Testing, SEM-characterization and surface modification of gear wheels produced by additive and traditional technics

Abstract

Both the comparative testing and SEM-control of crack surfaces for steel, polymer and 3D-printed polymer gears were carried out. Computer mechanical fatigue failure modelling correctness for steel wheels and in a less degree for polymer ones due to polymer inhomogeneous inner structure was shown. The SEM-characterization indicated that used type of fatigue failure modeling for 3D-printed polymer gears needs corrections due to the specific uneven gears surface shape, inner cavities presence and polymer deformation features as a result of both insufficient filament melting process, and microstructural polymer features. Surface fluorination aimed to 3D-printed gears friction ratio decreasing was tested. Gears modification was resulted to surface layer forming leading to wear halving to 0,3.