The Effect of Superfinishing on Gear Tooth Profile

The report describes the results of a project carried out to determine the effect of superfinishing of gears on the profile and surface finish of the teeth. A batch of fourteen NASA 3.5 inches reference diameter spur test gears were prepared in the usual way by grinding. The gears were inspected for profile and lead quality and surface profiles taken. The gears were then superfinished by the 'Abral' process. Following superfinishing the gears were again inspected and surface profiles taken. It was found that typically the surface finish improved from about 0.4um roughness average (Ra) to better than 0.1um Ra. Results of gear metrology inspection showed that the quality of the gears in terms of profile and lead was not affected by this process. It was concluded that approximately 2.5um had been removed from the tooth surfaces as a result of superfinishing.