Nickel boron plating systems offer several advantages when used for gear components. These systems provide excellent hardness, low friction coefficient, and high wear resistance, making them ideal for applications where durability and performance are crucial. Additionally, nickel boron plating can improve the overall efficiency and lifespan of gear components, ultimately leading to cost savings and enhanced reliability in various industries.
Nickel boron plating significantly enhances the wear resistance of gear components by forming a hard, protective layer on the surface. This layer reduces friction and wear, resulting in less material loss and longer component life. The improved wear resistance of nickel boron-plated gear components makes them suitable for high-stress environments and applications where frequent maintenance or replacement is not feasible.
AGMA hosted an EV Town Hall last month during their Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo). This event was planned to explicitly ask the question, “Is industry ready to roll up its sleeves and start the process of sharing common outcomes that will serve as the building blocks for standards for electric vehicle technology?” Spoiler Alert: The answer was a resounding, yes. And the discussion uncovered some key issues, and perhaps a surprise or two, that will help AGMA leverage its 107 years of experience in this space to start to frame future discussions for electric vehicle standards development.
Posted by on 2023-11-28
While I was attending the 10th International VDI Conference on Gears 2023—held in Garching, Munich at the Gear Research Center (FZG) of the Technical University of Munich from September 13th to 15th, 2023—Delrin, a product family of DuPont, introduced a new high molecular weight nucleated resin specially formulated for use in applications requiring high creep resistance and fatigue durability. I had the good fortune to sit down and speak with Guillaume Doy, Global Marketing Leader from Delrin, to hear more about their acetal homopolymer for high-load mechanical applications.
Posted by on 2023-10-02
On August 23, 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission made a successful landing on the southern part of the moon near the crater Manzinus. We were able to catch up with Mushtaq Jamal, vice president of engineering and business development at Bevel Gears India Pvt Ltd (BGI), to discuss BGI's role in this monumental achievement for India.
Posted by on 2023-09-12
The Forging Industry Association’s (FIA) Forge Fair, North America’s largest event dedicated exclusively to the forging industry, returned to the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, May 23–25, 2023. More than 2,000 forging professionals from across the globe attended Forge Fair to learn about new products, make purchasing decisions, and network with each other. This specialized-industry event offered suppliers and forgers a platform to connect with more qualified potential customers. From material selection to the shipment of finished parts, Forge Fair showcased innovations in heating, tooling, equipment, testing, automation, conservation of resources, process and plant improvements, and technology for all types of forging operations.
Posted by on 2023-07-25
There are countless amazing stories that emerge from the manufacturing world—and Manufacturing Talks, hosted by Jim Vinoski, helps draw those stories into the light of day. As Jim states, "Manufacturing is where the rubber meets the road. There's no hiding. You're either making good products people will buy for enough to keep you in business, or you're not. Period." Nowhere is that more evident than in the gear industry. Check out Episode 51 with Matt Croson, President of the American Gear Manufacturers Association, sharing all about what the AGMA does.
Posted by on 2023-06-28
Yes, nickel boron plating systems can enhance the corrosion resistance of gear components. The nickel boron coating acts as a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive elements, preventing the underlying material from deteriorating. This corrosion resistance is particularly beneficial in industries where gear components are exposed to harsh environments or corrosive substances.
Practical Applications of Industrial Machinery Maintenance Equipment
The process of applying nickel boron plating to gear components involves several steps. First, the components are cleaned and prepared to ensure proper adhesion of the coating. Then, they are immersed in a nickel boron plating solution, where a chemical reaction deposits the nickel boron coating onto the surface. Finally, the components are rinsed, dried, and inspected to ensure the quality and uniformity of the coating.
Gear components with nickel boron plating may require specific maintenance to preserve their performance and longevity. Regular cleaning and inspection can help prevent the buildup of debris or contaminants that could affect the coating. Additionally, lubrication may be necessary to maintain the low friction properties of the nickel boron-plated components and ensure smooth operation over time.
