Miniature Plastic Gears

[glam]

I am in the process of designing a compound geartrain for an autofocus mechanism. To keep size and cost down, I am planning on using plastic for all gears. Each gear will have a pitch diameter of no more than .25" and a thickness of no more than .050". I'm planning on a diametral pitch of either 80 or 100. All of these gears will be custom injection molded.

Does anyone know where I can have prototypes of such gears made? I've thought about SLAs, but I'm not sure if such fine features can be produced using this process.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on manufacturers that could have the experience to injection mold such gears for production? My current thinking is that farming these parts out to Asia makes the most economic sense, but I'm still uncomfortable with the drawbacks of not having a supplier I can actually communicate with.

Any other advice or tips on designing a gear train with miniature plastic gears would be appreciated.

-Gordon

 

[strokersix]

Kleiss Gears in Centerville MN USA has a good reputation for injection molded gears.

I'm not affiliated with Kleiss Gears.

 

[plasgears]

You may want to limit your DP to 48-60 for practical reasons. The main challenge for miniature gears is in the mold generation.

 

[TrunkMonkey]

I am currently working in Shanghai China right now and there are a lot of choices for gearing manufacturing here. There is also a huge variation in the degree of quality and inspection when it comes to manufacturing. As for prototype tooling I have found that China is fast and cheap but making changes over the phone or email is not easy (Thus why I live in China now). Generally in my experience with China, prototyping in the states and manufacturing in China has worked well. Most of the major manufacturers have someone that speaks English so basic communication is not too much of a problem. I work with a number of factories but you can try this company called Maxim their email is maxim@wst.net.cn. They know what they are doing when it comes to small part manufacturing and it’s a good place to start.

 

[Gearhead]

HI

there are a lot of choices for help out thier. Molders include ABA/PGT,UFE, and Winzler. You can also talk to the plastic Resin People. Ticona ,Dupont, DSM and so on.
Good Luck

 

[sacem1]

Sterling Instruments has a complete line of what you need and they will mail you an excellent catalogue free of charge contact them at phone 516-328-3300 its web is

http://www.sdp-si.com

The catalogues have an excellent tech section added to each one.

Cheers

SACEM1

 

[Gearhead]

I agree Sterling Stock Drive Products is another good source