Some Factors Influencing the Pitting, Micro-Pitting (Frosted Areas) and Slow Speed Wear of Surface Hardened Gears

Surface hardness and hardening depth are the most important influence factors for the load capacity of surface hardened gears. Besides the structure of the hardening pattern, it’s carbon content, amount of retained austenite, residual stress and white layer (nitrided gears) have a considerable influence. Lubricant and material of the mating gear as well as roughness of the tooth flanks have a different influence on pitting, micro-pitting and wear.