Surface finish measurement systems to verify new gear manufacturing methods

Mathematical model calculates ideal machining parameters

For this reason, Lund University (Sweden) initiated a research project to investigate this exact question by way of a simulation. The research team created a mathematical model to calculate the machine parameters for the production of gears with optimum surface quality. This was accomplished in cooperation with a renowned Swedish tool manufacturer that was planning on launching a new form milling cutter.

Optical measurement used to verify machining capabilities

Bruker Alicona systems were used to verify whether the roughness values calculated in the model could actually be produced in reality. Areal roughness measurement enabled Lund University to validate the model at the required level of quality. "We carried out the areal roughness measurement on-site at Sandvik Coromant and got to know Bruker Alicona in the process. The high precision and speed of the measurements immediately convinced us to purchase our own InfiniteFocus system," lead researcher Mattias Svahn explains.

Surface quality is determined by roughness and geometry of tooth flank 

The quality of a tooth flank is determined by both its roughness and its geometry. The roughness of the tooth flank plays an important role in several ways. For example, it directly affects noise generation. The rougher the surface, the noisier the gear. Uniform transmission of motion, on the other hand, mainly depends on the form and positional tolerances of the tooth flank. It is therefore vital to measure both roughness and form to ensure proper quality assurance of gears. When measuring roughness, it is important to consider the dominant surface structure of gears and choose the appropriate measurement technology for this purpose.

Importance of areal surface texture parameters Sa, Sq, Sz

Mattias Svahn used an Bruker Alicona system, as he knew that mere profile-based roughness measurement would not deliver useful results. "Profile-based measurement allows me to map the surface only partially. Depending on the direction of the profile, roughness values are subject to intense scattering. The resulting measurement values are simply not useful for creating and validating the calculation model," lead researcher and measurement expert Mattias Svahn explains. By contrast, Bruker Alicona's measurement systems make it possible to map the roughness of the entire surface, even of the tooth flanks—fast, repeatably, and at high resolutions. The surface texture parameters Sa, Sq, and Sz allow precise assessment of the surface quality. 

Measurement of form deviations

Form deviations can be made visible using difference measurement. This is accomplished by comparing measurement results to a CAD dataset and/or form and positional tolerances. In addition to form and roughness measurement, Lund University also makes use of the visualization of 3D data sets. The large lateral and vertical scanning areas make it possible to map the topography of the entire gear cutting.

At one glance:

• Bruker Alicona was used to validate a mathematical model to investigate how machine parameters and possible error sources find their impact on the cut surface roughness.
• In particular, areal roughness measurement helped to validate the model at the required level of quality.
• Sa, Sq Sz parameters were measured at tooth flanks that have not been accessible before.
• The measurement of form deviations to reference geometry was performed by using defference measurement. This is accomplished by comparing measurement results to a CAD dataset and/or form and positional tolerances.