A miter gear, also known as a bevel gear, is a type of gear used to transmit power between intersecting shafts, typically at a 90-degree angle. Its teeth are conical in shape, and the two gears usually have the same size and number of teeth, resulting in a 1:1 gear ratio. Its primary function is to change the direction of power transmission rather than altering the rotational speed.
Miter gears are mainly divided into two types: straight bevel gears and spiral bevel gears. Straight bevel gears are simpler to manufacture and more cost-effective but tend to be noisier at high speeds. Spiral bevel gears, on the other hand, have smoother tooth contact, can handle higher capacities, and operate more quietly, making them suitable for higher-performance applications.
This type of gear is widely used in mechanical systems that require changes in the direction of power transmission, such as in automotive rear axle differentials, machine tool steering mechanisms, printing machinery, and some marine propulsion systems.