Schunk develops quiet Powder Metallurgy gears for e-mobility

April 6, 2022

Schunk discusses its noise-dampening Powder Metallurgy gear production process in the whitepaper ‘Silent Gears – low-noise gears for quiet e-mobility’ (Courtesy Schunk Group)

The Schunk Group, headquartered in Heuchelheim, Germany, reports it has developed a new Powder Metallurgy process that produces gears with a noise-damping effect, whilst reducing weight and cost. This process is discussed in more detail in the white paper, ‘Silent Gears – low-noise gears for quiet e-mobility,’ published on Schunk’s website, explaining how customers can benefit from the material, design and production advantages of its Powder Metallurgy gear process.

“Our process offers the unique possibility of combining several – normally incompatible – properties in one gear,” stated Johannes Heyde, Project Manager – Innovation at Schunk Group. “The result is components that have different properties in terms of geometry and material in different areas. For example, a very hard and strong toothing area to reduce wear, and a main body with excellent damping behaviour.”

The new process utilises the porous structure of the Powder Metallurgy gear to dampen sound and produce less noise. Heyde stated that while there can be concerns from customers about the resultant gears’ strength, studies are said to have shown that Schunk’s post-compaction process stage results in materials that equal the strength of conventionally forged materials.

When compared to conventional manufacturing, and dependent on size and complexity, the process is reported to be profitable for volumes of around 30,000 for large parts, or around 100,000 for smaller parts. Parts can weigh as little as a few grams and can range in diameter from 5-300 mm.

“With our manufacturing process, we consume 60% less energy overall,” Heyde added. “This makes Powder Metallurgy one of the green technologies, because we don’t have to use any primary raw materials for powder production. In addition, we use almost 100% of the material, because no more chips are produced, as is the case with subsequent mechanical processing. As a result of the efficiency of the entire process, not only do our customers benefit from performance-enhanced quiet gears, but so does the environment.”

The white paper can be downloaded here.

www.schunk-group.com

In the latest issue of PM Review…

Download PDF

Extensive Powder Metallurgy industry news coverage, and the following exclusive deep-dive articles and reports:

  • From powder modification to rejuvenation: Fluidised Bed Reactors in metal powder production and Additive Manufacturing
  • Retech: Enabling the atomisation of reactive and refractory alloys at substantially higher levels of productivity and lower cost
  • Sustainability in Powder Metallurgy: Highlights from the 41st Hagen Symposium
  • Innovations from Japan’s Powder Metallurgy industry: award winners highlight novel automotive and healthcare applications

The latest news from the world of metal powders, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of PM Review, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Join our community

Discover our magazine archive…

The free-to-access PM Review magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of Powder Metallurgy from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading PM part manufacturers, metal powder manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

 

Browse the archive

 

Looking for PM production equipment, metal powders, R&D support and more?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our
advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of PM Review magazine.

  • Powders & materials
  • Powder process, classification & analysis
  • PM products
  • Atomisers & powder production technology
  • Compaction presses, tooling & ancillaries
  • Sintering equipment & ancillaries
  • Post-processing
  • Consulting & toll sintering
View online
Share via
Copy link