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Case Study: Drill Driver Gearbox

Process: Conventional powder metallurgy

Secondary Process: Machining and milling

Hardness: 62 HRA

Density: 6.9 g/cm³

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End Use and Function

This part is composed of five components comprising an output gearbox that serves as feedback for an anti-twist lock on a drill driver. This part contains extremely thin sections with highly complex geometries.

 

A 2015 Award of Distinction Winner in the Lawn & Garden/Off-Highway category

Fabrication

The parts intermediate flange, anti-twist lock, mount ring, centering sleeve, and planet gears are made from diffusion-alloyed steel. The flange is compacted using two upper and two lower punches, and powder moving technology is employed to achieve a more uniform density distribution. Tight tolerances at the inner and outer diameters is accomplished through machining, and a milling operation provides the holes needed for part assembly. Properties include a density of 6.9 g/cm³ and minimum case hardness of 62 HRA. The parts' design, with extremely thin sections and highly complicated geometries, required precise control by a CNC compacting press.

Results

The PM design saved more than 40% over the cost of manufacturing through forging and machining.

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