8 Advantages of Helical Gearbox Over Straight Tooth

5 min readJun 22, 2023

Gearboxes play a crucial role in various industries, enabling the efficient transfer of power and torque between different components of a machine. When it comes to choosing the right design, helical gearboxes have emerged as a popular choice due to their numerous advantages over straight-tooth gears.

In this article, we will explore eight benefits of helical gearbox design and why it is one of the most preferred choices.

Advantages of Helical Gearbox Design

1. Helical Gears Can Bear Greater Loads

One of the significant advantages of helical gears is their ability to handle higher loads compared to straight-tooth gears. Their design allows for more teeth to be in contact at any given time, distributing the load over a larger surface area. This feature makes helical gearboxes ideal for applications that require heavy-duty operations and can withstand higher levels of stress and torque.

2. Helical Gears Are More Versatile

Helical gears offer greater versatility in terms of application suitability. They can operate at various speeds, making them suitable for low-speed and high-speed applications. They can smoothly accommodate changes in speed and torque, ensuring a reliable and efficient power transmission across a wide range of operating conditions.

3. Helical Gears Offer a Greater Range

Compared to straight-tooth gears, helical gearboxes provide a broader range of gear ratios. This flexibility allows engineers and designers to select the most suitable gear ratio for a specific application, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. The availability of a wide range of gear ratios is particularly beneficial in industries where precise control and speed variations are crucial, such as automotive, manufacturing, and power generation.

4. Helical Gearboxes Offer More Flexibility

Helical gears provide greater flexibility regarding mounting options and gearbox configurations. Unlike standard spur gears, these can be easily configured to transmit power between parallel or non-parallel shafts. This versatility makes helical gearboxes adaptable to various space constraints and machinery layouts, allowing for more compact and efficient designs.

5. Right-Angle Helical Gearboxes Can Have a Greater Range of Gear Diameters

Helical gears have a distinct advantage when it comes to right-angle gearbox applications. The design enables a greater range of gear diameters, which is especially beneficial for compact and lightweight applications. This advantage allows engineers to achieve the desired gear ratios while maintaining the overall size and weight of the gearbox, making it an attractive choice for applications where space is limited.

6. Right-angle Helical Gearboxes Provide Non-Intersecting Shafts

Helical gearboxes offer a perfect solution in applications requiring non-intersecting shafts, such as in cranes, conveyors, and packaging machinery. The gear design allows for the input and output shafts to be positioned at right angles to each other, enabling efficient power transmission while ensuring the shafts do not intersect. This feature simplifies the overall design and installation process, leading to a more compact and efficient system.

7. Helical Gears Reduce Noise and Vibration

Compared to straight-tooth gears, helical gears operate with reduced noise and vibration levels. The inclined teeth enable a smoother and more gradual engagement between gear pairs, minimising the impact and noise generated during gear meshing. This reduction in noise and vibration not only improves the working environment but also prolongs the lifespan of the gearbox components.

8. Helical Gearboxes Provide Better Load Distribution

The inclined teeth of helical gears distribute the load more evenly across the gear teeth, resulting in improved load-carrying capacity and durability. This load distribution characteristic reduces the risk of premature wear and tooth failure, ensuring a longer lifespan and higher reliability for helical gearboxes. The improved load distribution allows it to transmit power more efficiently, resulting in higher overall system efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are helical gearboxes more expensive than straight-tooth gearboxes?

Helical gearboxes generally have a slightly higher cost compared to straight-tooth gearboxes due to the complexity of their design and manufacturing process. However, the benefits and advantages offered by them, such as higher load-bearing capacity, versatility, and reduced noise levels, justify the investment. It is important to consider the specific requirements of your application and consult with a reputable gearbox supplier to determine the most cost effective and suitable solution.

2. Can helical gearboxes be retrofitted into existing machinery?

Yes, they can be retrofitted into existing machinery in many cases. However, it is essential to assess the compatibility and feasibility of the retrofitting process. Factors such as available space, shaft alignment, and the overall design of the machinery need to be taken into consideration. Engaging the expertise of gearbox specialists or engineers can help evaluate the viability of retrofitting helical gearboxes and ensure smooth integration with your existing equipment.

3. How do helical gearboxes compare to other types, such as planetary gearboxes?

Helical and planetary gearboxes serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Helical gears excel in applications that require high load-bearing capacity, a broader range of gear ratios, and reduced noise and vibration levels. They are also more versatile in terms of mounting options and compatibility with non-parallel shafts. On the other hand, planetary gearboxes offer higher torque density, compact designs, and excellent efficiency. The choice between the two depends on specific application requirements, space limitations, and the desired performance parameters. Consulting with gearbox experts can help determine the most suitable type of gearbox for your application.

Upgrade to Helical Gearbox Solutions for Enhanced Performance

Are you looking to optimise the performance and efficiency of your machinery? Upgrade to helical gearbox solutions today and experience their numerous benefits over straight-tooth gearboxes.

At Santram Engineers, we specialise in providing high-quality helical gearboxes and a wide range of other power transmission products that are designed to withstand heavy loads, deliver precise speed control, and operate with reduced noise and vibration levels.

Don’t let outdated gearbox technology hold you back. Take advantage of the versatility, durability, and superior load-carrying capacity of helical gearboxes. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your needs and provide customised gearbox solutions that meet your exact specifications.

Contact us now to discuss your requirements and take the first step towards optimising your machinery with our advanced gearbox solutions.