Investigation of thermal and wear behaviour of 3D printed PA-12 nylon polymer spur gears

The study investigates the potential of 3D –printed gears of PA-12 Nylon material which are intended for use in polymer gearing. The gears are made through an additive manufacturing process known SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). Thermal and wear characteristics this set of gears is investigated at varying torque values of 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4 Nm in combination to varying rpm of 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400. The gears are subjected to 1 x 106 load cycles. The gear failed due to a rise in contact surface at 1400 rpm and 2.4 Nm torque. At high torque, there is a decrease in the durability of gear. The specific wear rate is more at low rotational speed in comparison to high speed. At low torque and low rotational speed, there is not any significant sign of failure and gears operate smoothly.