T-7

ELEMENTS OF METRIC GEAR TECHNOLOGY

Gears are some of the most important elements used in machinery. There are few mechanical
devices that do not have the need to transmit power and motion between rotating shafts. Gears not
only do this most satisfactorily, but can do so with uniform motion and reliability. In addition, they
span the entire range of applications from large to small. To summarize:
1. Gears offer positive transmission of power.
2. Gears range in size from small miniature instrument installations, that measure in
only several millimeters in diameter, to huge powerful gears in turbine drives that are
several meters in diameter.
3. Gears can provide position transmission with very high angular or linear accuracy;
such as used in servomechanisms and military equipment.
4. Gears can couple power and motion between shafts whose axes are parallel,
intersecting or skew.
5. Gear designs are standardized in accordance with size and shape which provides
for widespread interchangeability.
This technical manual is written as an aid for the designer who is a beginner or only superficially
knowledgeable about gearing. It provides fundamental theoretical and practical information.
Admittedly, it is not intended for experts.
Those who wish to obtain further information and special details should refer to the reference
list at the end of this text and other literature on mechanical machinery and components.
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO METRIC GEARS
This technical section is dedicated to details of metric gearing because of its increasing
importance. Currently, much gearing in the United States is still based upon the inch system.
However, with most of the world metricated, the use of metric gearing in the United States is
definitely on the increase, and inevitably at some future date it will be the exclusive system.
It should be appreciated that in the United States there is a growing amount of metric gearing
due to increasing machinery and other equipment imports. This is particularly true of manufacturing
equipment, such as printing presses, paper machines and machine tools. Automobiles are another
major example, and one that impacts tens of millions of individuals. Further spread of metric
gearing is inevitable since the world that surrounds the United States is rapidly approaching complete
conformance. England and Canada, once bastions of the inch system, are well down the road of
metrication, leaving the United States as the only significant exception.
Thus, it becomes prudent for engineers and designers to not only become familiar with metric
gears, but also to incorporate them in their designs. Certainly, for export products it is imperative;
and for domestic products it is a serious consideration. The U.S. Government, and in particular the
military, is increasingly insisting upon metric based equipment designs.
Recognizing that most engineers and designers have been reared in an environment of heavy
use of the inch system and that the amount of literature about metric gears is limited, we are
offering this technical gear section as an aid to understanding and use of metric gears. In the
following pages, metric gear standards are introduced along with information about interchangeability
and noninterchangeability. Although gear theory is the same for both the inch and metric systems,
the formulae for metric gearing take on a different set of symbols. These equations are fully
defined in the metric system. The coverage is thorough and complete with the intention that this be
a source for all information about gearing with definition in a metric format.
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T-8
1.1 Comparison Of Metric Gears With American Inch Gears
1.1.1 Comparison of Basic Racks
In all modern gear systems, the rack is the basis for tooth design and manufacturing tooling.
Thus, the similarities and differences between the two systems can be put into proper perspective
with comparison of the metric and inch basic racks.
In both systems, the basic rack is normalized for a unit size. For the metric rack it is 1 module,
and for the inch rack it is 1 diametral pitch.
1.1.2 Metric ISO Basic Rack
The standard ISO metric rack is detailed in Figure 1-1. It is now the accepted standard for the
international community, it having eliminated a number of minor differences that existed between
the earlier versions of Japanese, German and Russian modules. For comparison, the standard
inch rack is detailed in Figure 1-2. Note that there are many similarities. The principal factors are
the same for both racks. Both are normalized for unity; that is, the metric rack is specified in terms
of 1 module, and the inch rack in terms of 1 diametral pitch.
Fig. 1-1 The Basic Metric Rack From ISO 53 Normalized For Module 1
Fig. 1-2 The Basic Inch Diametral Pitch Rack Normalized For 1 Diametral Pitch

