Anyone working with industrial machinery will know how demanding it is when it comes to power transmission. Not only must it be reliable but it also needs to be efficient and precise, which is not an easy task to design and build consistently. However, there are certain gearbox designs which make it easier, with the bevel helical gearbox being one of the best examples.Bevel helical gearboxes provide high torque transfer with minimal energy loss, and are known for their efficiency and durability as well as their ability to handle demanding loads. Here we look at how these gearboxes work, and what sets bevel helicals apart from worm gearboxes.
How Bevel Helical Gearboxes Work
Inside a bevel helical gearbox is a set of interlocking helical gears positioned at an angle. Unlike spur gears which engage in a straight line, helical gears connect gradually which helps them achieve smoother transmission with less noise and vibration. The bevel configuration also allows for a 90-degree change in direction, making these gearboxes ideal for compact machinery layouts.
The angled teeth of bevel helical gearboxes maintain constant contact which means less energy is lost through friction, which makes them a good choice for applications requiring sustained torque with minimal power loss.
How Bevel Helical Differ from Worm Gearboxes
A worm gearbox operates on an entirely different principle, featuring as it does a worm screw meshing with a worm wheel to create a sliding motion rather than rolling contact. This setup is known for its self-locking properties, making it useful in applications where backdriving must be prevented, such as conveyor systems and lifting mechanisms. The trade-off is efficiency, as worm gears generate more heat and lose significantly more energy to friction.
Bevel helical gearboxes transfer more power with less energy loss while handling higher loads more efficiently, with worm gearboxes better suited to applications requiring controlled movement with self-locking capabilities.
Bevel helical gearboxes also tend to experience less wear and tear over time.
Common Applications of Bevel Helical Gearboxes
Bevel helical gearboxes are widely used in heavy duty industries, particularly in material handling equipment such as conveyor belts, cranes and automated lifting systems. They are used in mixing and processing machinery throughout industries like food processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, where the smooth operation of bevel helical gearboxes ensures consistent mixing and blending.
High load applications like those found in steel and cement plants demand reliable power transmission, while mining and aggregate processing machines like crushers and screens require sustained torque for continuous operation.
Worm gearboxes still have their place in applications requiring controlled movement and self-locking properties, but bevel helical gearboxes are often the preferred choice for industries where efficiency and durability are critical.
If you need any bevel helical or worm gearboxes, then contact YB Components who are the UK’s leading bevel helical suppliers in Yorkshire. We keep local stocks of all such parts, ready to ship out fast and free all around the UK and the rest of the world.