Worm Gear Machining
A worm gear consists of a spiral threaded shaft that engages with and drives a toothed wheel. Worm gears are the oldest type of gears still in use. A worm gear can be visualised as a screw in contact with a gear which looks like a standard spur gear that has slightly angled and curved teeth. This type of gear changes the rotational movement by 90 degrees, and it must be noted that the plane of movement also changes due to the position of the worm on the worm wheel or simply known as the wheel. The Worm gear worm and wheel are made from a variety of materials based on its application.
Metallurgy of Worm Gears:
- Brass Wheel and Steel Worm
- Steel Wheel and Steel Worm
- Brass Wheel and Brass Worm
- Plastic Wheel and Plastic Worm
Advantages
- High-speed reduction can be achieved with a single pair of worm gear.
- Operation with worm gear is always smooth and silent.
- Meshing effectiveness is good.
- Worm gear is primarily used for reducing speed and increasing torque.