Gear housing corrosion can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to moisture, saltwater, chemicals, and high temperatures. These environmental conditions can lead to the formation of rust and other forms of corrosion on the surface of the gear housing, which can compromise its structural integrity and functionality over time.
The design of gear housings can significantly impact their susceptibility to corrosion. Factors such as the material used, the presence of protective coatings, the presence of drainage channels, and the overall shape and structure of the housing can all influence how prone it is to corrosion. For example, gear housings with poor drainage systems may accumulate moisture, increasing the risk of corrosion.
There are countless amazing stories that emerge from the manufacturing world—and Manufacturing Talks, hosted by Jim Vinoski, helps draw those stories into the light of day. As Jim states, "Manufacturing is where the rubber meets the road. There's no hiding. You're either making good products people will buy for enough to keep you in business, or you're not. Period." Nowhere is that more evident than in the gear industry. Check out Episode 51 with Matt Croson, President of the American Gear Manufacturers Association, sharing all about what the AGMA does.
Posted by on 2023-06-28
AGMA members descended on Fort Worth, Texas, from all corners of the country (and industry!) for three days of the 2023 Strategic Networking and Leadership Forum sponsored by Gleason Corporation, WD Bearings, Blaser Swisslube, and Specialty Steel Treating. Professionals from gear shops and OEMs alike gathered to share their experience and insight about where we are as an industry and where we're going.
Posted by on 2023-05-19
In this interview, we learn about Gleason Plastic Gears (GPG), a division of Gleason Corporation that specializes in designing and manufacturing plastic gears using their proprietary no-weldline technology. GPG has diversified its customer base and serves various industries such as automotive, medical, electronics, home and leisure, marine, education, and hobby. The interview covers topics such as the advantages of the no-weldline technology, surprising applications where plastic gears are replacing metal gears, promising materials and methods for the future of plastic gears, challenges faced by plastic gear designers, and recent developments in services, software, and manufacturing technology.
Posted by on 2023-04-04
State of the Gear Industry Perspectives takes an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities in gear manufacturing today and in the future. Our seventh installment online is an interview with Kika Young, president, and Jared Lyford, director of manufacturing operations at Forest City Gear (FCG).
Posted by on 2023-02-13
State of the Gear Industry Perspectives takes an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities in gear manufacturing today and in the future. Our sixth installment online is an interview with Shane Hollingsworth, vice president of sales, Kapp Technologies.
Posted by on 2023-02-09
To prevent gear housing corrosion, various coatings and treatments can be applied. These include zinc plating, powder coating, anodizing, and painting. These protective layers act as a barrier between the housing and the corrosive elements in the environment, helping to prolong the lifespan of the gear housing and reduce the risk of corrosion.
Specific environmental factors, such as high humidity, exposure to saltwater, acidic or alkaline substances, and extreme temperatures, can increase the risk of gear housing corrosion. These conditions can accelerate the corrosion process and lead to more severe damage if not addressed promptly. It is essential to consider these factors when designing and maintaining gear housings in corrosive environments.
Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial in preventing gear housing corrosion. By conducting routine checks for signs of corrosion, such as rust spots or discoloration, and addressing any issues promptly, potential damage can be mitigated. Cleaning the gear housing regularly and applying protective coatings as needed can also help prevent corrosion from occurring.
Certain materials are more resistant to corrosion than others when used for gear housings. Stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel are commonly chosen for their corrosion-resistant properties. These materials are less prone to rust and degradation when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal choices for gear housings in corrosive environments.
Practical Applications of Industrial Machinery Maintenance Equipment
Failing to address gear housing corrosion in a timely manner can have serious consequences. Corrosion can weaken the structural integrity of the housing, leading to potential equipment failure, safety hazards, and costly repairs or replacements. Ignoring signs of corrosion can result in more extensive damage over time, impacting the performance and longevity of the gear housing. It is essential to prioritize corrosion prevention and maintenance to ensure the reliability and durability of gear housings.
