Spur Gears

Spur Gears

Spur gears are cylinder-shaped industrial gears that have both straight and parallel teeth and work on parallel axes. These gears are flat and have teeth projecting radially in the plane of the wheel. Because spur gears can only mesh correctly if they are fitted to parallel axles, their teeth are cut so that the leading edges are parallel to the line of the axis of rotation. Comprising the most common type of gears, spur gears are typically used in low speed applications and situations in which noise control is not an issue.

Spur gears are available in a variety of materials, including steel, nylon, phenolic, bronze, and cast iron. Diameter and pitch vary depending on application. A rack is a steel bar spur gear with an unlimited pitch diameter. A rack has teeth on one side where a pinion can be driven across.

Influential factors concerning spur gears are their teeth and ratio. These two factors determine the function, speed, and control offered with the pairing of industrial gear pieces. The key to selecting the appropriate gear for a purpose revolves around the size, material make-up, and ratio of the spur gear, all of which affect the durability and strength of the gear itself.