Gear pumps are one of the most common and reliable power sources in hydraulic systems. Whether used in machine tools, injection molding machines, or industrial equipment, gear pumps play a crucial role in converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. For the manufacturing industry, gear pumps offer high cost-performance value, suitability for medium- to high-pressure environments, the ability to handle highly viscous fluids, high volumetric efficiency, and stable high-flow delivery. External gear pumps are known for their compact structure and high pressure resistance, while internal gear pumps are widely used for their smooth flow and low noise characteristics. Because of these advantages, gear pumps have become indispensable core components in hydraulic systems. | Award-Winning Hydraulic Pumps & Valves – CML: Certified, Trusted, and Proven Worldwide

Gear Pump Guide: How It Works & how to choose? | 40 years experience, Professional of hydraulic pumps & Valves, Asia Sole Agent of Eckerle, Experienced team, Rich product types, Total solution, Flexible customization, Global Distribution.

Gear pumps are one of the most common and reliable power sources in hydraulic systems. Whether used in machine tools, injection molding machines, or industrial equipment, gear pumps play a crucial role in converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. For the manufacturing industry, gear pumps offer high cost-performance value, suitability for medium- to high-pressure environments, the ability to handle highly viscous fluids, high volumetric efficiency, and stable high-flow delivery. External gear pumps are known for their compact structure and high pressure resistance, while internal gear pumps are widely used for their smooth flow and low noise characteristics. Because of these advantages, gear pumps have become indispensable core components in hydraulic systems.

Gear Pump Guide: How It Works & how to choose?

Gear pumps are one of the most common and reliable power sources in hydraulic systems. Whether used in machine tools, injection molding machines, or industrial equipment, gear pumps play a crucial role in converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. For the manufacturing industry, gear pumps offer high cost-performance value, suitability for medium- to high-pressure environments, the ability to handle highly viscous fluids, high volumetric efficiency, and stable high-flow delivery. External gear pumps are known for their compact structure and high pressure resistance, while internal gear pumps are widely used for their smooth flow and low noise characteristics. Because of these advantages, gear pumps have become indispensable core components in hydraulic systems.


What’s Happening Inside a Gear Pump?

A gear pump is a common type of positive-displacement hydraulic pump. It uses two meshing gears to draw fluid from the inlet and deliver it to the outlet. When the gears separate, fluid is drawn in; when the gears mesh, the fluid is squeezed out. This creates a series of continuously changing sealed chambers that carry the fluid forward.

  1. Suction Phase:When the gears disengage, a low-pressure area forms in the pump chamber, allowing external fluid to be drawn in.
  2. Transport Phase:Fluid is trapped between the gear teeth and the pump housing, and as the gears rotate, it is carried along the outer circumference toward the outlet.
  3. Discharge Phase:When the gears re-mesh, the trapped fluid is pushed out, creating a stable flow. The flow rate changes according to gear rotation speed.
External Gear Pump Operation Diagram
CML External Gear Pump Operation Diagram
Internal Gear Pump Operation Diagram
CML Internal Gear Pump Operation Diagram

Which one is better Internal vs. External?

Although the operation of gear pumps use the same basic principle, they can be classified into external gear pumps and internal gear pumps based on different gear arrangement. Each type has unique structural features and advantages, making them suitable for different industries and applications.

External Gear Pump

As shown in the illustration, the driving and driven gears of an external gear pump contact each other through single-tooth engagement, making the structure relatively simple.

Advantages of External Gear Pumps:
  1. Pressure & Flow: Commonly used in medium-pressure systems (approx. 100–200 bar) and suitable for high-flow applications.
  2. Efficiency: Volumetric efficiency generally exceeds 90%.
  3. Fluid Compatibility: Capable of handling highly viscous fluids.
  4. Cost & Maintenance: Easy to maintain and highly cost-effective.
Points to Note:
  1. Noise: Larger flow pulsation results in higher noise levels; long-term operation may require noise-control considerations.
  2. Service Life: Prolonged high-speed or high-temperature operation increases wear and reduces lifespan.
Typical Applications

Widely used in agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, mobile machinery (such as forklifts and excavators), and lubrication systems.

