Gear Manufacturing – Potentials and Challenges

Although gears have been indispensable components in various sectors such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and industrial gear manufacturing for many decades, increasing requirements and current market developments are constantly presenting the drive technology sectors with new challenges. In the case of modern gear drives, competition is determined not only by price but also by load capacity, operational reliability and noise behavior. In automotive engineering in particular, reliable torque transmission is required with high power density, low weight and minimal noise emissions. The current trend toward e-mobility as well as general ecological and economic challenges to improve resource efficiency lead to increased demands on gear quality and surface finish.

In the focus of science: finishing processes and quality inspection of gears

In this context, the finishing and quality inspection of gears take on central roles. The finishing of gears has a decisive influence on their operational behavior, so that the reliability of the processes must be continuously ensured with regard to a high quality of the work result. At this year’s digital Aachen Forum on Gear Production from 9-10 November 2023, which is being organized hand in hand by the Machine Tool Laboratory WZL of RWTH Aachen University and the FVA Forschungsvereinigung Antriebstechnik e.V., the focus will therefore be on these topics.

 Exchange of knowledge and experience among experts

The spectrum of topics ranges from process design and tool design in line with requirements to the manufacture of individual gear geometries and measures for continuous quality assurance. In addition, aspects of modern finishing processes for producing ultra-fine surfaces, quality inspection during production and the economic efficiency of production and application will be presented.

The aim of the forum is an exchange of knowledge and experience between engineers who are employed or responsible for the design, development, production, assembly and application of gear drives. The individual technical presentations will feature both manufacturers of machines and tools as well as users who will report on their own practical experience. There will also be exciting presentations by experts from the field of research.