Herringbone Gears
October 3, 2026
Spur Gears for drill rig
October 4, 2026

Herringbone Gears

Herringbone gears are two helical gears cut as mirror images on the same blank. The two opposing helix angles cancel each other’s axial thrust, so the gear delivers the smooth, quiet running of a helical gear without pushing the shaft sideways. For large-diameter, high-torque drives where a single helical gear would overload the bearings, this is often the only practical answer. We manufacture them up to 3.2 meters.

Key Features
  • Zero Net Axial Thrust: Opposing helix angles cancel out, so bearings carry radial load only.
  • Smooth and Quiet: Gradual tooth engagement across both helices.
  • Very High Torque Capacity: Designed for the heaviest drives in the plant.
  • Large Diameter: Up to 3.2 meters.
  • Two Configurations: Continuous herringbone (apex in the middle) or double helical with a central relief groove.
  • Grade 5 Precision: Achievable for modules 1–6 M.
Technical Specifications
  • Diameter Range: Up to 3.2 meters
  • Module Range: 1–40 MM
  • Precision Level: Up to Grade 5 (modules 1–6 M)
  • Materials: 42CrMo4, 20CrMnTi and other alloy steels
  • Configuration: Continuous herringbone or double helical with relief groove
  • Heat Treatment: Carburizing, quenching and tempering, nitriding
Applications
  • Steel Rolling Mills
  • Mining and Ore Crushing
  • Cement Kiln and Mill Drives
  • Ship Propulsion and Marine Gearing
  • Port Cranes and Heavy Hoisting
  • Large Industrial Gearboxes
Production Process
  1. Design & Engineering: Helix angles, hand and relief groove designed to your load case.
  2. Material Selection: Forging or bar stock bought to specification with certificate.
  3. Precision Machining: Hobbing of both helices, then grinding where the grade requires.
  4. Heat Treatment: Carburizing and hardening, with distortion allowance for the finished cut.
  5. Quality Inspection: Tooth alignment verified across both helices so the two halves mesh as one.
  6. Final Finishing: Preservation and packing for oversized transport.
Get a Quote or Custom Order Large herringbone gears are quoted individually. Send the drawing, the torque and the centre distance, and we will come back with a manufacturing proposal.
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What Are herringbone gear?

A herringbone gear is a double helical gear with centre-meeting tooth sets. Opposing helices cancel axial forces, so net thrust is zero. This allows ordinary bearings instead of thrust bearings, making it standard for large rolling mill and marine drives for over a century.