Second, the planet gear bearings need to play an active part in torque transfer. Planetary systems split the torque insight from the sun gear amongst the planet gears, which transfer torque to a world carrier linked to the gearbox output. The bearings that support the planets on the carrier need to bear the full brunt of that torque transfer.

Or, in extreme cases, they could select angular contact or tapered roller bearings, both of which are designed to withstand axial loads.
In planetary gearboxes, however, it’s much more difficult to create around these axial forces for two related reasons. First, there is typically hardly any space in a planetary gearbox to include the type of bulky bearings that may tolerate high axial forces.

The existence of axial forces makes things very different for the bearings that support helical gears. But it is important to make a distinction between fixed-axis and planetary gearboxes. In fixed-axis gearboxes, the additional axial forces total little more than a hassle. Gearbox designers will most likely upsize the bearings to support the additional forces.

Since they don’t need to withstand any axial forces, spur gear bearings enjoy just a supporting role in the functioning of the gearbox. The bearings should just support the rotating equipment shafts, however they do not really play an active function in torque transfer.

Helical Gears Place Higher Demand on Bearings

Helical Gearbox, the right selection for you.