IN THE
KNOW
There are a number of metal treatment processes designed to
improve the performance and longevity of metal parts.
Some of those include;
·
Coatings such as teflon, which are quickly rubbed or wear
off, having no residual benefits.
·
Polishing, which creates a beautiful finish, but may destroy
the functional shape of gears, especially ring and pinion sets.
·
Chrome Plating, although effective, is very expensive
·
Cryogenics/Freezing, which does no harm, but little good.
Best used for cutting tools.
REM(tm) ISOTROPIC FINISHING (also called Vibratory Tumble Burnishing)
The objective is to significantly increase reliability of
power transfer systems by increasing gear contact fatigue life, increasing gear
tooth bending fatigue life, decreasing the coefficient of friction, and
extending the performance and service life of the gear sets. Super finishing by
the Government has demonstrated a 3X mean life improvement due to 
an
increase in resistance to contact fatigue
The process
involves two steps.
The first, referred to as the refinement process involves a
chemical interaction on the surface of the part. A soft, thin (one micron) film
is formed on the surface of the part. The part interacts with a ceramic media
in a special vibratory tub, this film is physically removed from the
"peaks" of the processed part and the "valleys" are
unaffected. The chemically induced film re-forms only at the peaks that are
interacting with the vibratory media, and the process repeats itself. Over
time, the peaks are removed, leaving only the valleys, producing the improved
micro finish.
The second step is referred to as
the burnish process. After the required micro finish is achieved, a mild
alkaline mixture is introduced. After a relatively short period a polished,
chrome-like finish is produced. In addition to the polishing effects, this step
effectively removes all traces of the film formation from the refinement
process.
·
COST
Individual Ring and Pinion Sets usually cost about $135.00 each.
Typical costs for a complete gearbox, when combined with overhaul or Blueprint.
This includes initial setup of transmission ring and pinion, lapping of the
ring and pinion (if necessary), disassembly, and reassemble after REM(tm)
treatment costs around $500.00