Helical vs Worm Gearbox: Which is Right For You?
Choosing between helical and worm gearboxes can significantly impact your operational efficiency and costs. This comprehensive comparison from Tau Engineers, Ahmedabad will help you select the perfect gearbox for applications in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and across India.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Helical Gearbox | Worm Gearbox |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 94-98% | 60-90% |
| Noise Level | Low | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower initial cost |
| Size | Compact | Larger footprint |
| Ratio Range | 3:1 to 20:1 | 5:1 to 100:1 |
| Backdriving | Possible | Self-locking |
🤔 Still unsure which gearbox you need? Our experts can help! Call +91 7990998834 for free consultation.
When to Choose a Helical Gearbox
Helical gearboxes lose less energy to heat, making them ideal for continuous operations where energy costs matter.
The gradual tooth engagement produces less noise, perfect for environments near workers.
More compact design fits better in tight spaces compared to equivalent worm gearboxes.
Ideal Applications for Helical Gearboxes:
- Conveyor systems in packaging plants
- Food processing equipment
- Automated material handling
- Any application requiring high efficiency
When to Choose a Worm Gearbox
Worm gearboxes can achieve much higher reduction ratios in single stages (up to 100:1).
The sliding action absorbs shock better than helical gears' rolling contact.
Worm gearboxes naturally prevent backdriving, eliminating need for brakes in many applications.
Ideal Applications for Worm Gearboxes:
- Gate operation systems
- Heavy-duty mixers
- Packaging machine indexers
- Applications requiring self-locking
Cost Comparison Over 5 Years
| Cost Factor | Helical Gearbox | Worm Gearbox |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase | ₹42,000 | ₹28,000 |
| Energy Costs (5 yrs) | ₹1,20,000 | ₹1,80,000 |
| Maintenance (5 yrs) | ₹25,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | ₹1,87,000 | ₹2,23,000 |
Pro Tip: While worm gearboxes have lower upfront costs, helical gearboxes typically save 18-25% in total ownership costs over 5 years due to energy savings, especially in applications running more than 8 hours/day.
Our Gearbox Solutions
At Tau Engineers, we manufacture both gearbox types to suit your needs:
- Parallel shaft and right-angle configurations
- Up to 98% efficiency
- Ratios from 3:1 to 20:1
- Quiet, smooth operation
- NMRV series standard
- Ratios from 5:1 to 100:1
- Self-locking capability
- Robust construction
🛠️ Get expert help selecting your gearbox
Email info@tauengineers.in with your application details or call +91 7990998834
Serving industries across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi NCR and nationwide