Project aims to deliver stronger gears

The British Mechanical Power Transmission Association (BMPTA) - formerly the British Gear Association - has announced a research and development programme to improve the fatigue strength and rating of high-performance gears.

The collaborative programme, following on from a six-year project that ended last year, will develop cost-effective specifications for heat-treating and shot-peening case-carburised and nitrided gears.

It will follow up on previously identified "promising techniques" for improving the bending fatigue strength of the gears. It will also investigate the gears` fatigue strength after extended use, and the influence of oils and additives on gear strength.

The BMPTA is looking for partners for the project.