igus has developed a gear configurator, making it easy to develop gears by printing them instead of complex designing method using machines. The complex geometry of gears makes it difficult to design without assistance. For a long-lasting gear, a right mix of the design, selection of the right material and appropriate manufacturing process needs to converge together. Igus’ solution addresses these points with its gear configurator. The new solution ensures easy configuration of gears in 60 seconds.

 

Tom Krause, Head-Additive Manufacturing, igus, said, “The user only has to enter the data of his gear, such as tooth module, number of teeth, width and inner diameter. Igus also has introduced a special high-performance plastic—the laser sintering material iglidur I6 which is specifically developed for worm gears, it was able to demonstrate very high wear-resistance and durability in the laboratory.”

 

“Gears are much easier and more cost-effective to produce in 3D printing than in machining production. In additive manufacturing, we can also produce optimal tooth geometries, which are very expensive to implement by machining,” explained Krause. The company has opened a platform on their website to produce these hassle-free printed gears. The igus 3D printing service can be availed from the company’s website www.igus-cad.com. One can upload the step file of the configured gear, select the best-suited material for the tooth application and place the order. The component will be printed and shipped within two to three weeks by the company.