Helical gears
Gears with teeth cut at an angle to the axis, running more quietly and carrying higher loads than spur gears.
What are helical gears used for?
On helical gears the teeth are cut at an angle to the shaft axis (the helix angle). This keeps more than one tooth in contact at a time, so the gear runs more quietly and smoothly and carries a higher load than a spur gear of the same size.
The angled teeth create an axial force during operation. Bearings are chosen accordingly where helical gears are used, and double helical (herringbone) designs are also used to balance the axial force.
Where are they used?
- Industrial gearboxes and geared motors
- Automotive and construction machinery transmissions
- Spindle drives of machine tools
- Pump and compressor drives
- Mechanisms that must run quietly at high speed
Production details
Besides the module and number of teeth, the helix angle and the hand of the helix (right or left) must be known. Two helical gears meshing on parallel shafts have the same angle and opposite hands. When working from a sample, these values are measured on the part.
Questions about Helical gears
I don't know the helix angle. Can I still get a quote?
Yes. The helix angle and hand are determined from a sample or clear photos. If you have a technical drawing, these values are usually in the gear data table.
What do right-hand and left-hand helix mean?
Looking at the gear from the side, if the teeth rise to the right it is a right-hand helix; if they rise to the left it is a left-hand helix. Two helical gears meshing on parallel shafts must have opposite hands.
Why do helical gears run more quietly?
The teeth engage gradually and more than one tooth is in contact at a time, which reduces impact and vibration. The result is quieter, smoother running.
Which machines do we make this gear for?
Material, heat treatment and tolerances depend on the machine the part runs in. Open your own sector to see the parts we make most often.
Other gear types
-
Spur gears
The most common gear type: teeth parallel to the axis, transmitting motion and power between parallel shafts.
-
Bevel gears
Cone-shaped gears that transmit motion between intersecting shafts, usually at 90°.
-
Worm and worm wheel
A screw and gear pair that reduces speed at a high ratio in a single stage between non-intersecting, perpendicular shafts.
-
Timing pulleys
Toothed pulleys that transmit synchronous motion with a toothed belt, without slipping.
-
Sprockets
Gears with teeth cut to the chain pitch, transmitting motion and power with a roller chain.
-
Racks and pinions
A toothed bar (rack) and pinion gear that convert rotary motion into linear motion.
-
Couplings
A connecting element that joins two shafts to transmit torque while tolerating misalignment.
Send a drawing or photo of your part
Quotes are free. We reply with price and lead time within 48 hours.