2
0.02 max.
0.6 max.
r
f
= 0.38
Pitch Line
2.25
1.25
1
20

h
Pitch Line
h
w
h
f
h
a
c
r
f
s
p
h
a
= Addendum
h
f
= Dedendum
c = Clearance
h
w
= Working Depth
h = Whole Depth
p = Circular Pitch
r
f
= Root Radius
s = Circular Tooth Thickness
= Pressure Angle
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From the normalized metric rack, corresponding dimensions for any module are obtained by
multiplying each rack dimension by the value of the specific module m. The major tooth parameters
are defined by the standard, as:
Tooth Form: Straight-sided full depth, forming the basis of a family of full depth
interchangeable gears.
Pressure Angle: A 20
O
pressure angle, which conforms to worldwide acceptance of
this as the most versatile pressure angle.
Addendum: This is equal to the module m, which is similar to the inch value
that becomes 1/p.
Dedendum: This is 1.25 m; again similar to the inch rack value.
Root Radius: The metric rack value is slightly greater than the American inch
rack value.
Tip Radius: A maximum value is specified. This is a deviation from the American
inch rack which does not specify a rounding.
1.1.3 Comparison of Gear Calculation Equations
Most gear equations that are used for diametral pitch inch gears are equally applicable to
metric gears if the module m is substituted for diametral pitch. However, there are exceptions
when it is necessary to use dedicated metric equations. Thus, to avoid confusion and errors, it is
most effective to work entirely with and within the metric system.
1.2 Metric Standards Worldwide
1.2.1 ISO Standards
Metric standards have been coordinated and standardized by the International Standards
Organization (ISO). A listing of the most pertinent standards is given in Table 1-1.
1.2.2 Foreign Metric Standards
Most major industrialized countries have been using metric gears for a long time and
consequently had developed their own standards prior to the establishment of ISO and SI units. In
general, they are very similar to the ISO standards. The key foreign metric standards are listed in
Table 1-2 for reference.
1.3 Japanese Metric Standards In This Text
1.3.1 Application of JIS Standards
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) define numerous engineering subjects including gearing.
The originals are generated in Japanese, but they are translated and published in English by the
Japanese Standards Association.
Considering that many metric gears are produced in Japan, the JIS standards may apply.
These essentially conform to all aspects of the ISO standards.
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Table 1-1 ISO Metric Gearing Standards
Table 1-2 Foreign Metric Gear Standards
Continued on following page
ISO 53:1974
ISO 54:1977
ISO 677:1976
ISO 678:1976
ISO 701:1976
ISO 1122-1:1983
ISO 1328:1975
ISO 1340:1976
ISO 1341:1976
ISO 2203:1973
ISO 2490:1975
ISO/TR 4467:1982
ISO 4468:1982
ISO 8579-1:1993
ISO 8579-2:1993
ISO/TR 10064-1:1992
Cylindrical gears for general and heavy engineering Basic rack
Cylindrical gears for general and heavy engineering Modules and diametral pitches
Straight bevel gears for general and heavy engineering Basic rack
Straight bevel gears for general and heavy engineering Modules and diametral pitches
International gear notation symbols for geometrical data
Glossary of gear terms Part 1: Geometrical definitions
Parallel involute gears ISO system of accuracy
Cylindrical gears Information to be given to the manufacturer by the purchaser in order
to obtain the gear required
Straight bevel gears Information to be given to the manufacturer by the purchaser in
order to obtain the gear required
Technical drawings Conventional representation of gears
Single-start solid (monobloc) gear hobs with axial keyway, 1 to 20 module and 1 to 20
diametral pitch Nominal dimensions
Addendum modification of the teeth of cylindrical gears for speed-reducing and speed-
increasing gear pairs
Gear hobs Single-start Accuracy requirements
Acceptance code for gears Part 1: Determination of airborne sound power levels
emitted by gear units
Acceptance code for gears Part 2: Determination of mechanical vibrations of gear
units during acceptance testing
Cylindrical gears Code of inspection practice Part 1: Inspection of corresponding
flanks of gear teeth
NF E 23-001 1972
NF E 23-002 1972
NF E 23-005 1965
NF E 23-006 1967
NF E 23-011 1972
NF E 23-012 1972
NF L 32-611 1955
Glossary of gears (similar to ISO 1122)
Glossary of worm gears
Gearing Symbols (similar to ISO 701)
Tolerances for spur gears with involute teeth (similar to ISO 1328)
Cylindrical gears for general and heavy engineering Basic rack and modules (similar to
ISO 467 and ISO 53)
Cylindrical gears Information to be given to the manufacturer by the producer
Calculating spur gears to NF L 32-610
FRANCE
Bevel gears
Worm gears (inch series)
Geometrical dimensions for worm gears Units
Glossary for gearing
International gear notation symbols for geometric data (similar to ISO 701)
