Worms and Worm Gears Information

Worms and worm gears are gear sets that offer high gear reduction and torque multiplication with a small footprint. A worm drive is a cylindrical gear with a shallow spiral thread that engages the worm gear in a non-intersecting, perpendicular axes configuration.

Worm gear efficiency? is determined by the lead angle and the number of threads in contact with the worm gear. A high lead angle on the drive reduces frictional losses and heat. A low lead angle reduces gear speed while proportionally increasing torque.

Friction is an issue can decide worm gear efficiency with all worm sets ; the worm gear cannot transfer motion back to the worm drive in most instances. Lubrication and ground teeth both contribute to the sets' overall silence while minimizing friction. Worm gear sets are usually produced in pairs due to their precision.