Worm wheels are an essential component of many machines, particularly those that require high torque and low speed. A worm wheel is a type of gear that is used to transmit power between two non-intersecting shafts that are at a right angle to each other. It consists of a cylindrical gear, known as the worm, and a toothed wheel, known as the worm wheel. The worm is typically made of steel and has a helical thread that wraps around the circumference of the cylinder. The worm wheel, on the other hand, is made of bronze or cast iron and has teeth that mesh with the worm. The design of the worm wheel is such that it can only be driven by the worm and not the other way around. This is due to the angle of the helix on the worm, which is typically around 5 to 15 degrees. As a result, the worm wheel cannot drive the worm, and the power transmission is one-way. This property makes worm wheels ideal for applications where it is necessary to prevent back-driving, such as in conveyor systems, elevators, and winches. One of the key advantages of worm wheels is their ability to provide high torque at low speeds. This is due to the large reduction ratio that can be achieved with a worm and worm wheel. For example, a worm with a pitch diameter of 2 inches and a worm wheel with 20 teeth can provide a reduction ratio of 10:1. This means that for every 10 revolutions of the worm, the worm wheel will rotate once. This high reduction ratio allows the worm wheel to generate a large amount of torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. In conclusion, worm wheels are an important component of many machines, providing high torque and preventing back-driving. Their unique design allows for a high reduction ratio, making them ideal for applications where low speed and high torque are required.
worm, worm wheel, power transmission, high torque, low speed
CITATION : "William Young. 'Worm Wheels For Machines.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=265954 (Accessed on June 07, 2025)"
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