Helical vs Worm Gearboxes

Helical vs Worm Gear Reducer

A gearbox is a mechanical transmission device that reduces the output rotational speed of the motor and increases the torque created by the motor. Gearboxes are used to improve the efficiency of any operation.
In the manufacturing industry, helical and worm gears are the most common go-to gears.
 This article will discuss the differences between helical and worm gearboxes.

Helical Gearboxes

A helical gear transmits torque between parallel input and output shafts or non-parallel shafts, known as cross-axis gears. It contains angled gear teeth that gradually engage; input and output teeth are fully engaged as the gear rotates. A helical gearbox consists of gears with the same helix angle. The range of the helix angle is between 15° and 30°, and 20° being the most common angle. As more teeth share the load at a specific time, a helical gear reducer has a big load-carrying capacity, which results in lower stress and reduced wear on gears. Also, the gradual engagement of the teeth leads to a quieter and smoother operation than other gear reducers. The main disadvantage of helical gear reducers is the high maintenance cost because of the complex finishing.

Helical Gearboxes are used in fertilizer, printing, steel, rolling, power, port, textile, plastic, food, conveyors, elevators, blowers, compressors, oil industries & cutters.

 

Worm Gearboxes

A worm gearbox consists of an input gear(screw, worm) and an output worm gear. A worm gear consists of a cylindrical worm that meshes with a larger gear. The worm gear transmits power through right angles on non-intersecting shafts. The worm needs several revolutions to drive the large gear through a single revolution. 

Previously, worm gearboxes were considered highly inefficient and unreliable because of their design. But now, worm gearboxes are as efficient as helical gearboxes and can offer benefits like changing the rotational direction. However, because of friction, worm gearboxes require frequent lubrication, or the worm gears and toothed wheels will wear out quickly and sometimes snap.

Worm gearboxes are typically used on applications requiring high speed and limited space. Worm gearbox's main applications are: packing machinery, conveyor belts, rolling mills, lifts, mining, hoists, escalators, etc.

 

 

Helical Vs. Worm Gearboxes

  • Helical gearboxes are generally more expensive than worm gearboxes for the same HP and gear ratios. A worm gearbox may be a better option in low HP applications as it is much cheaper.

  • A helical gearbox generally provides a better solution in applications requiring higher torque (for example, 10HP at a 30:1 ratio).

  • Helical gearboxes are more efficient than worm gearboxes.

  • There will be less wear and tear in a helical gearbox as the load will be distributed between several teeth, while in a worm gearbox, the surface is subject to wear because of friction.

  • Helical gears offer a smoother and more silent gear operation because of the gradual engagement of the teeth. 

 

HVH Industrial Solutions is an authorized distributor of Rossi, SITI, Boston Gear, Worldwide Electric, NidecMotovarioBauer Gear MotorCleveland Gearand Flender. We work closely with their engineering team to provide superior customer service and engineering support.

If you have any questions, write to us via live chat, call, or send us a quote request. The HVH team is always ready to help you.

 

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