Increased Life/Noise Reduction of Mechanical Components by Applying Topographical Imagery and Surface Mapping Methodology

The Timken Company performed a detailed study involving topographical imagery and surface mapping. The primary purpose of the study was to develop a direct correlation between surface topography and component durability/life. Through these studies, an optimal surface finish was developed. A production environment was then formed to mass-produce components with this finish on a contact-to-contact component. The results of the study guide us to an increase in durability/life of the Timken product. The paper is divided into three sections.

The first section describes the component itself and the testing procedures by which durability/life were determined. The second section describes the analytical work done at the Timken Research facility where topographical imagery and surface mapping were performed. At this time, topographical analysis of several surface finishes paved the way to create an optimal surface texture for increased durability/life. Next, brainstorming was conducted to transform the desired surface texture from laboratory to production environment. The third section describes the actual tools and techniques put in place in the production environment to achieve the desired surface texture. Precision Steel Components conclude with final test results, establishing that there is a direct correlation between surface texture and durability/life of a contact-to-contact component.