Computer-Aided Machine Setting for Lapping Optimization

During hypoid gears lapping process, a gear set is running at varying operating positions and under a light load in order to lap the complete tooth surface. The pinions and gears are lapped in pairs. Hence, their tooth surfaces are not only cutters but also workpieces. In the contact region, the contact pressure and sliding speed are different from point to point. This makes lapping to be a very complicated abrasive wear process. So far, knowledge about the relationship between the removed materials and the lapping time as well as how to optimize the lapping process is quite limited. An algorithm was presented (Jiang et al., 2008, “Simulation of Hypoid Gear Lapping,” ASME J. Mech. Des., 130(11), p. 112601) to determine the wear coefficient k for the lapping process of hypoid gears. With the obtained wear coefficient k, a methodology for simulating the lapping process was proposed. Based on the wear coefficient obtained, this work presents a computer-aided machine setting procedure to optimize the lapping cycle in order to improve the lapping quality and efficiency.