AS B 62 1965
AS B 66 1969
AS B 214 1966
AS B 217 1966
AS 1637
AUSTRALIA
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Table 1-2 (Cont.) Foreign Metric Gear Standards
NOTES:
Standards available in English from: ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018; or Beuth
Verlag GmbH, Burggrafenstrasse 6, D-10772 Berlin, Germany; or Global Engineering Documents,
Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112-5704
Above data was taken from: DIN Catalogue of Technical Rules 1994, Supplement, Volume 3,
Translations
Continued on following page
1.
2.
DIN 37 12.61
DIN 780 Pt 1 05.77
DIN 780 Pt 2 05.77
DIN 867 02.86
DIN 868 12.76
DIN 3961 08.78
DIN 3962 Pt 1 08.78
DIN 3962 Pt 2 08.78
DIN 3962 Pt 3 08.78
DIN 3963 08.78
DIN 3964 11.80
DIN 3965 Pt 1 08.86
DIN 3965 Pt 2 08.86
DIN 3965 Pt 3 08.86
DIN 3965 Pt 4 08.86
DIN 3966 Pt 1 08.78
DIN 3966 Pt 2 08.78
DIN 3967 08.78
DIN 3970 Pt 1 11.74
DIN 3970 Pt 2 11.74
DIN 3971 07.80
DIN 3972 02.52
DIN 3975 10.76
DIN 3976 11.80
DIN 3977 02.81
DIN 3978 08.76
DIN 3979 07.79
DIN 3993 Pt 1 08.81
DIN 3993 Pt 2 08.81
DIN 3993 Pt 3 08.81
DIN 3993 Pt 4 08.81
DIN 3998 09.76
Suppl 1
DIN 3998 Pt 1 09.76
DIN 3998 Pt 2 09.76
DIN 3998 Pt 3 09.76
DIN 3998 Pt 4 09.76
DIN 58405 Pt 1 05.72
DIN 58405 Pt 2 05.72
DIN 58405 Pt 3 05.72
DIN 58405 Pt 4 05.72
DIN ISO 2203 06.76
Conventional and simplified representation of gears and gear pairs [4]
Series of modules for gears Modules for spur gears [4]
Series of modules for gears Modules for cylindrical worm gear transmissions [4]
Basic rack tooth profiles for involute teeth of cylindrical gears for general and heavy
engineering [5]
General definitions and specification factors for gears, gear pairs and gear trains [11]
Tolerances for cylindrical gear teeth Bases [8]
Tolerances for cylindrical gear teeth Tolerances for deviations of individual parameters [11]
Tolerances for cylindrical gear teeth Tolerances for tooth trace deviations [4]
Tolerances for cylindrical gear teeth Tolerances for pitch-span deviations [4]
Tolerances for cylindrical gear teeth Tolerances for working deviations [11]
Deviations of shaft center distances and shaft position tolerances of casings for cylindrical
gears [4]
Tolerancing of bevel gears Basic concepts [5]
Tolerancing of bevel gears Tolerances for individual parameters [11]
Tolerancing of bevel gears Tolerances for tangential composite errors [11]
Tolerancing of bevel gears Tolerances for shaft angle errors and axes intersection
point deviations [5]
Information on gear teeth in drawings Information on involute teeth for cylindrical gears [7]
Information on gear teeth in drawings Information on straight bevel gear teeth [6]
System of gear fits Backlash, tooth thickness allowances, tooth thickness tolerances
Principles [12]
Master gears for checking spur gears Gear blank and tooth system [8]
Master gears for checking spur gears Receiving arbors [4]
Definitions and parameters for bevel gears and bevel gear pairs [12]
Reference profiles of gear-cutting tools for involute tooth systems according to DIN 867 [4]
Terms and definitions for cylindrical worm gears with shaft angle 90 [9]
Cylindrical worms Dimensions, correlation of shaft center distances and gear ratios of
worm gear drives [6]
Measuring element diameters for the radial or diametral dimension for testing tooth
thickness of cylindrical gears [8]
Helix angles for cylindrical gear teeth [5]
Tooth damage on gear trains Designation, characteristics, causes [11]
Geometrical design of cylindrical internal involute gear pairs Basic rules [17]
Geometrical design of cylindrical internal involute gear pairs Diagrams for geometrical
limits of internal gear-pinion matings [15]
Geometrical design of cylindrical internal involute gear pairs Diagrams for the
determination of addendum modification coefficients [15]
Geometrical design of cylindrical internal involute gear pairs Diagrams for limits of
internal gear-pinion type cutter matings [10]
Denominations on gear and gear pairs Alphabetical index of equivalent terms [10]
Denominations on gears and gear pairs General definitions [11]
Denominations on gears and gear pairs Cylindrical gears and gear pairs [11]
Denominations on gears and gear pairs Bevel and hypoid gears and gear pairs [9]
Denominations on gears and gear pairs Worm gear pairs [8]
Spur gear drives for fine mechanics Scope, definitions, principal design data, classification [7]
Spur gear drives for fine mechanics Gear fit selection, tolerances, allowances [9]
Spur gear drives for fine mechanics Indication in drawings, examples for calculation [12]
Spur gear drives for fine mechanics Tables [15]
Technical Drawings Conventional representation of gears
GERMANY DIN (Deutsches Institut fr Normung)
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Table 1-2 (Cont.) Foreign Metric Gear Standards
NOTE:
Standards available in English from: ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018; or International Standardization
