Are worm gears designed to work in both direction of rotation.
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Question

Are worm gears designed to work in both direction of rotation.

Echan (Mechanical)

(OP)

9 May 03 09:29

Are worm gears designed to work in both direction of rotation? Or can they be?

We have a conveyor system in a mill with two opposing conveyors belts (opposite direction) coming to a central location to dump their loads in a central location.

These two conveyors are run by separate motor (1/2hp) worm gear outfits. We have a spare that we would like to use for both sides by just reversing motor direction.

input rpm 1750
output rpm 4

Any info would be great.

Etienne

Echan (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2003-05-09 09:30:41

More information:

We are using a Helical-worm gear Unit.

Pekelder (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2003-05-09 10:19:16

Yep, they are designed to work in both directions of revolution of the motor. However, normally, a helical worm gear-unit cannot be back-driven (that's why they are used for conveyors, so that the wont slip in reverse in case of a power failure).

Regards,

Pekelder

gearguru (Automotive) · Answer 3 · 2003-05-13 12:00:15

In this case the worm bearings have to be designed to support the worm in both (axial) directions!
gearguru

rkarthik (Mechanical) · Answer 4 · 2003-05-15 01:27:40

A helical gear box can be used with a hold back fitted in it to prevent from reverse rotation of the belt in case of power failure.
In case of helical gearbox depending on the availabilty you can reverse the hand of the gearbox.Care should be taken while fixing the hold back.
Hope this is if of help to you.You can contact FMG for the helical gearbox.

chicopee (Mechanical) · Answer 5 · 2003-05-21 15:50:28

As long as the worm gear is the driver, it should work

carburized (Mechanical) · Answer 6 · 2003-06-05 11:23:24

Yes, worm gear can be rotated in either direction and so are the helical. In order fot not to be backdriven, always use a brake or backstop. Even though a gear has a very low lead angle for self locking, It can still jar loose in any vibration and you will have back driven the drive. I work for a gear company and never ever guarantee non back driving. Always we reccomend brake.

somas2003 (Mechanical) · Answer 7 · 2003-06-12 07:22:35

Worm gears can rotate in both Direction according to specified Low Lead angle , say appx 5.5 deg.

But in multiple starts of Worm gears , Rotation of Both directions are not recommended due to slippage of Load.

In Some Cases Gear boxes having both Helical and Worm Gear pairs having the rotation of Both direction mostly out put shaft mounted with helical Gear Pair.

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Are worm gears designed to work in both direction of rotation.
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