Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
August 2026
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA, a factory-owned distributor of KHK metric gears, has introduced duplex worm gears designed to simplify backlash adjustment in worm gear assemblies. Unlike conventional systems that require gearbox housing modifications, the duplex design allows precise backlash adjustment by moving the worm shaft axially, reducing installation time and maintenance complexity.
Duplex worm gears use a dual-lead tooth profile in which the right and left tooth surfaces differ, causing tooth thickness to change continuously along the worm. This allows fine backlash adjustment as the worm moves axially, ensuring optimal gear engagement without labour-intensive rework. Moving the worm brings thicker teeth into mesh and reduces backlash, with each 1 mm shaft shift typically reducing backlash by 0,02 mm for predictable results.
These gears are designed for easy integration in multiple assembly styles, including screw- and shim-based adjustment layouts. Clear visual arrows and reference grooves on both the worm and worm wheel ensure intuitive installation and precise backlash control. The gears achieve near-zero backlash (±0,045 mm tolerance) when properly aligned with the designated reference marks and set to the specified centre distance.
KHK emphasises the importance of following the provided assembly instructions to guarantee proper function and longevity. All duplex worm gears are manufactured to high standards, and come with detailed technical documentation to support designers and maintenance teams.
For more information contact KHK USA, +1 516 248 3850, [email protected], www.khkgears.us
Further reading:
World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.
Read more...
Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.
Read more...
Automation without the mega factory
Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.
Read more...
Choosing the right level of protection in modern automation
Motion Control & Drives
Choosing the right ingress protection rating for a motor or drive is less about maximising the number, and more about understanding what the machine will actually face in operation.
Read more...
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...
Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...
printer friendly version