In hygienic industries like food, beverage, and packaging, stainless steel drive solutions aren’t optional; they’re expected. However, not all stainless steel solutions are created equal.
For years, many OEMs and end users have relied on stainless steel worm gear units because they were familiar and appeared cost-effective. Today, those same customers are discovering the limitations of that approach and are increasingly looking for cooler-running, more flexible stainless steel drive solutions that better match modern production demands.
That’s where SEW-EURODRIVE stands apart.
Stainless steel performs well in washdown environments, but traditional stainless steel worm gear units often force compromises elsewhere:
Simply put: One-size-fits-all designs that don’t always fit well.
“In many cases, stainless worm gearboxes entered the market simply to offset the high upfront cost of stainless helical bevel solutions. Over time, those shortcuts have shown up as reliability issues, temperature concerns, and reduced flexibility when applications change.”
- Tom Ellis, Industry Solutions Provider, SEW-EURODRIVE
Most customers don’t switch suppliers because of marketing — they switch because something isn’t working.
Common reasons customers move toward SEW-EURODRIVE stainless steel solutions include:
When those pain points appear, customers start looking for a solution that offers both performance and choice.
One of the strongest advantages SEW-EURODRIVE brings to the stainless market is portfolio breadth.
Rather than offering just a handful of stainless steel models, SEW-EURODRIVE provides a wide range of stainless steel gearmotors and gear units, allowing customers to select what truly fits their application—not just what’s available.
That means more options for:
This breadth gives OEMs and end users the freedom to design cleaner layouts, standardize across lines, and adapt systems as production needs evolve.
Heat remains one of the most common complaints in stainless applications, especially where worm gearing is used. Sliding friction, combined with stainless housings that struggle to dissipate heat, can lead to elevated operating temperatures.
SEW-EURODRIVE stainless steel solutions focus on efficient gearing and robust housing designs that help systems:
Lower operating temperatures don’t just protect the gear unit; they support longer service life, more stable operation, and improved uptime.
SEW-EURODRIVE stainless motors have the industry’s highest IP69K rating. This ensures devices are fully dust-tight and protected against powerful, high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
Many customers are accustomed to ordering a gear unit and motor separately, often from different suppliers, then assembling them after delivery.
SEW-EURODRIVE’s integral stainless steel gearmotor approach simplifies that process:
For customers who prefer flexibility, SEW-EURODRIVE also supports configurations that allow the use of customer-specified motors without sacrificing compatibility or design integrity.