Spur Gears.

What are Spur Gears?

Spur gears, part of Accu's rotary components family, are a type of cylindrical gear with teeth that project radially. They are a very common type of gear and are characterized by their simple, straight teeth aligned parallel to the axis of rotation. This design allows for efficient teeth engagement and smooth power transmission between parallel shafts.

In mechanical assemblies, the precision and reliability of spur gears are crucial, especially in scenarios demanding high load capacity in which spur gears can be aligned in a gear train to achieve high torque, similar to pulleys. The straightforward nature of their design contributes to ease of manufacturing, consistent performance, and suitability for a wide range of applications in various industries, from automotive to manufacturing equipment.

How Spur Gears Work

Spur gears operate by meshing their straight teeth with those of another gear or gears, typically on parallel shafts. This meshing facilitates the efficient transmission of power and motion from one shaft to another. The simplicity of their design allows for precise control over gear ratios, providing versatility in speed and torque modification.

In the manufacturing industry, spur gears are used in robotic arms and automation equipment for their precision and reliability, enabling accurate movements and operations. In a more day-to-day scenario, they can be found inside small electronic devices such as printers and scanners, playing a crucial role in the precise movement of components, ensuring accuracy and consistency in function.

Materials and Benefits

At Accu, our selection of spur gears is available in a range of high-quality materials, including Brass, POM, Carbon Steel, Steel and Stainless Steel.

• Brass – Naturally resistant to corrosion and offers low friction, making it suitable for applications requiring smooth operation.
• POM (Polyoxymethylene) – A strong, lightweight plastic known for its excellent wear resistance and low moisture absorption, ideal for precision applications.
• Carbon Steel – Offers high strength and durability, making it suitable for high-load applications.
  Steel – Provides robust performance and is commonly used in industrial and mechanical systems requiring high torque transmission.
• Stainless Steel – Resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it ideal for harsh environments and food-grade applications.

This diverse material selection ensures that our spur gears meet a wide range of engineering application requirements, from precision projects to heavy-duty machinery.

Sizes and Types of Spur Gears

Our spur gears range in number of teeth from a minimum of 8 teeth to a maximum of 120, accommodating a variety of design needs. With a pitch circle diameter from 4.2mm to a substantial 240mm and bore diameters between 2mm and 35mm, our gears cater to a broad spectrum of mechanical requirements. The modules we offer, ranging from m0.3 to m3, ensure a precise fit for your specific application.

To fix your gears to motors, axles or studs, you'll require grub screws. While these vary in size depending on your gear, Accu stocks a huge variety with various tip points to match your specific project needs. Our range of spacers or shim washers can also be used to accurately adjust and set your gears for the perfect mesh.

FAQs

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of spur gears?

A: While spur gear advantages and disadvantages can come down to specific project-related scenarios. Advantages include their simplicity, high load capacity, and efficiency in transferring power between parallel shafts. However, they can be noisy at high speeds and may not be suitable for non-parallel shaft applications.

Q: Why do people use spur gears?

A: Spur gears are widely used due to their ability to transmit large amounts of power efficiently, their ease of manufacturing and their suitability for a wide range of industrial and mechanical applications.

Q: Are spur gears the most efficient?

A: While spur gears are highly efficient for parallel-shaft power transmission, their efficiency can vary based on the application and the specific design of the gear system. Other gears such as helical and hypoid potentially have increased efficiency due to the way the teeth interlock in a spiral pattern.

Q: Where are spur gears most commonly used?

A: Spur gears are commonly used in automotive transmissions, conveyor systems, moving electronics and mechanical clocks, where precise and reliable power transmission is required.

Q: What is the alternative to a spur gear?

A: Alternatives include helical gears, which are used for transmitting power between non-parallel shafts, and bevel gears, which are suited for intersecting shaft applications. You can learn more by reading our article "The Different Types Of Gears In Engineering".

Bespoke Spur Gears Manufacture.

High precision, bespoke manufacture of Spur Gears to customer specification. State of the art facilities specialising in both small batch prototyping and large scale manufacture.