| Spur Gears
|
- General: Spur gears are the most commonly used gear type. They are
characterized by teeth which are perpendicular to the face of
the gear. Spur gears are by far the most commonly available,
and are generally the least expensive.The basic descriptive geometry for a spur
gear is shown in the figure below.
( The picture is larger than displayed- for better viewing you can
right-click (Windows) or hold down the button (Macintosh) and choose "View this image"
The diametral pitch, P, is related to the number of teeth, N,
and the pitch diamter, d, by the relation P=N/d. The circular
pitch, p, is the width of a tooth and a space (measured along
the pitch circle), and is related to the diametral pitch by
Pp=PI.
- Limitations: Spur gears generally cannot be used when
a direction change between the two shafts is required.
- Advantages:Spur gears are easy to find, inexpensive,
and efficient.