The success of performance motorsports and the automotive industry can be attributed to the precise finishing of what is under the hood. Metal automotive parts, specifically worm screws and worm gears require a specific type of surface finishing to ensure they perform. Gears on a worm gear are helical and are used to transmit power and motion. The result is a reduction of heat, friction and vibration.
Hours of research and development by the ISO Finishing team perfected the process of finishing these intricate mechanisms for the automotive industry.
A worm gear is a staggered shaft gear (a screw) which creates motion between shafts using threads that are cut into a cylindrical bar to manage power and torque. The combination of a worm wheel and worm are the components of a worm gear. Speed reduction is determined by the number of worm threads and the number of teeth on the worm wheel. These systems are ideal where you need compact size but high ratios and high output torque, coupled with significant speed reduction.
Common applications of worm screws and gears are found in the automotive industry because of their ideal use in small spaces while still outputting a high torque. An engine or electric motor provides rotational power to the worm screw so that the gear turns and pushes its force against the load. The compact design of these gears make them a perfect addition to applications needing efficiency for specialized tasks but have limited space.
Let’s get right to the point – anything with threads requires a custom finishing process. For worm gears, the positioning and assembly of the teeth is critical since a very strict tooth design is required for the wheel gear and the worm gear to determine how the gears meet. Variations are dependent on how the gears touch.
The ISO Finishing process eliminates any imperfections found on the surface, creating a uniform finish to ensure coating materials adhere properly to the worm screws and gears. With the right preparation, surface coatings prevent corrosion and enhance overall performance of these parts. At the end of the day, we’re working to add higher power without additional wear.
The automotive industry is vulnerable to part fatigue due to cyclical stressors threatening the structural integrity of the part. Cyclical stressors can cause cracks to form, especially in areas with an abrupt surface change. Preventing part fatigue starts with achieving a superior surface finish.
Polishing the surface material eliminates stressors like sudden surface changes by creating a consistent, uniform finish. Polished parts are stronger, more resistant to corrosion, and have a longer lifespan than unfinished parts. Polishing also prepares metal parts for coatings intended to increase their durability and improve performance. We design processes for parts just like these – parts with a lot of nooks, crannies and grooves.
ISO Finishing has worked with the racing industry, OEM suppliers, automotive manufacturers and aftermarket accessory distributors. Our experience, flexibility and ability to develop customized processes allow us to meet your finishing needs whatever they may be.
The best way to show you how our finish will be your finish is to process your sample. Let us show you what we can do. LET’S GET IT FINISHED.
