The ZN-tyye oversize hob cutter for cutting of worm gears is investigated. The mathematical model of the ZN-type worm gear set is developed based on the cutting mechanism and hob cutter parameters, Influences of oversize hob cutter regrinding, worm-thread number and assembly errors on the bearing contacts and kinematical errors of the ZN-type worm gear set are investigated. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the bearing contacts and kinematical errors of the worm gear set. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.