A gear tooth, a component of a rotating machine element, is a precisely shaped projection designed to mesh with similar projections on another gear or rack, facilitating the transfer of rotational motion and force. For example, the teeth on a spur gear transmit power between parallel shafts.
These elements are essential for various mechanical systems, enabling changes in speed, torque, and direction of rotation. Their historical development, spanning centuries, has been crucial to advancements in machinery, from simple windmills and clocks to complex automotive transmissions and industrial robots. Precise design and manufacturing of these components are critical for efficient power transmission and minimizing wear and noise.