 3,000:1
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
PM Brush DC Motors with Worm Gearboxes
  • Input Voltage: 12 - 90 VDC
  • Frame Sizes: 48mm - 95mm
  • Continuous Torque: Up to 2,832 oz-in
  • Nominal Speed: Up to 240 RPM
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
High-Torque PM Brush DC Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Motor Sizes: 24 - 42mm Diameter
  • Torque: 300 - 4,000 g-cm
  • Round-Bodied PM Step Motor with Spur Gearbox
  • Precise Motion, Low Cost
  • Customization Available
  • Possible MOQ Requirement
 Type Advantages Disadvantages Common Applications

Permanent Magnet Brush DC Motors with Planetary Gearboxes

  • High torque output
  • Compact size
  • Efficient torque transfer 
  • Higher cost than spur gear options
  • Brush wear still limits overall lifespan
  • Robotics
  • Electric mobility devices
  • Automated industrial equipment
Permanent Magnet Brush DC Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Economical solution
  • Simple control
  • Wide range
  • Higher backlash than planetary options
  • Lower torque density
  • Vending machines
  • Automated kiosks
  • Small conveyors
Permanent Magnet Brush DC Motors with Worm Gearboxes
  • Self-locking capability in many designs
  • High gear reduction ratios available
  • Compact right-angle configuration
  • Lower efficiency due to sliding contact in worm gears
  • Increased heat generation
  • Wear over time in high-load applications
  • Lifting mechanisms
  • Automated gates and doors
  • Positioning systems
High-Torque Permanent Magnet Brush DC Motors with Spur Gearboxes
  • Very high torque output
  • Strong starting torque
  • Cost-effective for heavy loads 
  • Larger size compared to other DC gearmotor options
  • Reduced efficiency at high loads
  • Increased mechanical wear over time
  • Material handling systems
  • Industrial automation equipment
  • Lifting and actuation systems

AC Gearmotors

AC gearmotors are widely used in industrial machinery requiring continuous-duty operation. Thesemotorss typically run on single-phase or three-phase AC power and are valued for their durability and reliability.

AC Synchronous Gearmotors
  • Frame Sizes: 44mm and 50mm
  • Torque: Up to 56 oz-in at 30 RPM
  • Ideal for Use in Appliances, Displays, Printers, Timers, Pumps, and More
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
AC Induction Gearmotors
  • Frame Sizes: 60mm and 100mm
  • Torque: 16 - 5,664 oz-in
  • Reversible for Bi-Directional Operation
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
AC Industrial Gearmotors
  • Gear Ratios: 5:1 - 200:1
  • Torque: 708 - 27,614 oz-in
  • Power: 200 - 750 Watts
  • Shaft Diameters: 18mm - 40mm
  • Foot- and Flange-Mount Options Available
  • IP55 Protection and Class F Insulation
  • Customization and Value-Added Accessories Available
 Type Advantages Disadvantages Common Applications

AC Synchronous Gearmotors

  • Precise fixed speed based on input frequency
  • Stable and repeatable operation
  • Simple design 
  • Fixed speed limits complexity
  • Low torque capability compared to other AC types
  • Limited to low-power applications
  • Timers and clocks
  • Instrumentation
  • Synchronized conveyor systems
AC Induction Gearmotors
  • Rugged and reliable
  • Low maintenance
  • Widely used in industry
  • Speed varies slightly with load (slip)
  • Requires external components (capacitor) for startup
  • Less efficient at partial loads
  • Conveyor systems
  • Fans and blowers
  • Packaging machinery
AC Industrial Gearmotors
  • High power output
  • Designed for heavy-duty applications
  • Compatible with three-phase power systems
  • Requires three-phase power infrastructure
  • Higher installation and operating costs
  • Less suitable for compact or mobile systems
  • Bulk material handling
  • Large conveyors
  • Industrial mixers
  • Heavy manufacturing systems

Selecting the right gearmotor is a critical step in designing efficient, reliable, and high-performing motion control systems. With a wide range of options including Stepper, BLDC, Brush DC, and AC gearmotors, engineers must carefully evaluate factors such as torque requirements, speed control, duty cycle, cost, and system complexity. Each gearmotor type offers distinct advantages. Stepper gearmotors excel in precise positioning applications, BLDC gearmotors provide high efficiency and long service life, Brush DC gearmotors offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness, and AC gearmotors deliver rugged, continuous-duty performance. Additionally, the choice of gearbox, whether planetary, spur, or worm, further refines performance based on torque, backlash, and space constraints.

Anaheim Automation's comprehensive selection of gearmotor solutions ensures that engineers and OEMs can find the right fit for virtually any industrial automation application. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each motor and gearbox combination, designers can optimize performance, reduce maintenance, and improve overall system efficiency. Ultimately, the best gearmotor solution is one that aligns with your application's specific requirements, balancing performance, durability, and cost to achieve long-term success in today's demanding automation environments.

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