Same function – different system role.
ZIMM offers two solutions for redirecting rotary motion at a right angle (90°) with the ZK and KSZ-H bevel gearboxes. Both series are based on the principle of bevel gear transmission and are available in the ratios 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1. The differences do not arise from the transmission ratio, but from the design concept and the intended application concept. This article compares the technical features and classifies typical areas of application.
ZK Bevel gearboxes
Design concept
ZK bevel gearboxes are independent gearbox units for right-angle power transmission. They are designed for general drive solutions and can be flexibly integrated into various machine and plant concepts.
Technical features
- Housing made of grey cast iron, machined on all sides
- Tapered roller bearings for absorbing combined radial and axial forces
- Hardened bevel gears with optimized flank geometry
- Standard backlash: 15 arcmin
- Efficiency: 0.97
- Ratios: 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1
- Solid shaft or hollow shaft depending on design
Typical application areas by load characteristic
Smooth, shock-free operation (low accelerations)
Examples:
- Filling machines
- Elevators, light-duty
- Screw conveyors, light-duty
- Fans
- Lifting platforms
Irregular, shock-loaded operation (medium accelerations)
Examples:
- Rotary table drives
- Elevators, heavy-duty
- Reels
- Kneading machines
- Mixers (heavy-duty version)
Highly irregular operation (heavy shocks, alternating load)
Examples:
- Crushers
- Calenders
- Press brakes
- Piston pumps
- Presses
The ZK series therefore covers a wide range of industrial load cases.
KSZ-H Bevel gearboxes
Design concept
KSZ-H bevel gearboxes are designed for right-angle power transmission and are specifically intended for combination with screw jacks. They are used in applications where redirection and lifting function are structurally combined.
Technical features
- High torque transmission in a compact design
- Tapered roller bearings for absorbing combined radial and axial forces
- Sealing by means of shaft seals and O-rings
- Maximum duty cycle: 40% at 1500 min⁻¹
- Oil change required only under high load conditions
- Ratios: 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1
- Integration into the ZIMM modular system
Typical application areas
- Lifting tables
- Multi-screw lifting systems
- Synchronized lifting systems
- Applications with combined lifting and redirection function
The focus lies on lifting applications with integrated right-angle transmission.
Classification in technical comparison
In this video, viewers will explore the differences between ZK and KSZ-H bevel gearboxes, focusing on their design concepts, applications, and how to choose the right gearbox for specific industrial needs.
| Comparison criterion | ZK Bevel gearboxes | KSZ-H Bevel gearboxes |
| Basic function | Redirection of rotary motion at right angle | Redirection of rotary motion at right angle |
| Ratios | 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 | 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 |
| Design configuration | Independent gearbox unit | Designed for combination with screw jacks |
| Housing | Grey cast iron, machined on all sides | Compact design, symmetrical mounting dimensions |
| Bearing concept | Tapered roller bearings | Tapered roller bearings |
| Duty cycle | Designed for continuous operation | Max. 40% at 1500 min⁻¹ |
| Modular system | Integration with motors, couplings and connecting shafts | Integration with motors, couplings, connecting shafts and screw jacks |
Classification
Both series fulfil the basic technical function of 90° redirection. ZK bevel gearboxes are designed as independent right-angle gearboxes for general drive systems. KSZ-H bevel gearboxes are intended for structural combination with screw jacks and are typically used in lifting systems. Selection is made based on the intended application concept and system integration.
