Gear Drive Comparison

• Spur gears

  
  

  More efficient at transmitting power because they don't produce axial thrust. However, they can generate noise due to the abrupt engagement and disengagement of the gear teeth. The noise level increases at higher speeds and loads.

• Helical gears

  
  

  Have a higher load-carrying capacity and transmit torque more smoothly than spur gears. However, they produce additional axial thrust and experience more friction and wear. Special axial thrust bearings are required to run helical gears.

  
  

• Herringbone helical gears

  
  

  The opposing arrangement of the helixes in herringbone helical gears cancels out each other's axial forces. The counteracting teeth of the herringbone gear allow for smooth operation, even at higher speeds.

  However, herringbone gears are more difficult to manufacture than other types of gears and are therefore more expensive!