Worm gearbox
MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox
Compact worm wheel gearboxes paired with ZYT DC motors, in die-cast aluminium or composite housings with plastic, bronze or steel gearing.
Key specifications
| Ratio | 12–60:1 |
|---|
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Options
- die-cast aluminium (AD) or composite (CM) housing
- Delrin, phosphor bronze or steel gears
- electric brake
- brake with manual release
- rubber end cover
- custom shafts
- other ratios on request
Typical applications
What a worm gearbox is
A worm gearbox transmits power at right angles using a threaded worm shaft that meshes with a worm wheel. One turn of the worm advances the wheel by one tooth per start, so high ratios, often from about 5:1 to 100:1, are possible in a single compact stage. The sliding contact between worm and wheel gives quiet running but more friction than rolling gears, so efficiency falls as ratio rises. Worm wheels are often bronze, with steel worms, or plastic in small units.
When engineers choose a worm gearbox
Choose a worm gearbox for low-cost, compact, high-ratio right-angle drives, such as conveyors, gates, small actuators and geared DC motors. High-ratio worms often resist back-driving. The trade-offs are efficiency, heat and wear: losses increase with ratio, so continuous duty can overheat, and backlash grows with wear. For efficient, dynamic servo axes, a spiral bevel or planetary gearbox is more suitable.
How to specify the MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox variant:
- Ratio and output speed (:1, rpm)
- Output torque and service factor (Nm)
- Efficiency at the operating point (%)
- Duty cycle and thermal rating
- Back-driving behaviour
- Gear materials: bronze, steel or plastic
- Mounting and shaft arrangement
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a worm is always self-locking
- Ignoring efficiency and heat at high ratios
- Not applying a service factor for shock loads
- Using plastic gears beyond their thermal limits
MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox: frequently asked questions
What is the MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox?
Compact worm wheel gearboxes paired with ZYT DC motors, in die-cast aluminium or composite housings with plastic, bronze or steel gearing. Published series figures include ratio 12:1, ratio 60:1. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox?
The MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox is part of a range available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the ratio of the MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox?
The published series minimum ratio is 12:1. Individual models and sizes in the MCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is a worm gearbox self-locking?
Some worm gearboxes resist back-driving, especially at high ratios with low lead angles, but this is not guaranteed. Vibration, wear and lubrication can allow the output to creep. Where holding is required for safety, fit a brake rather than rely on the worm alone.
Why are worm gearboxes less efficient?
Worm gears transmit power through sliding contact between worm thread and wheel teeth, which causes more friction than rolling contact in spur, helical or bevel gears. Efficiency falls as ratio increases and lead angle decreases, so high ratio worms lose more energy as heat.
Further reading: How to select a gearbox · Gearboxes and harmonic drives
Spec builder
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