An alternative equation of meshing for worm-gear drives is proposed. This equation has advantage over the commonly used equation of meshing when it is used to study the undercutting phenomenon, to perform reverse engineering and to find the meshing area of worm-gear drives. From the new alternative equation, the equations of the boundaries of the three-dimensional meshing area and the limiting line on the worm surface that distinguishes the non-undercut area and the undercut area are derived. [S1050-0472(00)01302-7]

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