Optimizing the performance parameters of injection-molded polymer spur gears

Abstract

This research focuses on the optimization of the performance parameters namely, surface temperature, wear rate, and transmission efficiency of polymer gears. Three different polymers namely, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-density polyethylene, and polyoxymethylene are selected for manufacturing the gears. A total of 27 experiments are carried out to test these gears at different torque and speed conditions. The torque values are taken as 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 Nm, whereas the speeds of 600, 900, and 1200 r/min are chosen for the study. The optimal setting of operating parameters (gear material, speed, and torque) is obtained by using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach that includes the analytical hierarchy process and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution. The optimal setting of performance parameters is obtained with polyoxymethylene gear running at the torque and speed conditions of 0.8 Nm and 900 r/min, respectively.