Cooperation Center, Japanese Standards Association, 4-1-24 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107
Continued on following page
Gearing Module series
Gearing Basic rack
Spur gear Order information for straight and bevel gear
Gearing Glossary and geometrical definitions
Modules and diametral pitches of cylindrical and straight bevel gears for general and
heavy engineering (corresponds to ISO 54 and 678)
Basic rack of cylindrical gears for standard engineering (corresponds to ISO 53)
Basic rack of straight bevel gears for general and heavy engineering (corresponds to
ISO 677)
International gear notation Symbols for geometrical data (corresponds to ISO 701)
UNI 3521 1954
UNI 3522 1954
UNI 4430 1960
UNI 4760 1961
UNI 6586 1969
UNI 6587 1969
UNI 6588 1969
UNI 6773 1970
ITALY
Drawing office practice for gears
Glossary of gear terms
Involute gear tooth profile and dimensions
Accuracy for spur and helical gears
Backlash for spur and helical gears
Accuracy for bevel gears
Backlash for bevel gears
Shapes and dimensions of spur gears for general engineering
Shape and dimensions of helical gears for general use
Dimensions of cylindrical worm gears
Tooth contact marking of gears
Master cylindrical gears
Methods of measurement of spur and helical gears
Measuring method of noise of gears
Gear cutter tooth profile and dimensions
Straight bevel gear generating cutters
Single thread hobs
Single thread fine pitch hobs
Pinion type cutters
Rotary gear shaving cutters
Rack type cutters
B 0003 1989
B 0102 1988
B 1701 1973
B 1702 1976
B 1703 1976
B 1704 1978
B 1705 1973
B 1721 1973
B 1722 1974
B 1723 1977
B 1741 1977
B 1751 1976
B 1752 1989
B 1753 1976
B 4350 1991
B 4351 1985
B 4354 1988
B 4355 1988
B 4356 1985
B 4357 1988
B 4358 1991
JAPAN JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)
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Table 1-2 (Cont.) Foreign Metric Gear Standards
NOTE:
Standards available from: ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018; or BSI, Linford Wood, Milton
Keynes MK146LE, United Kingdom
1.3.2 Symbols
Gear parameters are defined by a set of standardized symbols that are defined in JIS B 0121
(1983). These are reproduced in Table 1-3.
The JIS symbols are consistent with the equations given in this text and are consistent with
JIS standards. Most differ from typical American symbols, which can be confusing to the first time
metric user. To assist, Table 1-4 is offered as a cross list.
Specification of gears for electric traction
Spur and helical gears Basic rack form, pitches and accuracy (diametral pitch series)
Spur and helical gears Basic rack form, modules and accuracy (1 to 50 metric
module)
(Parts 1 & 2 related but not equivalent with ISO 53, 54, 1328, 1340 & 1341)
Spur gear and helical gears Method for calculation of contact and root bending
stresses, limitations for metallic involute gears
(Related but not equivalent with ISO / DIS 6336 / 1, 2 & 3)
Specification for worm gearing Imperial units
Specification for worm gearing Metric units
Specification for fine pitch gears Involute spur and helical gears
Specification for fine pitch gears Cycloidal type gears
Specification for fine pitch gears Bevel gears
Specification for fine pitch gears Hobs and cutters
Specification for marine propulsion gears and similar drives: metric module
Specification for circular gear shaving cutters, 1 to 8 metric module, accuracy requirements
Specification for gear hobs Hobs for general purpose: 1 to 20 d.p., inclusive
Specification for gear hobs Hobs for gears for turbine reduction and similar drives
Specification for rotary form relieved gear cutters Diametral pitch
Specification for rotary relieved gear cutters Metric module
Glossary for gears Geometrical definitions
Glossary for gears Notation (symbols for geometrical data for use in gear rotation)
Specification for rack type gear cutters
Specification for dimensions of worm gear units
Specification for master gears Spur and helical gears (metric module)
Dimensions of spur and helical geared motor units (metric series)
Fine pitch gears (metric module) Involute spur and helical gears
Fine pitch gears (metric module) Hobs and cutters
Specifications for general purpose, metric module gear hobs
Specifications for pinion type cutters for spur gears 1 to 8 metric module
Specification for nonmetallic spur gears
BS 235 1972
BS 436 Pt 1 1987
BS 436 Pt 2 1984
BS 436 Pt 3 1986
BS 721 Pt 1 1984
BS 721 Pt 2 1983
BS 978 Pt 1 1984
BS 978 Pt 2 1984
BS 978 Pt 3 1984
BS 978 Pt 4 1965
BS 1807 1981
BS 2007 1983
BS 2062 Pt 1 1985
BS 2062 Pt 2 1985
BS 2518 Pt 1 1983
BS 2518 Pt 2 1983
BS 2519 Pt 1 1976
BS 2519 Pt 2 1976
BS 2697 1976
BS 3027 1968
BS 3696 Pt 1 1984
BS 4517 1984
BS 4582 Pt 1 1984
BS 4582 Pt 2 1986
BS 5221 1987
BS 5246 1984
BS 6168 1987
UNITED KINGDOM BSI (British Standards Institute)
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Table 1-3A The Linear Dimensions And Circular Dimensions
p
z
g
a
g
f
g

