On abrasive water jet machining of miniature brass gears

Abstract

Abstract: Miniature gears are the key components of various miniaturized devices. Manufacturing quality, surface finish, and surface integrity of miniature gears are of prime importance to determine their functional performance and service life. This article presents the results of some experimental investigations conducted to machine precision miniature brass gears by abrasive water jet machining process. The fabricated gears are external spur type and have 8.4 mm pitch diameter, 12 teeth, and 5 mm thickness. It reports important results i.e. micro‐geometry and surface roughness of miniature gears machined by abrasive water jet process. The manufacturing quality DIN 8 and surface finish 1.03 μm have been obtained in the present research. It also discusses important aspects of various stages of this research along with the discussion on the effects of machining parameters on surface quality of gears, and a detailed surface integrity analysis. The present research identifies AWJM as a sustainable alternate to the conventional processes of miniature gear manufacturing that needs further exploration with other gear types and materials