Abstract
Heat treatment of gears are fundamental to efficient and reliable gear production because of its contribution to the overall cost of manufacturing. Different heat treatment techniques are targeted to improving hardness, ductility and strength to minimize material degradation or wear. However, several heat treatment methods had led to gear tooth distortion such as shrinkage of tooth thickness which eventually affects the contact angle. The study therefore focused on some selected heat treatment on gears and their effects on gear applications. from the reviewed heat treatment techniques, distortion is a common occurrence that result to gear fatigue. Also, it was noted that most times, the medium for quenching and most importantly, variation in the concentration affects the gear accuracy. Thus, local fracture and material loss ensue. Nevertheless, the study further suggested the use of empirical model and simulation approach for stress prediction.
Highlights
Heat treatment is a fundamental step in the manufacturing process of gears
Different heat treatment techniques are targeted to improving hardness, ductility and strength to minimize material degradation or wear
The study focused on some selected heat treatment on gears and their effects on gear applications. from the reviewed heat treatment techniques, distortion is a common occurrence that result to gear fatigue
Summary
Heat treatment is a fundamental step in the manufacturing process of gears. It involved the structural integrity modifications of the material which includes physical, chemical and metallurgical characteristics to optimize the mechanical properties for better and reliable performance in service. Different type of heat treatment can be highlighted based on the part of gear to be heat treated They include nitriding, nitrocarburization, case hardening, carbonnitriding and direct hardening [1]. [7], reported that it was possible to eliminate distortion in gears as a result of heat treatment by using a carbide hob to rehob the gear. This approach usually leaves a dent on the gear tooth surface which reduces the strength during operation. Case hardening process offers excellent mechanical properties such as surface hardness and increased compressive residual stress, yet associated with certain problems involving contact fatigue [9].
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