Intech Corporation provides engineering solutions to a wide range of power transmission problems, offering gear design that includes lubrication-free operation and lighter weight for inertia reduction in high-speed, stop-and-go applications.

Intech furnishes application-specific Power-Core™ gears, designed and machined to specifications based on detail analyses of gear geometry, load data, environmental conditions and material properties, and supported by industry-unique gear life calculations for non-lubricated plastic gears.

Intech Power-Core combines advantages of both plastic and metal gears, including noise reduction, shock and vibration absorption and high torque transmitted securely through a metal hub. Unlike other plastics, Power-Core gears do not swell in moisture and retain their high torque capability through a variety of adverse conditions, including dry conditions that cause other plastics to become brittle. Compared to metal, Power-Core gears do not require lubrication, are light and last longer.

Combining all the advantages of the Power-Core gear technology, Intech engineers were able to satisfy tough specifications for a 21-inch OD gear in a diaper processing machine. The design emphases were on low inertia for a stop-and-go operation and no lubrication, as grease could contaminate the product, Selecting an aluminum core, Intech engineers were able to reduce the momentum of inertia, as well as dissipate the heat generated due to high torque. A modified tooth profile was used to reduce tooth root stress and friction in the tooth mesh. Gear life calculation of the selected alternative showed that the gear will last a minimum of three years in continuous operation.