Cracks in gearbox housings can be detected through various methods such as visual inspection, non-destructive testing techniques like dye penetrant inspection, magnetic particle inspection, or ultrasonic testing. Once cracks are identified, they can be repaired using techniques like welding, brazing, or metal stitching. It is important to ensure that the repair method chosen is appropriate for the type of material and the severity of the crack. Additionally, proper surface preparation and post-repair inspections are crucial to ensure the integrity of the gearbox housing. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help prevent cracks from forming or worsening in gearbox housings.
Phosphating gear components typically require specialized equipment such as a phosphating tank, spray nozzles, immersion heaters, agitators, and filtration systems. The phosphating tank is used to hold the phosphating solution, which is a chemical mixture containing phosphoric acid, zinc phosphate, and other additives. Spray nozzles are used to apply the phosphating solution onto the gear components, ensuring even coverage. Immersion heaters are used to heat the phosphating solution to the optimal temperature for the phosphating process. Agitators are used to mix the solution and keep the components moving for uniform coating. Filtration systems are used to remove any impurities or contaminants from the phosphating solution, ensuring a high-quality finish on the gear components. Additional equipment such as drying ovens, rinsing tanks, and quality control tools may also be used in the phosphating process.
Surface hardening of gear components can be achieved through various methods such as carburizing, nitriding, induction hardening, flame hardening, and laser hardening. Carburizing involves introducing carbon into the surface of the gear component to increase its hardness. Nitriding, on the other hand, involves diffusing nitrogen into the surface to create a hard nitride layer. Induction hardening uses electromagnetic induction to heat the surface of the gear component quickly, followed by quenching to harden the surface. Flame hardening involves heating the surface with a flame and then quenching to achieve hardness. Laser hardening uses a laser beam to heat the surface, followed by rapid cooling to harden the surface. Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on the specific requirements of the gear component.
Gear tooth profile inspection typically involves the use of specialized equipment such as gear measuring machines, gear testers, gear analyzers, gear inspection systems, gear checking instruments, gear profile testers, gear measurement tools, gear inspection machines, gear profile analyzers, and gear inspection devices. These tools are designed to accurately measure and analyze the geometry, dimensions, and surface characteristics of gear teeth to ensure they meet the required specifications and standards. Additionally, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), laser scanners, and digital microscopes may also be used for more detailed and precise gear tooth profile inspection. These advanced technologies help manufacturers and quality control professionals assess the quality and performance of gears in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
X-ray inspection of gear components utilizes various techniques such as computed tomography (CT), radiography, and digital radiography. CT scanning allows for a detailed 3D visualization of internal structures within the gear components, providing valuable information on any defects or abnormalities present. Radiography involves passing X-rays through the gear components onto a detector, which produces a 2D image showing any internal flaws or inconsistencies. Digital radiography offers the same benefits as traditional radiography but with the added advantage of digital image processing and storage. These techniques are essential for ensuring the quality and integrity of gear components in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Precision dimensional measurement of gear components requires the use of specialized tools such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical comparators, gear measurement systems, and surface roughness testers. CMMs utilize probes to accurately measure the dimensions of gear teeth and other features in three dimensions. Optical comparators use magnification and light to inspect the profile and dimensions of gear components. Gear measurement systems are specifically designed to assess the accuracy of gear teeth profiles, pitch, and runout. Surface roughness testers are used to evaluate the surface finish of gear components, ensuring they meet the required specifications for optimal performance. These tools work in conjunction to provide precise measurements of gear components for quality control and manufacturing purposes.
To adjust preload in bearings within gear systems, one must first identify the specific type of bearing being used, such as ball bearings, roller bearings, or tapered roller bearings. The preload in bearings can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the nut or bolt that secures the bearing in place. This can be done using specialized tools like torque wrenches to ensure the correct amount of preload is applied. Proper adjustment of preload is crucial in gear systems to prevent excessive wear, noise, and vibration, and to ensure smooth operation and longevity of the system. Regular maintenance and monitoring of preload in bearings is recommended to optimize performance and prevent premature failure.