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Worm gear for translation rather than rotation
3

Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

(OP)
I'm wondering if worm gears are ever used to produce translation rather than rotation.  In other words, can the teeth that would normally be hobbed onto a wheel be cut onto the length of a shaft.  

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

Not certain if I understand your
request.  But a helical rack might
do what you are suggesting mated
with a threaded shaft.

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

(OP)
Essentially I am looking for a method of translating a shaft similar to the helical rack that you're describing.  The worm would function the same way it does in conventional applications, but the wheel would be replaced by a rack.  The reason that I was wondering about a worm was because I would like to get as much reduction as possible and because it would resist backdriving.

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

I think it would be a rather unique application, but there is no reason you can't use a worm to drive a rack.  I bet any experienced gearing company could make the parts for you.

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

Could two parallel threaded shafts give you what you need? You could use something like a single start acme thread. One will translate motion to the other and there would be no backdriving.
Essentially, I think, what you're asking for is a wheel of infinite diameter to mate with a worm. This is of course possible although, in answer to your question, the "rack" can not be hobbed or fly cut as you would cutting a wheel. Your options are; form milling, gear shaping, wire cutting.

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

Sure sounds like a machine tool lead screw to me!  Some turn the nut over the screw too if that's what you need.

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

Hi Jande,
    In answer to your original question, it seems that a Crescent (R) wrench or a worm drive hose clamp would come close to what you describe.

RE: Worm gear for translation rather than rotation

You will need to find a way to avoid interference between the rack and the bearings for the worm.

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