(Shared from eHow.com)

Definition

A gear motor is a type of electrical motor. Like all electrical motors, it uses the magnetism induced by an electrical current to rotate a rotor that is connected to a shaft. The energy transferred from the rotor to the shaft is then used to power a connected device.

In a gear motor, the energy output is used to turn a series of gears in an integrated gear train. There are a number of different types of gear motors, but the most common are AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current).

Function

In a gear motor, the magnetic current (which can be produced by either permanent magnets or electromagnets) turns gears that are either in a gear reduction unit or in an integrated gear box. A second shaft is connected to these gears. The result is that the gears greatly increase the amount of torque the motor is capable of producing while simultaneously slowing down the motor's output speed. The motor will not need to draw as much current to function and will move more slowly, but will provide greater torque.

Uses

Gear motors are commonly used in conveyor-belt drives, home appliances, in handicap and platform lifts, medical and laboratory equipment, machine tools, packaging machinery and printing presses.

A special type of gear motor, the servo motor, provides more power in a compact, precise fashion, and is used when a motor with a rapid, accurate response is needed.