Throughout history, worm gears have brought innovation to numerous industries. They have been used in automobile manufacturing and shipbuilding. Today, they are used in medical testing equipment, presses, and conveyor systems. They are also used in tuning equipment and security gates. Unlike standard gears, worm gears have high reduction ratios, and they are more economical. They also have excellent shock absorption.

A worm gear is made up of a wheel, a spiral thread, and a gear screw. The gear screw is then butted against a spur gear. The wheel and screw are then rotated against each other. The gear screw acts as an input gear in a worm gear reducer system. The worm gear engages the wheel, which is then rotated against a load. This rotational motion changes the plane of movement by 90 degrees. This change in plane makes it impossible to reverse power direction.

Normally, worm gears are made of steel. However, you can also find worm gears made of brass or bronze. The gears can be made of different tooth shapes. Using different tooth shapes increases the load carrying capacity. They can also be used with secondary curves. They are also known for smooth and quiet operation.

Because of their high reduction ratio, worm gears are often used in industrial applications. They are particularly useful in braking systems. They are also used in mining applications, in fishing reels, and in power steering systems. Worm gears are also used in conveyor belts. They are also used in presses, rudders, and power transmission systems.

A worm gear reducer has a high torque output multiplier. It is therefore a good choice for power transmission systems. It also provides space saving solutions. It is ideal for conveyor belts, security gates, tuning equipment, and other power transmission applications.

The speed transmission ratio of a worm gear is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the worm gear by the number of threads on the worm wheel. Because of the large reduction ratio, the worm gear is able to produce high torque. It is also very compact. It is not expensive as compared to other gearboxes, and it can be shipped dry.

Worm gears have been gaining popularity as an alternative to conventional gears, especially in automotive manufacturing. They are also widely used in medical testing equipment, power steering systems, and conveyor systems. They are also used as acoustic guitar pegs. There are many other applications for worm gears, including chain blocks and elevators.

In order to properly operate a worm gear, you will need to apply a lubricant. Typically, worm gear lubricants are specialized. They are usually high viscosity, and they are difficult to filter. They also require a large surface area filter.