The principle form of damage observed in worm gearing is surface deterioration on the flanks of the gear wheel teeth. Frequently the explanation for such phenomena is the transmission of a torque in excess of the capacity of the gearset. Torque determines the level of pressure exerted on the material surfaces. Exceedingly high pressure on a small wheel area leads to early pitting of the wheel teeth and/or cracking of the worm-thread surface. The load capacity, when related to wear, is based on the tooth flanks resistance to wear and pitting when they are subjected to the tooth flanks imposed...