Among the various types of gears used in many applications, the two most common are helical gears and spur gears. While a spur gear is relatively easy and inexpensive to make, the use of a helical gear provides a number of advantages. Helical gears have easily become the more preferred option for applications which require high loads or speeds.

 

Generally, helical gears offer a variety of benefits, including a smoother operation that’s less noisy than spur gears!

 

This is due to the shape and angle of the teeth. The design of helical gears enables the teeth to gradually mesh, which allows for a progression of contact as the meshing goes on. This results in less noise at medium to high speeds, compared to spur gears.

 

Also, the gradual meshing of teeth results in a lesser load on each tooth, resulting in a smoother transition from one tooth to another. This means that shock loads, vibrations, and even wear and tear are minimized!

 

However, the major concern with helical gears are the axial forces they produce which plays a crucial role in selecting their bearing. These bearings must withstand both the axial and radial forces, requiring thrust or roller bearings.

 

While bigger helix angles offer a smoother operation at higher speeds, it is usually limited to only 45 degrees due to the axial forces generated by the helical gear. The issue with this axial force can be addressed by using either a double helical or herringbone gear. It counters the axial force produced by the teeth so that larger angles can be applied.  

 

In addition to the smoother operation and less noise, another great advantage of using helical gears is that it can be used both with parallel or crossed shafts. Crossed helical gears are flexible in design but the contact between each tooth is much closer to its point contact, meaning they provide lower force capabilities than those with parallel shaft design.

 

For all of your industrial gearing needs, we at True Gear & Spline specialize in the manufacturing of gears. Be it spur, bevel, worm, or helical gears, we’re fully capable of producing whatever gear you need for your industrial application.