The suggested components for the worm are hardened metal and bronze for the worm equipment. However, dependent on the software, unhardened steel worms can operate adequately and more economically on forged iron worm gears rated at 50%. In addition to steel and hardened metal, worms are offered in stainless metal, aluminum, bronze, and nylon worm gears are offered in metal, hardened metal, stainless metal, aluminum, nylon, and non-metallic (phenolic).