The testing can be used in a pre-production environment as companies evaluate changes in materials designed to improve the characteristics of end products.
Materials testing and characterization is often a lengthy process. It can take more than a year and billions of testing cycles for a manufacturer to characterize the properties of a new metal alloy to be used in a critical application, such as a component of an automotive or jet engine. Typically, the testing regimen is prescribed by an OEM in accordance with procedures specified in industry organization standards. For example, one testing method for bending fatigue of gear steels is outlined in SAE Standard 1619 using a standard fixture and standard gear design. Companies manufacturing automotive and aerospace engines often refer to this and other standards as they specify the materials and designs of gears to be used in their applications, as do companies manufacturing test systems that verify production gears meet the standards.
The prescribed testing can also be used in a pre-production environment as companies evaluate changes in materials designed to improve the characteristics of end products. For example, in the case of engine gears, the goal with fuel consumption in mind is to increase power density—the ability to deliver more power through the gear train without increasing the size of the gears involved. Another goal is to reduce gear noise and vibration using alternative materials. One company that is providing test systems for use in this field is Symbrium Inc. (Raleigh, NC).