Gearing Types and Applications

Gears are essential components in many mechanical systems, especially in transmitting power and motion from one rotating shaft to another. They come in various shapes and sizes, each with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Particularly, mechanical gears are utilized to increase productivity and reduce costs. Some applications include assembly lines, robots, conveyor belts, and packaging equipment.

This article will discuss the uses of gears in common manufacturing applications and custom gears used in niche industries with high-end requirements.

How Gears Work

Gears transmit torque by interlocking, facilitating the transfer of rotational force from one unit to the next. They function as a pair and are connected to a shaft or the base part of a machine. Additionally, the ratio between two interlocking gears is established by their number of teeth.

If the driving gear (input) is greater than the number of teeth on the driven gear (output), the output will rotate at a slower speed but with greater torque. Conversely, if the driving gear has few teeth, the output turns faster with less force.

Specialized Types of Gears and Their Applications

Allied Sinterings specializes in producing small, precision-made gears for various applications. These custom gears are used in multiple industries, such as Medical devices, robotics, and electric vehicles (EVs). Here are some of the most commonly used specialized components:

Actuator Gears

Electric vehicle actuator gears are mechanical components used to control the movement and positioning of different parts in an electric vehicle. They are typically precision-engineered and designed to withstand the high loads and stress in EVs.

Planetary Gears

Planetary gears are a type of gear system consisting of sun, planet, and ring gear. They are designed to provide high gear ratios in a compact space and are widely used in automobiles. Moreover, their unique design allows multiple gear ratios within a single system, making them a versatile and efficient power transmission solution.

Harmonic Drive Gears

The harmonic drive gear system is distinguished by its unique design, which enables high precision and accuracy in a compact size. This makes it a popular option for applications requiring high precision, such as robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace.

One of its advantages is its ability to achieve a high reduction ratio in a smaller package. This is particularly beneficial for applications where space is limited. In addition, it has a high torque and a low backlash, which is the minimal amount of play or looseness between the gears.

Spur Gears

Spur gears are characterized by their straight teeth and are the most commonly used type in medical devices. They are typically used to power surgical instruments, pumps, and other mechanical systems. In addition, their simple designs are easy to manufacture and maintain, making them an ideal choice for applications requiring reliability and durability.

Stepper Motor Gears

Stepper motor gears enhance the performance of stepper motors by improving their torque and precision. These gears are precisely manufactured to complement the control capabilities of stepper motors. They also regulate the movement of the device’s various components — such as wheels, actuators, and mechanical systems — to ensure accurate and controlled motion.

Shift Gears for Wire Systems

Shift gears for wire systems are mechanical or hydraulic components used to control the speed and torque of the wiring system output. They can also be controlled manually or automatically and are typically used with a gearbox and a brake system.

Custom Engineered Small Gears From Allied Sinterings

Allied Sinterings is an industry leader in custom-designed small gears! Our products are precisely manufactured to the highest quality standards to ensure that they meet the specific requirements of our customers. We also use advanced technology to continuously improve our products and services and provide everyone with innovative solutions to their needs.

Contact us for inquiries, or request a quote to begin your next projects with us!

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