Gear Finishing
Gear surface preparation is a combination of two techniques to enhance fatigue strength and fatigue life of engine components, particularly gears. Gears are shot peened and then superfine finished.
Shot peening has the following effects:
- Increases fatigue strength by at least 60%, and in fully controlled conditions can double it
- Increases bending strength
- Delays crack and micro fissure formation in highly stressed components as the compressive stress prevents initiation and propagation
The Superfine finishing process provides:
- Low Ra finish, which can improve the life of the part by as much as 30% for metal to metal contact
- Reduction in noise and vibration
- Reduction in operating temperature
- Reduction in wear and pitting
The benefits of this two-part process will lead to longer lasting and better performing components. The shot peening process is applicable to any metal part that is subject to cyclic loading and/or high fatigue stress. The Superfine finishing process can be applied to hardened and carbon steels as well as alloy steels. Titanium and some stainless steels also respond well to the process.
