The essential knowledge needed for gear design
To design gears, it is necessary to have technical knowledge of gears as mechanical element. This is true even when using already designed standard gears.
Among the required knowledge are various formulas for calculating gear strengths and sizes, knowledge regarding the gear types and specialized vocabulary, gear train's speed ratios and rotational directions, teeth forms and teeth thicknesses, backlashes, precision classes of ISO and AGMA, the accuracy of gear assembly, materials and heat treating which are mainly related to hardness, lubrication in applications, how to ameliorate problems related to noise and breakage, geometric tolerances and special geometric symbols used in mechanical drawings, etc.
Starting with the level of user's knowledge, it is necessary to offer multiple levels of technical data in order to successively understand more advanced knowledge regarding the topics listed above. Accordingly KHK has prepared the following four kinds of PDF formatted data. For knowledge that cannot be explained by the four kinds of technical data, we have added separate Q&A sections divided into fields of manufacturing, technology and products. For the future, we are also planning to publish a gear calculation software.
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All Magnetic Products Catalog (PDF)
Gear Handbook
The ABCs of Gears - A
What is a gear ? An introduction to simply explained history and applications of gears. We recommend it for those just starting to learn about gears.
Gear Handbook
The ABCs of Gears - B
The intermediate level which presents a detailed explanation of types of gears and tooth forms and precision, heat treatment, surface treatment, production methods, etc.
Gear Handbook
Introduction to Gears
Intermediate level text almost same level as B. Includes comments on gear inspection and noise, manufacturing facility, etc.
Gear Handbook
Gear Technical Reference
Comprehensive data and synthetic technical reference needed when designing machines and gears and when studying gear knowledge.
The first step of mechanism design using gears
In this section, we will explain the basic knowledge of gears for beginners which is necessary when designing machines.
Gear design procedure in practical design
In this series, we explain how to design gears and peripheral parts according to procedures using simple mechanisms.
Gear Nomenclature
This page aims to present gear related basic terminology.
Gear Tips
Gear Tips provides all gear users with a few tips that are useful to have when working with gears.
Q&A about Gears
Q&A about the technical details of gears
Types and Mechanisms of Gear Reducers
Here, the types and their mechanisms of geared speed reducers are introduced.
Related links :
Types of Gears
Spur Gears
Gear Rack