Using 8620 as a worm gear material 1

[jande]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with using 8620 (carburized or not)as a worm gear material. I know that the worm itself is usually made from steel but can the gear be made from something other than ductile iron or bronze?

 

[plasgears]

I don't think 8620 is applicable unless you need HT properties. I have used 12L14, a very machinable steel matl. Mating gears ranged from fiber gear, acetal gear, FG reinforced plastic, bronze, even aluminum in a low noise application.

Don't overlook the need for a "cylinder oil" lube or synthetic equiv.

 

[Philrock]

In worm gearing, sliding is the major consideration. Bending is so secondary that it is not even addressed in some of the worm gear rating standards. Bronze and iron against steel do much better with sliding that steel against steel - that's why these are the most widely used materials for this application.