In industrial applications, gears are one of the most important parts of machinery. They are responsible for transferring power from one shaft to another while also changing the speed, torque, and direction of rotation.
However, not all gears are created equal. Many different types of mechanical gears serve other purposes. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of mechanical gears and how they impact functionality.
Spur Gears
Spur gears are the most common type of gear. They have straight teeth and are used to transmit motion between parallel shafts. Not only are spur gears the most economical, but they also run smoothly and quietly. Spur gears are in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Blowers
- Conveyors
Helical Gears
Helical gears are similar to spur gears but have teeth that angle with the shaft. They can transmit motion between parallel as well as non-parallel shafts. Helical gears create less vibration and noise than spur gears and can handle higher loads. This reduction in vibration helps to prolong the life of the gear system. Helical gears are in a wide variety of applications, including:
- HVAC systems
- Food-processing equipment
- Centrifuges
- Worm gears
Bevel Gears
Bevel gears have conical-shaped teeth and transmit motion between intersecting shafts. Bevel gears can be either straight cut or spiral cut.
Straight-cut bevel gears are when you need low noise levels and smooth operation. Spiral cut bevel gears are stronger and can handle higher loads but produce more noise.
The process of using bronze casting to create bevel gears is known as “broaching.” The most common type of bevel gear is the miter gear, which is in power tool transmissions. Other types of bevel gears include:
- Hypoid gears
- Skew gears
- Crown gears
A wide variety of gear types serve different purposes in industrial applications. The three most common gears are spur, helical, and bevel gears. Understanding the different gears and their purposes is essential to choosing the right gear for your application.
The last thing you want is for your gear system to fail due to using the wrong type of gear. It can be a costly mistake with serious consequences. Make sure you research and consult with experts to find the right gear for your application.
