I am very satisfied with the services. Happy to create long term business relationship with your company.
—— Ashley Scott---USA
Thanks for the good quality, good design with reasonable price
—— Anna Diop---United Kingdom
I'm Online Chat Now
Company News
Grinding Burn in Gear Manufacturing—Mechanisms, Detection, and Prevention
Gears are core components of mechanical transmission systems, and their manufacturing quality directly affects the performance and service life of the entire equipment. Grinding is a crucial precision machining process for gears, yet grinding burn is a common quality issue during this stage. Grinding burn not only impairs the surface integrity of gears but also significantly reduces their fatigue strength and service life. This article elaborates on the mechanisms, detection methods, and prevention measures of gear grinding burn.
1. Mechanisms of Gear Grinding Burn
1.1 Definition of Grinding Burn
Grinding burn refers to the phenomenon where the surface material of the workpiece undergoes structural transformation or oxidative discoloration due to excessively high local temperatures during the grinding process. For gears, burn typically occurs in grinding contact areas such as tooth surfaces and tooth roots.
1.2 Causes of Grinding Burn Formation
Heat Source Mechanism: Approximately 60-95% of the energy generated during the grinding process is converted into heat.
Temperature Distribution: The instantaneous temperature can reach 1000-1500°C, but the duration of this high temperature is extremely short (0.1-1ms).
Phase Transformation Process: Gear steels (e.g., 20CrMnTi) undergo austenitization at high temperatures. Subsequently, depending on the cooling rate, microstructures such as martensite, bainite, or tempered structures may form.
1.3 Classification of Grinding Burn
Burn Type
Characteristics
Impact on Performance
Oxidative Burn
A blue or yellow oxide film forms on the surface
Reduces surface roughness and affects lubrication
Temper Burn
The surface layer structure undergoes temper softening
Decreases hardness and wear resistance
Secondary Quench Burn
Untempered martensite forms in the surface layer
Increases brittleness and generates residual tensile stress
2. Detection Methods for Grinding Burn
2.1 Traditional Detection Methods
2.1.1 Visual Inspection
Principle: Observe changes in surface color (temper color).
Advantages: Simple, fast, and low-cost.
Limitations: Can only detect severe burn and is highly subjective.
2.1.2 Etching Method
Steps: First, clean the gear surface; then, apply a 2-2.5% nitric acid-alcohol solution; finally, observe surface color changes (burned areas darken).
Standard: Complies with GB/T 3481-2017 Gear Burn Detection Method.
2.1.3 Microhardness Testing
Method: Measure microhardness at different positions on the tooth surface.
Criterion: A hardness change exceeding ±10% of the base material hardness indicates burn.
2.2 Advanced Non-Destructive Testing Technologies
2.2.1 Barkhausen Noise Testing (MBN)
Principle: Utilize noise signals generated by the movement of magnetic domains in ferromagnetic materials.
Equipment Parameters: Frequency range: 1-1000kHz; Sensitivity: Capable of detecting burned layers as thin as 0.01mm.
Advantages: Fast, non-contact, and quantifiable.
2.2.2 Eddy Current Testing
Principle: Measure changes in electrical conductivity using electromagnetic induction.
Parameter Settings: Frequency: 50-500kHz; Probe type: Differential or absolute.
Applicability: Suitable for high-volume online testing.
Operation Process: Conduct real-time monitoring during the grinding process and identify abnormal temperature rises through temperature field distribution.
2.2.4 X-Ray Diffraction Residual Stress Analysis
Principle: Calculate residual stress by measuring lattice strain.
Criterion: Surface tensile stress exceeding 300MPa may indicate burn.
2.3 Laboratory Analysis Methods
2.3.1 Metallographic Analysis
Sample Preparation Requirements: Sampling direction: Perpendicular to the grinding direction; Etchant: 4% nitric acid-alcohol.
Typical Structures: White layer (untempered martensite with hardness >800HV); Transition zone (tempered martensite); Base material (original structure).
2.3.2 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Analysis
Observation Content: Surface morphology (e.g., remelting, cracks) and element distribution (oxidation degree analysis).
2.4 Burn Severity Grading and Disposal Recommendations
Grade
Characteristics
Disposal Recommendations
Grade 0
No burn
Qualified
Grade 1
Slight oxidative color
Acceptable
Grade 2
Obvious structural changes
Process adjustment required
Grade 3
Severe burn
Scrap
3. Prevention Measures for Grinding Burn
3.1 Optimization of Process Parameters
3.1.1 Grinding Wheel Selection
Abrasive: CBN (suitable for hardened steel).
Grain Size: 80-120#.
Hardness: K-M grade.
3.1.2 Cutting Parameters
Linear Speed: 20-35m/s.
Feed Rate: 0.005-0.02mm/stroke.
3.1.3 Cooling Fluid
Requirements: High pressure (>1MPa) and large flow rate (>50L/min).