Discover how helical gears can effectively reduce noise and vibration in industrial machinery with Diskedge, a leading gear manufacturer in Australia.
Helical gears have become increasingly popular in industrial machinery due to their ability to effectively reduce noise and vibration. As a leading gear manufacturer in Australia, Diskedge has witnessed the growing demand for quieter and more efficient power transmission solutions.
Helical Gears in Industrial Machinery
Helical gears play a significant role in noise reduction for industrial machinery due to their unique design and operating characteristics. Here’s how they contribute to quieter and smoother operation:
1. Smoother Engagement
Helical gears have teeth that are cut at an angle to the gear axis, forming a helix. This design allows for a gradual and continuous engagement of the gear teeth. Unlike spur gears, where the teeth engage and disengage abruptly, helical gears mesh gradually, reducing impact forces and leading to smoother operation with less noise.
2. Increased Contact Ratio
The angled teeth of helical gears result in a higher contact ratio, meaning multiple teeth are in contact during meshing. This distributes the load more evenly across the gear teeth, reducing the force on any single tooth and minimising vibrations that can contribute to noise.
3. Reduced Vibration
The smoother engagement and increased contact ratio help to minimise the vibrations that occur during gear operation. Vibration is a primary source of noise in gear systems, so reducing vibration directly contributes to quieter machinery.
4. Load Distribution
Helical gears distribute the load over several teeth rather than concentrating it on a single pair of teeth. This reduces the stress and deformation on individual teeth, leading to quieter operation. The improved load distribution also enhances the durability and longevity of the gears, further contributing to consistent performance with less noise over time.
5. Axial Forces
One trade-off with helical gears is the generation of axial forces due to the angled teeth. These forces need to be managed with appropriate bearings and housing designs. When properly managed, the benefits of noise reduction far outweigh the challenges posed by these forces.
6. Lubrication and Maintenance
Proper lubrication is essential for minimising noise in any gear system, including helical gears. The continuous sliding contact in helical gears can benefit from a consistent lubrication film, reducing friction and wear, which in turn helps in maintaining quiet operation. Regular maintenance ensures that the gears remain properly aligned and lubricated, further reducing noise.
Applications in the Australian Industry
In our experience of solving gear-cutting and power transmission needs, we’ve seen helical gears make significant inroads across various Australian industries:
• Mining Equipment: Helical gears have proven invaluable in reducing noise in conveyor systems and heavy machinery used in Australia’s mining sector.
• Manufacturing Plants: Assembly lines and production machinery benefit from the quieter operation of helical gears, improving overall workplace conditions.
• Automotive Industry: Vehicle transmissions increasingly utilise helical gears for smoother, quieter rides.
• Food Processing: Helical gears in mixing and packaging equipment contribute to quieter food production facilities.
Partner with Diskedge
Diskedge ensures that we can offer our clients the most effective noise-reduction solutions. Whether you’re looking to upgrade existing machinery or design new equipment with optimal noise performance, our expertise in helical gears can make a significant difference.