Spur gears are what most people think of when they call to mind the image of a “gear.” But the reality is, spur gears aren’t the best solutions in all applications.
Instead, we need to rely on an assortment of other gear types, including the helical gear, to accomplish all our technological needs. Helical gears exist in the shape of a cylinder, with slanted teeth that spiral around the edge, giving them the appearance of curvature.
So why are helical gears important, and what can you use them for?
The Benefits of Helical Gears
The main advantage helical gears have is the shape of their teeth; they have a larger contact ratio because they make contact gradually, rather than all at once (as is the case with spur gears). This makes them ideal for situations that include:
- A demand for quietness. Because the contact is gradual, helical gears tend to run quieter and more smoothly than other gears, making them perfect for silent operations.
- Excessive vibration. Vibration can interfere with the consistency of some gear interactions, but helical gears can tolerate vibration well.
- High speed. In high-speed applications, like in automotive transmissions, helical gears are ideal because they don’t suffer as much friction, and therefore suffer less wear and tear than other gears.
Despite the shape and the smoothness of their operation, helical gears are still capable of transmitting significant force. The main problems associated with helical gears include the difficulty in manufacturing; these gears have a much more complex design, so gear cutting requires more precision and expertise and the creation of torque in the geartrain.
If you’re looking for a helical gear to be at the center of your next project, or if you’re interested in any other kind of gear, send us a message and we’ll get you a quote within 24 hours!