Material selection starts with duty
Torque, speed, shock load, operating hours, lubrication, temperature, contamination, required life and mating-component condition all influence material selection. Materials are handled according to customer drawings, specifications and application requirements.
Common material families
Depending on the requirement, projects may use case-hardening alloy steels, through-hardening alloy steels, medium-carbon steels, nitriding steels, stainless grades, bronze or other engineering materials. The final grade and heat-treatment cycle must match the approved drawing and operating duty.
- Case-hardening steels for a hard wear-resistant surface with a tougher core
- Through-hardening steels for suitable sections and duties
- Induction-hardened steels where localised hardening is specified
- Nitriding grades where distortion control and surface properties are priorities
- Corrosion-resistant or non-ferrous materials for specialised environments
Heat treatment and distortion
Carburising, hardening, tempering, induction hardening and nitriding can alter dimensions and tooth geometry. Allowances, datum control and the finishing route should be considered before cutting. Hardness alone does not guarantee satisfactory performance; case depth, core properties, surface finish and tooth contact also matter.
Frequently asked questions
Can bevel gear material and heat treatment be developed from an existing sample?
A sample can support dimensional study, but the most reliable route also includes the mating member, shaft angle, mounting information, speed, torque, material or hardness information and failure history.
What information is required for quotation?
Provide a dimensioned drawing or sample, quantity, module or diametral pitch, tooth counts, pressure angle, spiral hand where applicable, ratio, material, heat treatment, accuracy requirement and expected duty.
Can one member be replaced without the mating gear or pinion?
It may be possible after inspection, but a matched-pair approach is normally preferred because tooth contact, backlash and mounting are interdependent.
How is delivery time determined?
Delivery depends on geometry, quantity, material availability, tooling, heat treatment, finishing, inspection scope and technical approval.