For compact and reliable power transmission in applications demanding large reduction, self-locking, and smooth operation, YF Gear’s Worm Gear Systems are engineered to deliver.
Our systems are widely deployed in elevators, stage lifts, mining hoists, rotary tables, and automated equipment, solving common challenges like backlash drift, bronze wheel wear, and lubrication fatigue.
By pairing centrifugally cast ZCuSn10P1 bronze worm wheels with 42CrMo carburized & ground worm shafts, combined with AGMA-class CNC grinding, we deliver ratios from 10:1 to 100:1, efficiency ≥ 85 %, and noise under 48 dB. Our designs have been verified through 100,000 start-stop cycles and extreme temperature cycling.
| Parameter | Typical Range / Option | Engineering Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction Ratio | 10:1 – 100:1 (custom) | Designed per torque & speed needs |
| Material – Worm Wheel | ZCuSn10P1 bronze (HB90–120) | Good wear resistance & friction properties |
| Material – Worm Shaft | 42CrMo alloy, carburized & hardened | Surface hardness HRC 58–62 |
| Tooth Profile | Single / Double-thread worm options | For smoothness and efficiency |
| Helix Lead / Thread | 1, 2, 3 starts | Trade-off between speed and torque |
| Backlash | ≤ 0.05° (customizable) | Precision control for positioning systems |
| Efficiency | ≥ 85 % (varies with ratio) | High for typical worm systems |
| Noise Level | ≤ 48 dB | Low-noise design for sensitive environments |
| Operating Temp | –20 °C to +260 °C | Validated for thermal extremes |
| Component | Role in System | Material / Processing | Critical Parameters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worm Wheel | Receives torque & converts rotation into axial motion | ZCuSn10P1 bronze, cast + machining | Tooth hardness, wear resistance, profile accuracy |
| Worm Gear Shaft | Drives the wheel with rotational force | 42CrMo, carburized + hardened + ground | Surface finish, concentricity, thread accuracy |
Selection Tip:
For higher torque / heavy loads, prioritize larger bronze wheel diameter and deeper tooth depth. For high-speed, choose multiple-start worms with fine helix lead.
Worm wheel casting (centrifugal for density uniformity)
Rough machining & turning
Bronze wheel heat treatment & stress relief
Worm shaft blanking, soft machining
Carburizing / hardening of worm shaft
Precision grind worm thread & wheel teeth
Match-fitting, backlash adjustment
Quality inspection: noise test, efficiency test, cycle durability
Packaging & labeling
Elevator / Lift Drives: Self-locking prevents rollback under power loss
Stage / Theater Lifts: Smooth, quiet operation in show environments
Mining Hoists: Heavy loads, harsh conditions, reliable service
Rotary Tables / Indexing Tables: Precise positioning under load
Solar Tracker Systems: High torque at low speed, minimal maintenance
Example: In an automated parking garage, our worm gear maintained zero backlash and torque stability over 100,000 cycles, under –20 °C to 230 °C conditions.
Efficiency vs Self-Locking Trade-off
Worm gears naturally have lower efficiency; we optimize worm thread count, wheel diameter, and lead to reach ≥ 85 % while preserving self-locking in certain ratios.
Backlash Drift Over Time
Use matched worm/wheel pairs with preloaded fit; periodic minor adjustment helps maintain precision.
Lubrication & Heat Dissipation
Recommend high-temperature gear oil or grease, ensure housing good thermal conduction paths.
Wear of Worm Wheel (Bronze)
Use densified bronze alloys + surface finishing to reduce wear; consider regenerative replacement mode.
Thermal Expansion & Alignment
Use expansion compensation, radial clearance design, and precise shaft alignment to avoid binding at temperature extremes.
Q1: What is a worm gear system?
A system composed of a worm shaft and a worm wheel; rotational input on the worm produces linear or rotational output with high reduction and potential self-locking.
Q2: How do I choose between single-start and multiple-start worm?
Single-start provides high reduction and self-locking; multiple-start allows faster matching speed with moderate reduction.
Q3: Can worm gear be self-locking?
Yes — when helix angle is low and under proper ratio, reverse motion is prevented without braking.
Q4: Which materials are optimal for worm wheel / shaft?
Bronze for the wheel (wear resistance), hardened alloy steel for shaft (strength + hardness).
Q5: How to control backlash?
Precision grinding, matched fitting, preload adjustment, and periodic maintenance.
Q6: What maintenance is required?
Check lubricant every 6–12 months, monitor noise, inspect tooth wear.
ISO 9001 certified manufacturing
Material certificates (bronze & steel)
Efficiency & noise test reports
Backlash & precision inspection
Cycle durability validation (100,000+ cycles)
Need a reliable worm gear solution for high torque, compact, and silent drive systems?
Upload your reduction ratio, torque requirement, drawing, or desired output — we’ll respond with a custom quote and matched worm+wheel solution in 24 hours.
[Request Worm Gear Quote]
