A gearbox is a mechanical device utilized to boost the output torque or modify the quickness (RPM) of a electric motor. The motor’s shaft is usually attached to one end of the gearbox and through the inner configuration of gears of a gearbox, provides a given output torque and speed dependant on the gear ratio.
Physical Properties
The physical parts of gearboxes vary from one gearbox type to another, as well as differences between manufacturers. Most gearboxes are constructed from steel components such as iron, light weight aluminum and brass. Unlike various other gearbox types, spur gearboxes may also be produced with plastics such as for example polycarbonate or nylon. Other than the raw materials used, the orientation of the gear teeth play a major role in the entire efficiency, torque and quickness of the machine. Straight gear tooth gearboxes are typically used in low-speed applications. These gearboxes can be noisy, and may have lower overall efficiency. Helical gearboxes are typically used in high-rate applications. These gearboxes are quieter in operation than straight gear teeth gearboxes, which may enhance their overall efficiency.
Types of Gearboxes
There are various types of gearboxes manufactured throughout the world. One of the main distinctions between individual gearboxes is their efficiency characteristics. Choosing from the many gearbox types is application dependent. Gearboxes can be found in many sizes, ratios, efficiencies and backlash characteristics. All of these design factors will affect the performance and cost of the gearbox. There are several types of gearboxes which are the following:
Bevel Gearbox
Bevel Gears
There are two types of bevel gearboxes which include either straight or spiral teeth gears. Directly bevel gears have directly and tapered the teeth and are used in applications requiring sluggish speeds. Spiral bevel gears possess curved and oblique tooth and are found in applications requiring high-performance, high speed applications.
Physical Properties
Bevel gears are usually made of cast iron, aluminum alloy or other steel components but vary between producers.
Note: Gears created from steel materials can be noisy when coming into contact with other gears and also make them prone to wear.
Applications of Bevel Gears
Bevel gearboxes use bevel gears and are gearbox construction mainly used in right position applications with the shafts in a perpendicular arrangement.
• Print Press
• Power Plants
• Automobiles
• Steel Plants
• Hand Drills
• Differential Drives
Advantages of Bevel Gears
• Right angle configuration
• Durable
Disadvantages of Bevel Gears
• Axes must be able to support forces
• Poorly cut teeth may result in excessive vibration and sound during operation
Helical Gearbox
Helical Gears
Helical gears are cut at angles which allow for gradual contact between each one of the helical gear teeth. This kind of innovation provides for a smooth and quiet procedure. Gearboxes using helical gears are applicable in high horsepower and efficient applications.
Physical Properties
Helical gears are typically made of cast iron, aluminum allow or iron material but may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Note: Gears made from steel materials could be noisy when getting into connection with other gears and in addition make them susceptible to wear.
Applications of Helical Gears
Helical gears are trusted in applications which require efficiency and high horsepower.
• Oil Industry
• Blowers
• Food and Labeling
• Cutters
• Elevators
Benefits of Helical Gears
• Can be meshed in parallel or cross orientation
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Efficient
• High horsepower
Disadvantages of Helical Gears
• Resultant thrust along axis of gear
• Additives to lubrication
Spur Gearbox
Spur Gears
Spur gears are created with straight teeth mounted on a parallel shaft. The noise level of spur gears is relatively high because of colliding tooth of the gears which will make spur gear teeth susceptible to use. Spur gears can be found in a variety of sizes and gear ratios to meet applications requiring a particular speed or torque result.
Physical Properties
Spur gears are usually constructed from metals such as steel or brass, and plastics such as nylon or polycarbonate. The materials used to create spur gears can vary greatly depending on the maker.
Note: Gears made from steel materials can be noisy when coming into connection with other gears and in addition make them susceptible to wear.
Applications of Spur Gears
Spurs gears are found in applications requiring a reduction in speed with high output torque.
• Cut-to-Length
• Packaging
• Speed Control
• Construction
• Power Plants
Advantages of Spur Gears
• Cost-effective
• High gear ratios
• Compact
• High torque output
Disadvantages of Spur Gears
• Noisy
• Prone to wear
Worm Gearbox
Worm Gears
Worm gears can easily withstand high shock loads, low in noise level and maintenance-free but are less efficient than additional equipment types. 
Worm gears can be used in right position configuration. The worm gearbox configuration allows the worm to turn the gear easily; however, the apparatus cannot change the worm. Preventing the gear to go the worm can be utilized as a braking program. When the worm gearbox isn’t active, it is in a locked position.
Physical Properties