Mounting a worm gear onto a shaft is a specialized, extremely high-stress application, common in reduction gearboxes and continuous motion drives. This joint is subject to massive torsional loads, continuous axial thrust (helix angle reaction force), and significant heat generated by friction and oil churn. Maintaining a zero-clearance fit is vital to prevent rotational slip, axial walk, and fretting corrosion, all of which compromise the critical tooth engagement and gearbox lifespan.
INCURE WeldLock™ 365 Retaining Compound
For securing high-load worm gears—where maximum shear strength, high-temperature resistance, and absolute resistance to both torque and thrust are paramount—the WeldLock™ 365 provides the highest structural integrity. Its superior strength ensures the gear cannot slip rotationally or axially on the shaft, preserving the precise gear mesh geometry.
| Feature & Benefit | Technical Insight for Worm Gear Assemblies | Conversion Value |
| Highest Strength (365) | Cures to an extremely high-shear strength, rigid plastic, providing maximum resistance to torsional slip and heavy axial thrust. | Zero Slippage: Guarantees absolute, 100% torque transmission and prevents fretting corrosion. |
| High Temperature Resistance | Withstands continuous operational temperatures up to 200∘C (392∘F), essential for gearboxes that generate intense friction heat. | End the Heat Threat: Ensures the bond remains strong and rigid under maximum thermal load. |
| Fills Close Clearance Gaps | Ideal for components with an interference or true close-tolerance slip fit (less than 0.05 mm diametral clearance). | Maximizes Contact: Converts the fit into an integrated component, optimizing load distribution across the entire shaft surface. |
| Gear Oil Immunity | Inert to heavy gear oil, synthetic lubricants, and assembly fluids, ensuring the integrity of the joint is protected. | Reliability Assured: The bond remains permanently intact despite constant saturation with hot lubricants. |
Application Steps: Locking Worm Gears for Maximum Gearbox Integrity
Preparation (Essential): Thoroughly clean both the worm gear bore and the shaft surface. Remove all oil, grease, paint, and residue. Use a degreasing solvent (like acetone or industrial cleaner) and wipe until both metal surfaces are perfectly dry.
Application: Apply a continuous, liberal bead of WeldLock™ 365 evenly around the shaft surface. Alternatively, apply it to the inside circumference of the gear bore. Ensure the compound completely covers the mating area.
Assembly: Slide or press the worm gear onto the shaft. Ensure the gear is seated correctly (axially) and wipe away any excess compound immediately.
Curing Time (Mandatory): Allow a full 24 hours for the compound to reach full cure strength before refilling the gearbox with oil or subjecting the assembly to operational torque and load.
Alternative Consideration (Worn or Large Gaps): If the bore-to-shaft clearance is larger (up to 0.25 mm), use INCURE WeldLock™ 356 (Metallic Grey). This compound is formulated with metallic fillers to tolerate larger gaps while still providing high retention strength.
Stop risking gear slippage and ensure your worm drive assemblies are absolutely permanent and rigid.