Performance of a Surface Densified P/M Gear for a Passenger Car Gear Box

Selective surface densification is a tool for improving the mechanical properties of PM steels, such that the requirements for highly loaded gears can be matched. This paper describes the manufacturing and the properties of a helical P/M gear. The gear performance was evaluated on a 3-shaft back to back test rig, on a load bearing test rig and on a sound test bench. The results of these tests are presented and compared to data obtained from solid steel gear with identical geometry and surface quality. This comparison indicates that P/M gears have a load bearing capacity and noise level which are both well comparable to solid steel gears.