High-Performance Herringbone Gears for Industrial Applications
Herringbone gears, also known as double helical gears, represent the pinnacle of power transmission technology with their unique V-shaped tooth design. Our precision-engineered herringbone gears deliver unmatched performance in heavy-duty applications where noise reduction, load capacity, and smooth operation are critical requirements.
Key Technical Specifications
Material: Premium alloy steel (AISI 4140/4340), case hardened for durability
Module Range: 1.5 to 20 module
Pressure Angle: 20° standard (14.5° and 25° available upon request)
Helix Angle: 15° to 45° (optimized for specific applications)
Precision Grade: DIN 3 to 8 (AGMA 10 to 15 equivalent)
Surface Finish: 0.4-0.8μm Ra after precision grinding
Maximum Diameter: 2500mm (98.5 inches)
Heat Treatment: Carburizing, quenching, and tempering to HRC 58-62
Performance Comparison Table
Feature
Standard Helical
Herringbone Gears
Improvement
Load Capacity
100% (Baseline)
140-160%
40-60% increase
Noise Level
80 dB
65 dB
15 dB reduction
Axial Thrust
Present
Eliminated
100% improvement
Power Transmission Efficiency
94-96%
97-99%
3-5% improvement
Herringbone Gears Manufacturing Capabilities
Gear Type
Diameter Range
Weight Capacity
Max RPM
Parallel Shaft
50-2000mm
Up to 5000kg
10,000
Right Angle
100-1500mm
Up to 3000kg
7,500
Planetary Systems
20-800mm
Up to 2000kg
15,000
Herringbone Gears FAQ Section
What are the main advantages of herringbone gears over conventional gears?
Herringbone gears offer three primary advantages: elimination of axial thrust that plagues single helical designs, significantly increased load-bearing capacity due to the double-helix tooth pattern, and remarkably quiet operation. The V-shaped tooth configuration essentially cancels out axial forces while maintaining all the benefits of helical gear engagement. This makes them ideal for high-torque applications in industries like marine propulsion, steel mills, and power generation where reliability is paramount.
How do herringbone gears handle misalignment compared to other gear types?
Herringbone gears have superior misalignment tolerance compared to spur gears but slightly less than single helical designs. The symmetrical tooth pattern provides moderate self-aligning capability (typically ±0.5° angular misalignment). For applications requiring greater misalignment accommodation, we recommend using specially designed crowned herringbone gears which can handle up to ±1.5° misalignment while maintaining optimal contact patterns.
What maintenance considerations are specific to herringbone gears?
Herringbone gears require specialized maintenance protocols. Unlike single helical gears that can be inspected from one side, herringbone designs need mirror-image inspection of both helices. Lubrication systems must be precisely engineered to ensure equal oil distribution to both tooth flanks. We recommend vibration analysis every 500 operating hours and full profile inspection every 2,000 hours for critical applications. Proper break-in procedures (gradual load increase over 50-100 hours) are essential to achieve optimum surface conformity.
Customization Options
Our herringbone gears can be fully customized to meet your specific application requirements:
Tooth Profile Optimization: Modified involute profiles for reduced stress concentration
Special Coatings: DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), PTFE-impregnated, or phosphate coatings available
Material Variants: Stainless steel (AISI 304/316), bronze alloys, or engineered plastics
Special Geometries: Hollow shaft designs, integrated bearing surfaces, or custom keyway configurations
With over two decades of experience in precision gear manufacturing, our herringbone gears are trusted by Fortune 500 companies across five continents for their exceptional quality and reliability. Contact our engineering team today to discuss your specific power transmission requirements.
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