Gearboxes: Types and Purpose

Helical gearboxes are the most compact in size but are actually typically used in heavy-duty operation. They are used most commonly in the production of plastics, rubber, cement, and other industrial items. This type of gearbox is positioned at an angle that allows more teeth to interlock in the same direction which provides constant contact for a small amount of time.

There are subdivisions of helical gearboxes including extruder, coaxial, bevel, and skew bevel. Extruder gearboxes are most commonly used in plastic production and are used when torsion needs to be maximized and noise needs to be minimal. Coaxial gearboxes are best used in heavy-duty applications due to their quality and efficiency. Bevel gearboxes have a set of teeth that are curved and rotate around a cone-shaped surface. These are most common in the mining industry or on conveyor machines. Lastly the skew bevel gearbox is built to be rigid and monolithic in structure making it most suitable for heavy load applications. These are the most customizable down to teeth and gears, making it most convenient to find exactly what you need.

Worm reduction gearboxes are mainly used to drive heavy operations, such as chemicals and minerals, and to increase speed reduction between two crossed axis shafts that do not cross. The mechanics of this gearbox are similar to a screw. The work meshes with the teeth on the peripheral edge causing a rotating movement.

Lastly the planetary gearbox is best used for jobs that require endurance, accuracy, and distinct functionality. This gearbox can extend the life and performance of the equipment it is used on.