100 Years

100 Years in Motion: The Legacy of Cone Drive

Published: June 3, 2025

Company History • 100-Year Anniversary Series

From a Simple Idea to a Global Leader in Motion Control

In 1925, forward-thinking inventor Samuel I. Cone set out to improve traditional worm gear technology. What Cone developed was a practical method for precisely machining the double enveloping worm gear—an idea that, though conceptually ancient and studied by figures like Archimedes and Leonardo da Vinci, had never been manufacturable at scale. This breakthrough in geometry marked a major leap in gear performance, efficiency, and load capacity.

This innovation marked the beginning of Cone Drive, founded in Detroit, Michigan. Unlike traditional worm gears that engage with one tooth at a time, Cone’s design enabled multiple teeth to engage simultaneously, providing superior torque and durability.

Powered by Innovation: A Legacy of Service

Cone Drive’s precision gearing quickly found critical use in World War II, powering naval guns, aircraft, and even the landing gear of America’s first jet plane, the Bell XP-59A Airacomet. Our gears played a key role in the war effort and earned a lasting reputation for reliability and performance.

New Roots in Northern Michigan

In 1950, Cone Drive relocated to Traverse City, where it remains headquartered today. Over the years, we’ve transformed from a military-focused manufacturer into a global leader in motion control solutions for a wide range of industries—including robotics, medical, packaging & food, aerospace, satellite communications, construction equipment, solar energy, and more.

A New Chapter: Cone Drive Joins

In 2018, Cone Drive was acquired by The Timken Company, expanding our access to global resources, additional R&D capabilities, and strategic support. Together, we are building on a shared commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and enduring craftsmanship and quality.

Beyond Worm Gearing: A Full Motion Portfolio

Today, Cone Drive offers a suite of advanced gearing solutions, designed to meet the high-performance demands of modern industry.

Harmonic gearing, made in the USA, for precision robotics, surgical technologies, and automation
Cycloidal gear drives for compact, high-torque motion control
Slew drives and slewing bearings for scalable rotation in solar tracking systems, heavy equipment, and constructions
Advancements in worm gearing, including machining improvements and an innovative adjustable, zero-backlash worm for greater performance and precision—all made in the USA

What’s Next? A Future in Motion

As we celebrate our 100-year milestone, we’re not slowing down—we’re ramping up. Cone Drive’s technologies are paving the way forward for industries seeking efficiency, precision, and compact performance in a rapidly evolving world.

Our double-enveloping worm gears continue to power rugged industrial and defense applications, as well as precision systems in medical and aerospace environments.

Our harmonic strain wave and cycloidal gears are supporting the next generation of satellite communications, surgical robots, and defense systems, while our slew drives and bearings are revolutionizing solar tracking and construction platforms worldwide.

We’re investing in our people, expanding our global footprint, and deepening partnerships to stay at the forefront of motion control.

The past century was defined by breakthroughs, resilience, and leadership.

The next 100 years? We’re just getting started.