Bevel gears development was considered a huge improvement to other models, because they have higher torque capacity and are quieter. With bevel gears, you can also optimize efficiency to as high as 98%. This makes them an excellent pick for your system, but before you can place an order, it will be a good idea to understand them more and look at their applications.

What is a Bevel Gear?

This is a toothed rotating device designed to help transfer shaft power between two intersecting shafts (either perpendicularly or at an angle).  The result is a change in the direction of rotation and the shaft torque. Bevel gears can also be used to decrease or increase torque while creating the opposite effect on the angular speed.

Think of bevel gears as a form of truncated cones. On the lateral side, the teeth are cut so that they articulately interlock with others of the driven or driving gear. The teeth of a bevel gear can either be spiraled (conical helix) or straight.  

NOTE: Bevel gears work as a paired set and should be used that way without being interchanged. It is also crucial to check the rating, especially the bearing speed and loads, for optimal efficiency.

The Main Types of Bevel Gears

There are a number of bevel gears, which are based on the profile of their teeth and orientation. The most advanced and complex models, such as the hypoid bevel gears, were designed following the development of production processes like CNC machining. So, here are some of the common types of bevel gears: 

• Straight Bevel Gears

These are the simplest types of bevel gears that you will get out there. The teeth are cut in a line that intersects at the ‘axis.’ A closer look at the teeth of straight bevel gears shows that they are tapered in thickness so that the outer part is larger than the toe (inner part). Like the spur gears, the straight bevel gears are considered the easiest to manufacture.

• Spiral bevel gears

Unlike the straight bevel gears, the spiral model is very complex. Its teeth are curved and oblique. This results in a greater overlap between the teeth to promote gradual engagement and disengagement when the teeth contact. The enhanced smoothness culminates in reduced vibration and noise when compared to spur gears. They also have higher load capacities. 

• Zero bevel gears

A Zero bevel gear is a modification of the spiral bevel gear design. Indeed, zero bevel gears have all attributes of spiral bevel gears but differ in the angle of spirals. Spiral gears have their spiral angles cut at 35%, while those of zero bevel gears are done at 0%. The main advantages of zero bevel gears include stable transmission, higher loan capacity, and longer service life.  

Applications of Bevel gears 

Now that you know the main types of bevel gears, it is time to dig deeper into their application. The application of bevel gears is considered among the simplest and efficient mechanisms of changing the direction of motion. Here are the common types of applications of bevel gears: 

• Automotive industry: Here, it is applied in both front and rear axle assembly, allowing the wheels to rotate at varying speeds. 
• Heavy-duty equipment: Bevel gears are preferred for most heavy-duty equipment, where it is used either for propulsion or running auxiliary units. 
• Aviation: Helicopters rotors and airplane accessory gearbox drives use bevel gears. 
• Industrial equipment:  A lot of industrial equipment, from speed reducers to cooling tower fans, can ‌use bevel gears. 

Bevel gears have a lot of applications both in industrial equipment and other types of machinery. Like other types of gears, be they spur or helical gear models, the secret to getting highest value from them is picking the model that matches your operations well. You should also ensure they are maintained properly through proper lubrication, and equipment maintenance.