Nickel boron plating can have a positive impact on the friction properties of gear components. The low friction coefficient of nickel boron coatings reduces the amount of energy lost to friction during operation, leading to improved efficiency and reduced wear. This property makes nickel boron-plated gear components suitable for high-speed applications where minimizing friction is essential.
While nickel boron plating systems offer numerous benefits, there are some limitations to consider. For example, the initial cost of implementing nickel boron plating may be higher than traditional coating methods. Additionally, the thickness and uniformity of the coating can be challenging to control, potentially affecting the performance of the gear components. It is essential to weigh the advantages and drawbacks of nickel boron plating systems to determine if they are the right choice for a specific application.
Diagnosing vibration issues in industrial gear assemblies can be achieved through a comprehensive analysis of various factors. One approach is to conduct vibration analysis using accelerometers, vibration meters, and spectrum analyzers to measure the frequency, amplitude, and direction of vibrations. Additionally, performing modal analysis, resonance testing, and dynamic balancing can help identify the root cause of the vibration problem. Inspecting gear teeth for wear, misalignment, or improper lubrication, as well as checking for loose bolts, worn bearings, and shaft misalignment, can also provide valuable insights. Furthermore, utilizing thermography, oil analysis, and sound level measurements can aid in pinpointing potential issues within the gear assembly. By combining these diagnostic techniques, maintenance professionals can effectively troubleshoot and resolve vibration problems in industrial gear assemblies.
Ultrasonic inspection of gear components typically involves the use of specialized equipment such as ultrasonic transducers, couplant, flaw detectors, and scanning systems. Ultrasonic transducers emit high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the material being inspected, allowing for the detection of internal defects or irregularities. Couplant is a gel or liquid medium applied to the surface of the gear component to ensure proper transmission of the sound waves. Flaw detectors are used to analyze the ultrasonic signals and identify any abnormalities in the material. Scanning systems, such as automated or manual scanners, are employed to ensure thorough coverage of the gear component during the inspection process. Overall, the combination of these tools enables accurate and reliable ultrasonic inspection of gear components for quality control and maintenance purposes.
When damaged bearing cages occur in gear systems, they can be repaired through a variety of methods. One common approach is to replace the damaged cage with a new one that is compatible with the specific gear system. Alternatively, the damaged cage can be repaired through welding or brazing techniques to reinforce the structure and restore its functionality. In some cases, the damaged cage may be able to be repaired through machining or grinding to remove any imperfections or deformities. Proper maintenance and inspection of gear systems can help prevent damage to bearing cages and ensure the overall efficiency and longevity of the system.
The stress analysis of gearbox housings typically involves the use of various tools such as finite element analysis (FEA) software, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, and computer-aided design (CAD) programs. These tools allow engineers to simulate and analyze the structural integrity and performance of gearbox housings under different operating conditions. Additionally, advanced techniques like modal analysis, fatigue analysis, and thermal analysis may also be employed to assess the impact of vibrations, cyclic loading, and temperature variations on the gearbox housing. By utilizing these tools in combination, engineers can optimize the design of gearbox housings to ensure durability, reliability, and efficiency in various industrial applications.
During the repair process, gear shafts are dynamically balanced by utilizing specialized equipment such as dynamic balancing machines, vibration analyzers, and precision measuring tools. The technician will first inspect the gear shaft for any signs of wear or damage before proceeding with the balancing procedure. They will then mount the gear shaft onto the dynamic balancing machine and spin it at high speeds to identify any imbalances. Using the vibration analyzer, the technician will measure the vibrations produced by the spinning gear shaft and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is properly balanced. Precision measuring tools are used to accurately determine the amount of weight that needs to be added or removed from specific areas of the gear shaft to achieve optimal balance. Once the gear shaft is dynamically balanced, it will be ready for reinstallation in the equipment.