Plastic Gears: Dimensioning and Material Selection
When it comes to manufacturing plastic gears there are many alternatives to choose from. We offer a wide range of plastic materials that can be used for gear manufacturing, including POM-C, PA66 and PEEK. But which material should you choose, and how do you dimension the gears in the right way?
One of the most common plastic materials for gears is POM-C, which is a polyoxymethylene-based material. POM-C is a good choice for gears that are subjected to lower loads, as it has a low Shore hardness of 65 Shore D. But what does Shore hardness really mean, and how does it affect the gear's performance?
Material Selection
For gears that are subjected to higher loads PA66 can be a better choice. PA66 has a higher Shore hardness of 70 Shore D, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear. But PA66 is also more expensive than POM-C, so it is important to consider whether the increased cost is justified by the improved performance.
For extremely demanding applications PEEK can be an alternative. PEEK is a polyetheretherketone-based material that has an extremely high Shore hardness of 90 Shore D. PEEK is also highly resistant to chemicals and has a very low weight, which makes it a good choice for applications where weight and corrosion resistance are important.
Dimensioning
When dimensioning plastic gears you have to consider many different factors, such as tooth profile, backlash, thermal expansion and lubrication. Tooth profile is important to ensure that the gears work smoothly and without problems. Backlash is also important, as it can affect the gear's accuracy and performance.
Thermal expansion is another important factor to consider. When the gear is subjected to heat it can expand and change shape, which can affect its performance. It is therefore important to choose a material that has a low thermal expansion, so that the gear can work smoothly and without problems.
Lubrication is also an important factor to consider. Plastic gears can be either self-lubricating or require external lubrication. Self-lubricating gears are often made of materials such as POM-C or PA66, which have a low friction and can work smoothly without external lubrication. But for more demanding applications external lubrication may be required, for example using a lubricating oil or grease.
Load Calculations
When calculating the load on a plastic gear you have to consider many different factors, such as the gear's size, shape and material. A common formula for calculating the load on a gear is:
- Load = (force x revolutions per minute) / (gear diameter x number of teeth)
But how do you choose the right gear for your application? Is it better to choose a gear made of POM-C, PA66 or PEEK? And how do you dimension the gear in the right way?
It is important to consider your needs and requirements before choosing a plastic gear. What load will the gear be subjected to? What Shore hardness is required for the gear to work smoothly and without problems? And which material is best for my application?
If you have questions about plastic gears or need help choosing the right material and dimensioning your gear, contact us at PlastShop. We have long experience of working with plastic materials and can help you find the right solution for your application.
Why not try exploring our range of plastic materials and see which one suits your needs best? We have a wide range of plastic materials, including POM-C, PA66 and PEEK, and we can help you find the right solution for your application.
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