Gear

Description

A gear transfers rotation from a motor to a moving part of the machine, changing speed and torque through its tooth ratio. On CNC routers and plasma tables the most familiar example is the pinion that meshes with the rack along the gantry, but gears also sit inside reduction gearboxes.

Signs of wear include backlash you can feel when rocking the axis by hand, clicking or grinding during direction changes, ripples on straight cuts, and teeth that look polished, chipped or hooked. Before fitting a new gear, clean and inspect the mating rack or gear, then set the mesh so there is neither binding nor free play.

Because gear is such a broad term, the right replacement depends on tooth count, module or pitch, straight or helical teeth, bore diameter and the keyway or clamp type. Send Top Laser a clear photo of the old gear next to a ruler, along with your machine type, and our team will work out a matching part.