Types of Plastic Gears

There are many types of plastic gears. These plastic gear types are widely used in mechanical transmission and can be found in a wide variety of products and industries. Some common examples include vacuum cleaners and automatic coffee machines.

Unreinforced plastics are typically three to twenty times stiffer than metal, though there are some reinforced plastics that have a close thermal expansion to metal. The thermal effects of molding plastic parts have a major effect on long-term dimensional stability. In addition, moisture absorption in plastic parts causes them to swell, reducing the clearances between gear teeth. To compensate for this effect, designers must increase gear clearances or select a plastic with less swelling tendency.

Injection molded plastic gears have many advantages over metal gears. First, they tend to run quieter and require less horsepower than metal gears. Additionally, they are easy to produce and often need no lubrication. They can also be compounded with silicone or PTFE. As a result, plastic gears are a viable alternative to metal gears. Moreover, their inherent lubricity and low chemical resistance make them an excellent choice for sensitive applications.

Worm plastic gears are a specialty type of plastic gear. Their worm-like profile enables them to transmit torque at right angles. They are a popular choice for low horsepower and shock load applications, but they are not particularly efficient. Worm gears are also available in hourglass or cylindrical forms for greater control over the contact ratio. They can be found in consumer products and automotive latches, among others. And they are manufactured for special applications.

Nylon Gear Material

The materials used in nylon plastic gears are usually engineering plastics such as polyacetal (POM) and MC Nylon, which is essentially a polyamide resin. In addition, U-PE and PEEK can also be used to make plastic gear wheels. Plastic gears are made of two different materials. POM is suitable for small gears in larger quantities, while MC nylon is best for large or small gear lots. The main difference between POM and MC nylon lies in their degree of absorbency. MC nylon absorbs water approximately 10 times more water than POM. This reduces the dimensional accuracy of the gear, increases noise, and lowers transmission efficiency. Also, MC nylon is prone to hydrolysis, which deteriorates the resin.

Lubricating Plastic Gears

When lubricating plastic gears, it is essential to choose the right type of grease based on the tribological performance and material compatibility. Some factors to consider include the viscosity, NLGI class, base oil and type of thickener. These factors affect the lubricant's efficiency and its compatibility with the plastic gears.

The first consideration when lubricating plastic gears is a lubricant's compatibility with the plastic. If a gear is not compatible with a lubricant, it may deteriorate prematurely, causing cracks and pits in the gear's surface. The base oil and additives used in the lubricant must be compatible with the gear's surface, as well as the plastic itself.

Plastic gears are a great choice for aerospace applications, since they are light and have low inertia. Plastic gears can also be embedded with lubricant materials for improved operation and performance. However, it is important to consider the environmental, load and speed conditions when choosing a lubricant. If the lubricant is incompatible with the plastic, it can cause stress cracking, leading to failure of the gear.

The next important consideration is the dimensional stability. ABS gears exhibit low shrink out of the mold and dimensional stability. On the other hand, acetal copolymer gears display exceptional fatigue resistance and dimensional stability. However, ABS gears are limited in terms of service life. It is best to choose a crystalline polymer if the gears will be used frequently under light loads. In general, ABS is a good choice for small precision gears, but it is important to note that this material is susceptible to damage from moisture and heat.

Custom Plastic Gears Available at Ever-power

As a professional China plastic gear manufacturer, we offer high-quality plastic cogs and gears for sale. Our nylon plastic gears and cogs available are at a competitive plastic gear price. You can choose the materials. There are many kinds of products which can be processed and customized. Buy custom made plastic gears now!

Plastic Gears for Sale

A custom-made plastic gear can be used to transfer not only motion but also power. While spur gears were once the most common type of plastic gear, almost all types of gearing, including cylindrical worm, helical, and ring and pinion gears, are now manufactured. 

We have a wide range of China plastic gears for sale that can be used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Our gears are made of high-quality plastic, so you can be sure they will last long and perform reliably. We also offer a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect gear for your needs.