| Material |
Outstanding features |
Applications |
Precision Rating |
| Ferrous: |
|
|
|
| Cast Iron |
Low cost, good machining, high internal
damping |
Big size, moderate power rating, Commercial gears |
Commercial quality |
| Cast Steel |
Low cost, high strength |
Power Gears, medium rating |
Commercial quality |
| Plain Carbon Steel |
Good machining, Heat treated |
Power Gears, medium rating |
Commercial to medium precision |
| Alloy Steels |
Heat treated, high strength and durability |
Strict power requirements |
High precision |
| Stainless Steel |
High corrosion resistance, nonmagnetic |
Low power rating |
Good Precision |
| Non Ferrous: |
|
|
|
| Aluminium alloys |
Light weight, noncorrosive, good machinability |
Very light duty instrument gears |
High precision |
| Brass alloys |
Low cost, noncorrosive, good machinability |
Low cost commercial equipment |
Medium precision |
| Die cast alloys |
Low cost, low strength |
High production, low quality, commercial |
Low grade commercial |
| Non Metallic: |
|
|
|
| Nylon |
No friction or lubricant, high water absorption |
Long life, low nose, low loads |
Commercial quality |
| Delrin |
Wear resistant, long life |
Low loads |
Commercial quality |