Research into improving the durability and efficiency of gear repairs

Our colleague Rubén Carranza, Head of Aftermarket, has recently published an article in the specialised magazine GearSolutions, a technical reference in the gear sector. This work is an extract of his doctoral research and presents significant conclusions on the improvement of the capacity of gears against pitting through the combination of advanced surface treatment techniques.

The study focused on pitting tests carried out at the Gear Research Center (FZG) of the Technical University of Munich. The main objective was to determine the potential increase in pitting resistance through the combined application of shot peening and superfinishing, known as IGS (Improved Gear Surface).

The results obtained are revealing:

• Capacity increase higher than that established in the ISO 6336 standard.
• Potential of the IGS technique as a repair tool, as this increase in capacity is capable of compensating for the ‘loss’ generated by a local defect.

These findings are essential to avoid scrap of parts due to local defects, provided that the preparation prior to IGS application is adequate.

The research offers a promising perspective for the gearbox industry, highlighting the importance of advanced surface treatment techniques in improving the durability and efficiency of transmission systems.

Gamesa Gearbox would like to congratulate Rubén on obtaining his PhD and to value the industry impact of this work, which not only represents a significant advance in gear optimisation, but also opens up new opportunities for the repair and reuse of components in the wind industry, contributing to its sustainability and efficiency.