We can manufacture and modify a range of machines from a small item through to a major redesign of a large machine such as a textile dryer. This area of expertise draws heavily on both our software and fabrication capabilities.

One of our most valued customers has recently asked us to undertake a redesign of some safety critical gears. These gears are used in a high torque and high load situation within a mill that maintains round the clock manufacture, in short very arduous conditions.

The customer was unhappy with the accelerated rate of wear of both the gears and the ratchet mechanisms. These used to be cast but we felt that higher quality would be obtained by machining the entire part from a flame cut billet.

Our 3axis Hurco maching centre coupled with the mastercam program enabled us to produce these gears at an acceptable price whilst maintaining the highest levels of quality.

The image on the left shows the machined gear with integrated ratchet, this ratchet has an undercut profile to ensure maximum mechanical contact. Please note the highly polished surface finish to minimise stress raisers.

The image on the right shows the gear again with its sister ratchet with which it will be coupled in operation.