Worm Gearboxes
A worm gearbox uses a screw-like worm to drive a worm wheel at a right angle. It gives a high reduction ratio in a single, compact stage and runs quietly, and higher-ratio units resist back-driving.
Worm units are economical for light to medium duty drives.
Worm gearbox sizes and ratios
A worm gearbox uses a screw-like worm meshing with a bronze wheel. One stage can give ratios from around 5:1 to 60:1 or more, in a small right-angle housing. Size is usually given by the centre distance between the worm and wheel shafts, and the rating falls as the ratio rises, so check the output torque at your chosen ratio.
Worm drives run quietly and some high-ratio units resist back-driving, but efficiency is lower than gear types and falls at high ratios, so they suit intermittent or moderate-power duties: gates, packaging machines, small conveyors and mixers. For continuous high-power drives, compare a spiral bevel gearbox. Pair with a brake motor where the load must be held. See all gearboxes.
Where it is used
- Packaging machines
- Small conveyors
- Gates and lifts
- Mixers and agitators
Worm Gearboxes – FAQ
Are worm gearboxes self-locking?
High-ratio worm gears tend to resist back-driving, but this should not be relied on as a brake; use a brake motor where holding is critical.
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