Which types of gears are primarily used in power transmission?

Spur gears and helical gears are the primary types of gears used in power transmission due to their efficiency in transferring power between parallel shafts. Spur gears have teeth that are straight and parallel to the gear axis, allowing for the direct transfer of torque. Their design facilitates straightforward engagement and disengagement, making them easy to manufacture and widely used in various applications.

Helical gears, on the other hand, have teeth that are cut at an angle to the gear axis, which allows for smoother engagement between gears. This design reduces the noise and vibration during operation and provides a greater surface area for power transmission. As a result, helical gears can handle higher loads compared to spur gears, making them suitable for more demanding applications.

Combining these two types ensures that mechanical systems can achieve high efficiency, reduced backlash, and smooth operation in power transmission tasks. Other types of gears, while useful in specific scenarios, do not generally match the effectiveness and versatility of spur and helical gears in standard power transmission applications.