A generating method for digital gear tooth surfaces

Based on the theories of digital conjugate surface and gear meshing, a generating method for digital gear tooth surfaces (DGTS) is demonstrated in this paper. The research focuses on the conjugate motion between the DGTS, represented by discrete points, and the cutter figuration determined by analytic function in the manufacture process. Conjugate points in the cutter section corresponding to the discrete points on the digital surface and conjugate movements are solved. Automated sequence arrangements of the generating movement parameters have been performed and the discrete generating movements are interpolated in a continuous conjugate motion along the order. Strategies of error analysis and error compensation are also discussed in this paper. Computer-simulated examples of the generating machining of involute DGTS and non-standard shaped DGTS, the parameters of machining motions and real tooth surfaces verify the developed method. The research develops a new idea for the machining of DGTS, which breaks the limitations of conventional approaches based on analytic surfaces. It is of important theoretical and practical value to manufacture digital surfaces. Our method is not only be applicable in generating machining of discrete DGTS and analytic gear tooth surfaces with complex geometric design, but also in contributing to the processing of discrete digital cam and other 3-D digital surfaces .