A review on materials and performance characteristics of polymer gears

Abstract

In this research work an extensive review on use of advance materials and performance of polymer gears. Further, literature on polymer gears has been divided into four divisions based on the type of gear material, performance characteristic, modifications, and manufacturing techniques. Materials like polyamide and acetal and their composites are focused due to their huge application quotient. Use of in total six grades that is, PA6, PA66, PA12, PA46, PA618, and PA645 as gear material have been identified. Use of glass and carbon fiber reinforcements in PA gears with varying percentage in a range of 20%–35% and 15%–30%, respectively have been observed. Failure and performance characteristics such as wear, thermal, fatigue, load, transmission, and operational have been illustrated and described in detail. Research studies to improve thermal performance of plastic gears by modifying gear tooth and its profile has also been discussed along with their effects. Application of advance manufacturing technique such as 3D printed additive manufacturing in producing plastic gears is also talked over in this article. This compiled review work aims to assist researchers in selection of plastic gear material and to explore various factors and parameters affecting the failure behavior and performance of plastic gears.