d
d
d' d
w
d
a
d
b
d
f
r
r
r' r
w
r
a
r
b
r
f

R
R
e
R
m
R
i
R
v
*A
*E
Symbols

inv
Terms
Shaft Angle
Cone Angle (General)
Pitch Cone Angle
Outside Cone Angle
Root Cone Angle
Addendum Angle
Dedendum Angle
Radial Contact Angle
Overlap Contact Angle
Overall Contact Angle
Angular Pitch of Crown Gear
Involute Function
a
p
p
p
t
p
n
p
x
p
b
p
bt
p
bn
h
h
a
h
f
h
h' h
w
s
s
s
b
s
W
e
c
j
t
j
n
b
b' b
w
Lead
Contact Length
Contact Length of Approach
Contact Length of Recess
Contact Length of Overlap
Diameter (General)
Standard Pitch Diameter
Working Pitch Diameter
Outside Diameter
Base Diameter
Root Diameter
Radius (General)
Standard Pitch Radius
Working Pitch Radius
Outside Radius
Base Radius
Root Radius
Radius of Curvature
Cone Distance (General)
Cone Distance
Mean Cone Distance
Inner Cone Distance
Back Cone Distance
Mounting Distance
Offset Distance
Center Distance
Circular Pitch (General)
Standard Circular Pitch
Radial Circular Pitch
Circular Pitch
Perpendicular to Tooth
Axial Pitch
Normal Pitch
Radial Normal Pitch
Normal Pitch
Perpendicular to Tooth
Whole Depth
Addendum
Dedendum
Caliper Tooth Height
Working Depth
Tooth Thickness (General)
Circular Tooth Thickness
Base Circle Circular
Tooth Thickness
Chordal Tooth Thickness
Span Measurement
Root Width
Top Clearance
Circular Backlash
Normal Backlash
Blank Width
Working Face Width
Terms
Pressure Angle (General)
Standard Pressure Angle
Working Pressure Angle
Cutter Pressure Angle
Radial Pressure Angle
Pressure Angle Normal to Tooth
Axial Pressure Angle
Helix Angle (General)
Standard Pitch Cylinder Helix Angle
Outside Cylinder Helix Angle
Base Cylinder Helix Angle
Lead Angle (General)
Standard Pitch Cylinder Lead Angle
Outside Cylinder Lead Angle
Base Cylinder Lead Angle
Symbols

