Worm Gears

Worm Gears

Worm gears are industrial gears that have a curved and recessed throat, which gives the worm access to the worm gear teeth. Worm gears are usually constructed of bronze, iron, or steel, but are available in a wide range of material options. Worm gears are used when the axles are not co-planar to reduce or increase speed. They can also multiply or resolve torque or enhance the accuracy in positioning systems.

When searching for a worm gear, the size specifications that should be considered are its number of teeth, pitch diameter, face width, and length. The pitch of the worm gear is determined by its number of teeth and the preferred pitch diameter. Factors that contribute to optimal performance of worm gears are the design life, power transmission requirements, noise, heat generation, and presence of corrosive elements in the material from which the gear is constructed. Metal worm gears come in different forms such as aluminum, brass, bronze, cast iron, steel, hardened steel, and stainless steel. Other options for the construction material include acetal, Delrin, nylon, and polycarbonate.

Worm Gears Image Provided by Omni Gear & Machine Corporation