Worm gears and combined helical/worm gears are often used as a simple and effective solution for power transmission
applications. The load carrying capacity of such gearboxes was increased constantly over the last ten years. Latest
calculation methods, new materials, modern manufacturing procedures and, especially, suitable lubricants are the most
important parameters for high performance gear drives.
The presented paper shows several synthetic gear oils and their influence on wear and efficiency of highly loaded worm
gears. The friction coefficient of the base oil as well as the additives is considered. Taking their extended service life into
account, very often synthetic gear oils are the most economic solution.
The results are based on measurements carried out on the Kluber worm gear test rig. This test rig allows to measure input
speed, input torque, output torque, bulk and sump temperature of the tested worm gear. It is also possible to ascertain the
lubrication regime in the contact of worm and wheel. A detailed description of the test rig is given in the paper.