Worm Gears: Explain what are they Exactly and Where are They Used?

As we know, Worm gears are manufactured of a worm and a gear (sometimes referred to as a worm wheel), with non-parallel, non-intersecting shafts oriented 90 degrees to each other. The worm is analogous to a screw with a V-type thread, and the gear is analogous to a spur gear. The worm is basically the driving component, with the worm’s thread advancing the teeth of the gear.

As similar as a ball screw, the worm in a worm gear may have a single start or multiple starts – meaning that there are multiple threads, or helicies, on the worm. For every single-start worm, each full turn (360 degrees) of the worm advances the gear by one tooth. Hence a gear with 24 teeth will provide a gear reduction of 24:1. Whereas For a multi-start worm, the gear reduction equals the number of teeth on the gear, divided by the number of starts on the worm (This is different from most other types of gears known as the gear reduction is a function of the diameters of the two components.)

In spite the sliding contact reduces efficiency; Globoidal Worm Gearing provides very quiet operation. (The use of dissimilar metals for the worm and gear also contributes to quiet operation.) This makes worm gears suitable for use where noise should be minimized, such as in elevators. Furthermore, the use of a softer material for the gear means that it can absorb shock loads, like those experienced in heavy equipment or crushing machines.

Worm gears are used in industrial applications, heavy equipment, and even consumer applications. Although their efficiency is relatively low, they are also used in very high reduction ratios and, in many cases, are self-locking.

Key Benefit of Globoidal Worm Gearing-

The main benefit of worm gears is their ability to provide high reduction ratios and correspondingly high torque multiplication. Their application is also seen in speed reducers in low- to medium-speed applications. And, as their reduction ratio is based on the number of gear teeth alone, they are more compact than other types of gears. Same as fine-pitch lead screws, worm gears are typically self-locking, which makes them ideal for hoisting and lifting applications.

Time to Sum Up:

Beijing GEARX Limited, since their inception in 2011 is continuously serving people with quality gears and related products. They are one of the leading known Double Enveloping Worm Suppliers today! Also, they develop and market gear transmission products, mainly of gear racks, cylindrical gears, and bevel gears.