Micro-pitting: how to enhance your projects

agosto 09, 2023

Precision and reliability are extremely important in the world of gears; even the tiniest defect can have a substantial impact. Micro-pitting play a pivotal role in the integrity and performance of gears used in various transmission systems.

What are micro-pitting and how are they created?

Micro-pitting are superficial deformations or small depressions that commonly occur due to light impacts. Despite their minuscule size, these imperfections can lead to significant disruptions in gears. Their presence can result in increased noise during operation and even premature component failure, leading to substantial costs for maintenance or replacement.

Micro-pitting primarily emerge from light impacts on the surface of components, which can happen during various stages of the lifecycle of the gears: handling, assembly, and usage. According to our experience, approximately 90% of these micro-pitting manifest on the upper part and along the flanks of gear teeth.

Detecting and preventing micro-pitting

Two main approaches are used to identify micro-pitting: optical inspection and the use of a measuring instrument for gear gauge.

Optical inspection, conducted in well-lit environments, can be performed either with the naked eye or with the assistance of magnification tools.
The measuring instrument for gear gauge is a specialized measurement tool designed to study gear dimensions and geometry. It provides a detailed analysis of gear teeth, detecting microdents and other potential variations in shape and size.

To prevent the formation of these issues, it is crucial to adopt preventive management strategies.

Here are some key steps to minimize the risk of micro-pitting on gear teeth:

Gentle handling: Fundamentally, the first step is to handle components with care during handling, assembly, and transportation. Avoid impacts or collisions that could cause superficial damage.
Appropriate packaging: Utilize specially designed packaging to prevent contact between the teeth of various components. This ensures safe transportation without causing damage.
Robust machining: Employ hobbing tools that generate a semi-topping edge and adequate deburring of the tooth flank. This approach is essential to prevent the formation of microdents on the working surfaces of the gear.

By integrating these strategies into the production process, it is possible to ensure component quality and significantly reduce the formation of micro-pitting. At GSI, we believe that attention to details like micro-pitting can make a difference in creating reliable, efficient, and durable gears, contributing to the success of machinery and devices across a wide range of industrial sectors.

Micro-pitting: how to enhance your projects

What are micro-pitting and how are they created?

Detecting and preventing micro-pitting

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