Worm wheels Manufacturers online

Worm gears are special gears that work together with worm shafts (helical shafts) to form a worm gear.

Worm gears can transmit high power, usually 50 to 100 kW (optimally 0.04kW-120kW, extremely 1000 kW). They are characterized by smooth and quiet running and can be designed as a self-locking transmission.

In the following you will find the functionality and materials of worm gears, their areas of application, their advantages and challenges as well as information on lubrication and maintenance:

How it works:

The worm wheel engages with the worm shaft and enables a rotary movement between two axes offset by 90°.
The interaction generates high transmission ratios at low speed and high torque.

Materials:

Worm wheels are often made of bronze or brass, while the worm shaft is made of steel. This combination of materials reduces friction and increases service life.
Plastic worm gears are used in applications with lower loads.

Typical applications for worm gears:

Worm gears can be found in a variety of applications where high transmission ratios and a compact design are required:

1. Conveyor systems:
In gearboxes for driving conveyor belts and similar mechanisms.

2. Lifting and lowering mechanisms:
Thanks to self-locking, worm gears are ideal for gearboxes in lifting systems, such as elevators and cranes.

3. Mechanical engineering:
They are used in machine tools and manufacturing systems for precise movements.

4. Automotive engineering:
In steering systems, differentials or as a drive component for special mechanisms.

5. Building technology:
Worm gears are frequently used in roller shutters or automated door drives.

Advantages:

• High transmission ratio: A large reduction ratio can be achieved in one step.
• Self-locking: Worm gears can prevent reverse rotation, which is crucial for safety applications.
• Compact design: Despite a high reduction ratio, a worm gear remains relatively compact.
• Smooth running: Movement is achieved with low noise and vibration.

Challenges when using worm gears:

• Efficiency: Worm gears have a lower efficiency than other gear types due to sliding friction.
• Wear: If incorrectly lubricated or overloaded, a worm gear can wear out more quickly.
• Heat generation: High friction can lead to heat generation, which can be a challenge with high loads.

Lubrication and maintenance:

• Worm gears require regular lubrication to minimize friction and increase service life.
• Some gearboxes are low maintenance and have lifetime lubricated worm gears.

Overall, worm gears are an effective solution for applications requiring high reduction ratios, self-locking and compact designs, where proper maintenance and material selection are critical to performance and service life.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when buying worm gears:

When buying worm gears, there are several important aspects to consider in order to find the right component for the application.

• The transmission ratio is determined by the number of teeth on the worm wheel and the number of gears on the worm shaft. Choose a worm wheel that offers the desired speed reduction and torque increase.
• Bronze or brass are common materials for worm gears as they minimize friction with the worm and offer a long service life.
• Plastic may be suitable for lighter duty applications but offers less wear resistance.
• Steel or cast iron are used for particularly robust applications.
• Check that the worm gear is designed for the expected loads and torques.
• consider the operating conditions (static or dynamic loads) in your application.
• Worm gears often offer self-locking in combination with the worm shaft, which prevents backdriving. check whether this function is necessary for your application, e.g. for lifting devices.
• For applications that do not require self-locking, you should select the material and gear geometry accordingly.
• Worm gears are inherently less efficient due to sliding friction. Look for high-quality worm gears that improve efficiency through suitable materials and lubrication.
• Worm gears are subject to greater wear due to the high friction. Ensure sufficient lubrication options or gearboxes with integrated, low-maintenance lubrication.
• The quality of the gearing influences the smooth running, efficiency and durability of the worm gear. High-precision gearing is required for precise applications.
• Look out for manufacturers with high manufacturing quality and corresponding standards.
• Worm gears tend to generate heat due to friction. Select components that offer sufficient cooling and heat dissipation in your operating environment.
• Ensure that the worm gear is suitable for the intended installation position, as this affects lubrication and wear.
• Low-maintenance worm wheels can be advantageous for applications that are difficult to access.

The correct selection of worm gears influences the performance, efficiency and service life of the entire gearbox. The above points help to find the right product for specific requirements.

Worm gears can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Worm gears from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.