Jan 14, 2026 | SEW-EURODRIVE Reading time: 2 Minutes Why More OEMs Are Switching to Integral Stainless Steel Gearmotors 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. The real challenge with stainless isn’t corrosion, it’s compromise. Stainless steel performs well in washdown environments, but traditional stainless steel worm gear units often force compromises elsewhere: Excessive heat generation “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 Competitor limitations turn customers to 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: Gear units running too hot in continuous duty Limited product availability or long lead times Inflexible designs that don’t adapt to new layouts Difficulty sourcing matching motors and accessories Narrow stainless portfolios that force compromises When those pain points appear, customers start looking for a solution that offers both performance and choice. More design options: the biggest difference customers notice 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: Gear types (right-angle and in-line designs) Sizes and torque ranges Hollow shaft or solid shaft configurations Integrated gearmotors or C-face adapters Flexibility to use SEW-EURODRIVE motors or customer-preferred motors This breadth gives OEMs and end users the freedom to design cleaner layouts, standardize across lines, and adapt systems as production needs evolve. Cooler operation through efficient design 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: Run cooler Maintain performance in continuous duty cycles Integral gearmotors simplify EVERYTHING 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: One engineered solution for space savings One supplier About SEW-EURODRIVE