Heat Treatment of Gears
Heat treatment of gear components is a process for changing the mechanical properties of the materials such as hardness, strength and ductility of the gears. Heat treatment is used to improve the performance and life of gear components. The process is performed by heating the gear components and then deliberately cooling them at different rates, frequently in the presence of other elements such as oil, water or air.
There are three methods of heat treatment of gear components – annealing, hardening and tempering.
Annealing:
Annealing is the application of heat at lower temperature with a slow cooling process. This process removes some of the internal stresses of gear components while still maintaining the desired hardness level. This method is often used to reduce hardness and improve ductility of the gears.
Hardening:
Hardening is a quenching process which requires the gear to be cooled rapidly. This method is used to increase the brittleness and hardness of the gear components. It increases the strength of gear components and makes them less prone to distortion and cracking when in utilized in higher pressure. However, hardening can make the gear components more susceptible to wear, thus compromising its performance.
Tempering:
Tempering is the application of moderate temperatures to reduce some of the stresses of the gear components caused by the hardening process. During tempering, the gear components are reheated and then cooled slowly, which relieves the gear components of some of the stresses. This makes the gear components less susceptible to cracking and distortion and adds to its durability and strength.
Heat treatment of gear components is an important process and can significantly improve the performance and life of the gear. Careful attention should be taken in selecting the right method of heat treatment and that the process is implemented in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Overall, heat treatment of gear components is a very important process in the manufacture of gear components as it allows the gears to perform to their optimum potential without fail. Furthermore, heat treatment of gear components also adds to its durability and strength, which allows the gear components to perform for a longer period of time and under harsher conditions.
