What is gear floating?

Gear floating is a process in which gear teeth are machined to create a small gap between them. This gap is typically around 0.0005 to 0.002 inches, but can vary based on the size of the gears and the specific application.

The purpose of gear floating is to reduce friction and wear between the teeth, which can improve the durability and efficiency of the gear system. The small gap between the teeth allows for a layer of lubrication to form, which reduces friction and prevents metal-on-metal contact.

Gear floating can be achieved through a variety of machining processes, including shaving, honing, and grinding. It is typically used in high-performance gear systems, such as those found in racing cars and aerospace applications.

While gear floating can provide benefits for certain applications, it should be noted that it can also reduce the strength of the gear system. The teeth are not in direct contact with each other, which can increase the risk of tooth breakage or failure under high loads. Careful consideration should be given to the specific application and operating conditions before implementing gear floating.