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Volume 13 | Issue 5 | Year 2026 | Article Id. IJME-V13I5P107 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V13I5P107

Use of Plastic Gears for Power Transmission in Low-Torque Robotics: Wear and Fatigue Analysis

Erick Samillan, Yonix Vilca, Jorge Apaza, Gonzalo Pereyra, Christofer Diaz

Received Revised Accepted Published
14 Feb 2026 22 Mar 2026 24 Apr 2026 29 May 2026

Citation :

Erick Samillan, Yonix Vilca, Jorge Apaza, Gonzalo Pereyra, Christofer Diaz, "Use of Plastic Gears for Power Transmission in Low-Torque Robotics: Wear and Fatigue Analysis," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 105-115, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V13I5P107

Abstract

This work presents a theoretical methodology, in the form of a simulation, for evaluating a pair of plastic pinion-wheel gears intended for power transmission in low-torque robotics applications. The geometry of the gear pair is parameterized in CAD, and a polymeric or engineering material with traceable properties is selected, along with a FEM model that includes tooth-to-tooth contact. The wear of the gear is estimated from the contact variables using an Archard-type law, accompanied by a parametric analysis for tribological uncertainties. Flexural fatigue at the tooth root is studied using the Stress-Life (S-N) approach, which provides indicators of gear life.

Keywords

Plastic gears, Low-torque robotics, Finite element analysis, Bending fatigue.

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