Worm gear motors have a high torque capacity and are used in elevators and other machinery

Worm gear motors have a high torque capacity and are used in elevators and other machinery. Their design allows them to operate quietly. The worm and wheel gears are made of dissimilar metals, which allows them to rub against each other without damaging them.
The lubricant used in a worm gear motor must be capable of withstanding high loads and temperatures. EP lubricants are typically used, but polyalkylene glycols (PAG) have also become popular.
Efficiency
Worm gear motors use an electric motor to turn a worm gear that in turn drives a wheel, allowing motion and torque to be produced. They have the potential to offer high gear reduction ratios, and can be quiet and self-locking. They also require less maintenance than standard gear systems.
A key factor that determines the efficiency of a worm gear system is how it transmits power between the worm and gear. The gears contact each other by sliding, which makes it difficult to generate significant amounts of power while maintaining efficiency.
This paper presents a physically grounded calculation method that can determine local tooth friction coefficients and predict gear power loss. In addition, this technique can calculate other power losses such as bearings, oil churning and shaft seals. It also shows that the results of a simulation can be compared with those of actual measurement values. The developed calculation methodology provides a reliable method for evaluating the efficiency of a worm gear drive.
Durability
Worm gear motors operate quietly with minimal vibration. They also offer a compact design that allows them to fit into tight spaces. They can be used in a variety of applications including machine tools, elevators and automotive power steering.
A key strength of worm gearing is that it prevents reverse motion. This is accomplished by a self-locking mechanism that occurs when the lead angle between the worm and gear tooth surfaces is small enough to make it impossible to turn the worm against the gear.
One major downside of worm gearing is that it is difficult to properly lubricate. Since the meshing between the worm and gear is sliding, not rolling, there is a much higher risk of friction and heat transfer than with standard gears.
This problem is compounded by the fact that a steel worm gear typically has a brass worm wheel. Sulfur-phosphorous EP gear oils will cause corrosion on the brass surface and can damage the teeth of a steel worm. Lubricants with a high viscosity are required, but these can be problematic for plants that do not have the proper equipment on-site to filter this kind of oil.
Maintenance
Worm gear motors are efficient and dependable when properly maintained. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations for setup and lubrication, these unique machines can provide many years of trouble-free service.
However, the worm gear’s sliding action with the worm wheel requires a different kind of lubricant than would be used in other types of gearboxes. The right lubricant can reduce friction, protect against corrosion, and help dissipate heat. But if the wrong lubricant is used, damage can occur.
Using the wrong lubricant can result in higher temperatures, inadequate hydrodynamic pressure development, and increased wear debris generation. In addition, a lack of proper lubrication can lead to inefficient operation.
A good way to ensure that the lubricant is performing its job is to use a sight glass and an oil level sensor. This will allow for daily visual inspections of the lubricant’s condition, including unusual darkening (a sign of oxidation) and the presence of visible sludge, solid particles, and moisture.
Cost
Although worm gears are less efficient than standard gears, they do provide an advantage: their sliding contact between the worm and the wheel reduces noise. This feature is particularly useful in applications that require quiet operations. For example, worm gears are used as the differential in heavy trucks, where the effect of a flat tire on one wheel is minimized.
Worm gearmotors also use fewer parts than other motors, making them more compact. They can be used in many different applications, including speed reducers and elevators. They are also used in machines that require high torque multiplication, such as machine tools and hoists. These motors can be powered by AC or DC power, and they are available with various gear ratios and shaft dimensions. They can also be customized per request. These brush-commutated worm gear motors are ideal for applications where space is limited. They can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the input shaft of the micro motor they are coupled with, and they are suitable for a wide range of supply voltages from 12-24V.