From the Shop

The 4 Possibilities for Lowering Friction in Gear Systems

As a gear manufacturer, we need to be aware of every potential issue in a gear system, and be prepared with solutions to correct them. Friction is one issue that occurs naturally; anytime you have moving parts, friction could interfere with that system’s operability. That’s why we make sure to compensate for that problem with one of four potential solutions.

The Problem

Friction is an issue for three main reasons:

  • Wear. The more friction a gear experiences, the faster it’s going to wear, shortening the lifespan of that gear.
  • Inefficiency. Systems will also work less efficiently; you’ll expend more energy and your parts will work harder to do the same amount of work.
  • Noise. High friction in a system means it’s probably going to make substantially more noise. This isn’t always a concern, but for sensitive operations, noise should be kept to a minimum.

The Solutions

So what solutions do we offer?

  1. Type of Gear. First, you can choose a different type of gear for the application altogether. Helical gears, for example, distribute tooth contact over the contours of spiraling teeth, rather than relying on one-to-one contact, like in spur gears.
  2. Speeds and loads. You can also adjust a high-friction system to reduce the speeds of operation, or reduce the total load borne by each gear. Any reduction in speed or load could be enough to lower friction in a system.
  3. Lubrication. Some systems can reduce friction simply by adding the right lubrication, in the right amount, and regularly enough to remain effective.
  4. The right materials. Friction can also be a problem if you aren’t using the right materials. Choosing a softer, less abrasive material can reduce the effects of excessive friction.

Like almost any problem in gear systems, friction can easily be handled with the right approach. If you’re ready to talk about your next gear project, or get a quote directly from the source, contact us today!

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