The geometric accuracy analysis of polymer spiral bevel gears carried out in a measurement system based on the Industry 4.0 structure

The paper presents geometrical accuracy tests of polymer spiral bevel gears. The change in geometry was quantified with reference to research models produced by incremental methods: FDM (fused deposition modeling), SLS (selective laser sintering), DLP (digital light processing) and PolyJet. Model geometry verification was made basing on the INDUSTRY 4.0 philosophy using the Klingelnberg P40 coordinate measuring machine (CMM) operating in an integrated network system. The graphs show deviations of selected parameters defining the geometry of the teeth. Analysis of the obtained results was used to select the appropriate printing technology and to improve the quality of the polymer gears. The highest 11th accuracy class of the spiral bevel gear teeth, determined according to DIN 3965, was obtained for models manufactured in PolyJet additive technology.