January/February 2014

Pearls of Wisdom

January 1, 2014

Gear Technology magazine begins the celebration of our 30-year anniversary.

It's not easy being big. Maybe that's not exactly how the phrase goes, but it's applicable, particularly when discussing the quality requirements of large gears. The size alone promises unique engineering challenges. BONUS Online Exclusive: Big or Small - Inspection is Key to Success.

Learn to Work, Work to Earn

January 1, 2014

Jack McGuinn

Apprenticeship programs are back in the USA - sort of.

The Sales Pitch

January 1, 2014

Matthew Jaster

Kaukauna, Wisconsin may hold the secrets to solving the problem of our skilled labor shortage.

Gear SAMPle - Interview with Antonio Maccaferri

January 1, 2014

In this Gear Profile article, we interview Antonio Maccaferri, president of SAMP S.p.A.

Practical Considerations for the Use of Double-Flank Testing for the Manufacturing Control of Gearing - Part I

January 1, 2014

Part I of this paper describes the theory behind double-flank composite inspection, detailing the apparatus used, the various measurements that can be achieved using it, the calculations involved and their interpretation. Part II, which will appear in the next issue, includes a discussion of the practical application of double-flank composite inspection, especially for large-volume operations. Part II covers statistical techniques that can be used in conjunction with double-flank composite inspection, as well as an in-depth analysis of gage R&R for this technique.

Power Skiving of Cylindrical Gears on Different Machine Platforms

January 1, 2014

Dr. Hermann J. Stadtfeld

It has long been known that the skiving process for machining internal gears is multiple times faster than shaping, and more flexible than broaching, due to skiving's continuous chip removal capability. However, skiving has always presented a challenge to machines and tools. With the relatively low dynamic stiffness in the gear trains of mechanical machines, as well as the fast wear of uncoated cutters, skiving of cylindrical gears never achieved acceptance in shaping or hobbing, until recently.

The XL Gears Project

January 1, 2014

Much of the existing guidelines for making large, high-performance gears for wind turbine gearboxes exhibit a need for improvement. Consider: the large grinding stock used to compensate for heat treatment distortion can significantly reduce manufacturing productivity; and, materials and manufacturing processes are two other promising avenues to improvement. The work presented here investigates quenchable alloy steels that, combined with specifically developed Case-hardening and heat treatment processes, exhibits reduced distortion and, in turn, requires a smaller grinding stock.

Gear Engineer by Day, Baritone by Night

January 1, 2014

Matthew Jaster

When they’re not solving the latest mechanical engineering puzzle, the seven members of the group sINGer are busy engineering their voices to create the perfect sound. Yes, you read that correctly. Mechanical engineers do have hobbies outside of gears.

Product News

January 1, 2014

The complete Product News section from the January/February 2014 issue of Gear Technology.

Calendar

January 1, 2014

The complete technical Calendar from the January/February 2014 issue of Gear Technology.

Industry News

January 1, 2014

The complete Industry News section from the January/February 2014 issue of Gear Technology.

GT Extras

January 1, 2014

Video from C&B Machinery; Introducing the Gear Technology Blog, featuring technical editor Charles D. Schultz; plus an online-exclusive article on big gear inspection.

Planet Carrier Design

January 1, 2014

Charles D. Schultz

With all the advantages of building float into a planetary gear system, what advantages are there to using a carrier in the first place, rather than simply having your planets float in the system?