' or
w

b
Terms Symbols Terms Symbols
* These terms and symbols are specific to JIS Standard
Table 1-3B Angular Dimensions
Continued on following page
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Table 1-3C Size Numbers, Ratios & Speed Terms
Table 1-4 Equivalence Of American And Japanese Symbols
Number of Teeth
Equivalent Spur Gear Number of Teeth
Number of Threads in Worm
Number of Teeth in Pinion
Number of Teeth Ratio
Speed Ratio
Module
Radial Module
Normal Module
Axial Module
Contact Ratio
Radial Contact Ratio
Overlap Contact Ratio
Total Contact Ratio
Specific Slide
Angular Speed
Linear or Tangential Speed
Revolutions per Minute
Coefficient of Profile Shift
Coefficient of Center Distance Increase

v
n
x
y
Terms
Single Pitch Error
Pitch Variation
Partial Accumulating Error
(Over Integral k teeth)
Total Accumulated Pitch Error
Symbols
f
pt
*f
u
or f
pu
F
pk
F
p
Terms
Normal Pitch Error
Involute Profile Error
Runout Error
Lead Error
Symbols
f
pb
f
f
F
r
F

z
z
v
z
w
z
l
u
i
m
m
t
m
n
m
x
Terms Symbols Terms Symbols
backlash, linear measure
along pitch circle
backlash, linear measure
along line-of-action
backlash in arc minutes
center distance
change in center distance
operating center distance
standard center distance
pitch diameter
base circle diameter
outside diameter
root diameter
face width
factor, general
length, general; also lead
of worm
measurement over-pins
number of teeth, usually
gear
critical number of teeth for
no undercutting
American
Symbol
B
B
LA
a
B
C
C
C
o
C
std
D
D
b
D
o
D
R
F
K
L
M
N
N
c
Japanese
Symbol
j
j
t
j
n
a
a
a
w
d
d
b
d
a
d
f
b
K
L
z
z
c
Nomenclature
American
Symbol
N
v
P
d
P
dn
P
t
R
R
b
R
o
R
T
T
W
b
Y
Z
a
b
c
d
d
w
e
h
k
Japanese
Symbol
z
v
p
p
n
r
r
b
r
a
s
i
h
a
h
f
c
d
d
p
h
w
virtual number of teeth for
helical gear
diametral pitch
normal diametral pitch
horsepower, transmitted
pitch radius, gear or
general use
base circle radius, gear
outside radius, gear
testing radius
tooth thickness, gear
beam tooth strength
Lewis factor, diametral pitch
mesh velocity ratio
addendum
dedendum
clearance
pitch diameter, pinion
pin diameter, for over-pins
measurement
eccentricity
working depth
Nomenclature
NOTE: The term "Radial" is used to denote parameters in the plane of rotation perpendicular to the axis.
*These terms and symbols are specific to JIS Standards
Table 1-3D Accuracy/Error Terms
Continued on following page
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Table 1-4 (Cont.) Equivalence of American and Japanese Symbols
1.3.3 Terminology
Terms used in metric gearing are identical or are parallel to those used for inch gearing. The
one major exception is that metric gears are based upon the module, which for reference may be
considered as the inversion of a metric unit diametral pitch.
Terminology will be appropriately introduced and defined throughout the text.
There are some terminology difficulties with a few of the descriptive words used by the
Japanese JIS standards when translated into English. One particular example is the Japanese use
of the term "radial" to describe measures such as what Americans term circular pitch. This also
crops up with contact ratio. What Americans refer to as contact ratio in the plane of rotation, the
Japanese equivalent is called "radial contact ratio". This can be both confusing and annoying.
Therefore, since this technical section is being used outside Japan, and the American term is more
realistically descriptive, in this text we will use the American term "circular" where it is meaningful.
However, the applicable Japanese symbol will be used. Other examples of giving preference to the
American terminology will be identified where it occurs.
1.3.4 Conversion
For those wishing to ease themselves into working with metric gears by looking at them in
terms of familiar inch gearing relationships and mathematics, Table 1-5 is offered as a means to
make a quick comparison.
Table 1-5 Spur Gear Design Formulas
* All linear dimensions in millimeters Continued on following page
Symbols per Table 1-4
whole depth
contact ratio
number of teeth, pinion
number of threads in worm
axial pitch
base pitch
circular pitch
normal circular pitch
pitch radius, pinion
base circle radius, pinion
fillet radius
outside radius, pinion
tooth thickness, and for
general use, for tolerance
American
Symbol
h
t
m
p
n
n
w
p
a
p
b
p
c
p
cn
r
r
b
r
f
r
o
t
Japanese
Symbol
h