Internal Gear Pump

As shown in the illustration, the internal gear pump consists of an inner gear and an outer gear, meshing eccentrically. Multiple teeth are in contact during operation, distributing the load.

Advantages of Internal Gear Pumps:
  1. Pressure & Flow: Suitable for medium-high to high-pressure systems (200 bar or above) and high-flow requirements.
  2. Efficiency:: Volumetric efficiency can reach above 93%. Equipped with radial and axial pressure compensation, slowing efficiency degradation over long-term operation.
  3. Noise: Low flow pulsation (especially at high speeds), smooth output, and low noise—ideal for precision-control or noise-sensitive environments.
  4. Durability: Radial and axial pressure compensation enhances adaptability to high pressure and high temperature, offering longer service life.
  5. Multiple pumps can be assembled in series to meet flow rate requirements.
Points to Note
  1. Cost & Maintenance:More complex structure requiring high-precision machining and assembly; therefore, cost is higher.
Typical Applications

Commonly used in manufacturing machinery, metal processing equipment, mobile machinery, hydraulic systems, servo systems, and electro-hydraulic integrated solutions. These applications usually require strict oil temperature control, high efficiency, and high precision—areas where internal gear pumps perform exceptionally well with their low noise and stable output.

FeatureExternal Gear PumpInternal Gear Pump
Structural DesignSimple structure, easy maintenanceMore complex, requires high-precision machining
Pressure & FlowMedium pressure (100–200 bar),
suitable for high flow
Medium-high to high pressure (200+ bar),
suitable for high flow
EfficiencyGoodExcellent,
with radial & axial pressure compensation
Noise Very quiet
Service Life Excellent
Viscosity CompatibilityHighHigh
Cost & MaintenanceCost-effective 

CML – Professional Manufacturer of Internal & External Gear Pumps

CML has nearly 45 years of industry experience and a proven track record in developing and integrating both internal and external gear pump solutions. We are also the first manufacturer of internal gear pumps in Taiwan. Since 2001, CML has been the exclusive distributor for Eckerle in Asia, forming a long-term partnership that has strengthened our manufacturing capabilities and expanded our product portfolio.
For multi-stage pump configurations, CML professional team is authorized in assembly technology, enabling flexible combinations of imported Eckerle pumps and Taiwan-made pumps—balancing high efficiency, low noise, and cost-effectiveness.
CML offers a wide range of pressure and flow specifications, optimized based on different industries and equipment characteristics, supporting applications from high-pressure stable output to energy-efficient systems.

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Gear Pump Guide: How It Works & how to choose? | CML: ISO 9001 & CE Certified Hydraulic Pump Manufacturer – Award-Winning Quality

Located in Taiwan since 1981, Camel Precision Co., Ltd. is a hydraulic pumps and hydraulic valves manufacturer in Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing Industry.

In 1981 Camel Precision Co.,Ltd was founded. The management of company fully awards of high quality products requires not only sophisticate machinery, But good knowledge in technology is also important as well. Company invited senior engineers from Germany and Japan to lead the manufacturing and training of local engineers in hydraulic industry. We offer our customers industrial pumps, solenoid directional control valves, hydraulic pumps, vane pumps, external gear pump, internal gear pump, directional valve, hydraulic valves...etc.

CML, Camel Hydraulic, Camel Precision has been offering customers high-quality Vane Pump, Variable Displacement Vane Pump, Internal Gear Pump, Eckerle Asia Agent, External Gear Pump, Solenoid Valve, Modular Valve, Pressure Reducing Valve, Flow Control Valve, Hydraulic Valve since 1981, both with advanced technology and 38 years of experience, CML, Camel Hydraulic, Camel Precision ensures each customer's demands are met.

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