z
1
z
w
p
x
p
b
p
p
n
r
r
b
r
f
r
a
s
Nomenclature
American
Symbol
y
c

inv
Japanese
Symbol

inv
Lewis factor, circular pitch
pitch angle, bevel gear
rotation angle, general
lead angle, worm gearing
mean value
gear stage velocity ratio
pressure angle
operating pressure angle
helix angle (
b
=base helix
angle;
w
= operating helix
angle)
angular velocity
involute function
Nomenclature
Use This Formula*
D = mN
D
p
c
= m =
N
25.4
m =
P
d
D
N =
m
a = m
From Known
Module
Module
Diametral Pitch
Module and Pitch Diameter
Module
To Obtain
Pitch Diameter
Circular Pitch
Module
Number of Teeth
Addendum
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Table 1-5 (Cont.) Spur Gear Design Formulas
*All linear dimensions in millimeters
Symbols per Table 1-4
SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION TO GEAR TECHNOLOGY
This section presents a technical coverage of gear fundamentals. It is intended as a broad
coverage written in a manner that is easy to follow and to understand by anyone interested in
knowing how gear systems function. Since gearing involves specialty components, it is expected that
not all designers and engineers possess or have been exposed to every aspect of this subject.
However, for proper use of gear components and design of gear systems it is essential to have a
minimum understanding of gear basics and a reference source for details.
For those to whom this is their first encounter with gear components, it is suggested this
technical treatise be read in the order presented so as to obtain a logical development of the subject.
Subsequently, and for those already familiar with gears, this material can be used selectively in
random access as a design reference.
2.1 Basic Geometry Of Spur Gears
The fundamentals of gearing are illustrated through the spur gear tooth, both because it is the
simplest, and hence most comprehensible, and because it is the form most widely used, particularly
for instruments and control systems.
The basic geometry and nomenclature of a spur gear mesh is shown in Figure 2-1. The
essential features of a gear mesh are:
1. Center distance.
To Obtain
Dedendum
Outside Diameter
Root Diameter
Base Circle Diameter
Base Pitch
Tooth Thickness at
Standard Pitch Diameter
Center Distance
Contact Ratio
Backlash (linear)
Backlash (linear)
Backlash (linear) Along
Line-of-action
Backlash, Angular
Min. No. of Teeth
for No Undercutting
Use This Formula*
b = 1.25m
D
o
= D + 2m = m (N + 2)
D
R
= D 2.5m
D
b
= D cos
p
b
= m cos

T
std
= m
2
m (N
1
+ N
2
)
C =
2


1
R
o

1
R
b
+
2
R
o

2
R
b
C sin
m
p
=
m cos
B = 2(C)tan
B = T
B
LA
= B cos
B
a
B = 6880 (arc minutes)
D
2
N
c
=
sin
2

From Known
Module
Module and Pitch Diameter or
Number of Teeth
Pitch Diameter and Module
Pitch Diameter and Pressure Angle
Module and Pressure Angle
Module
Module and Number of Teeth
Outside Radii, Base Circle Radii,
Center Distance, Pressure Angle
Change in Center Distance
Change in Tooth Thickness
Linear Backlash Along Pitch Circle
Linear Backlash
Pressure Angle
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