scope:

This paper shows all the steps suggested to get an optimum (volume based) design for an epicyclic (planetary) transmission using plastic materials. The design was developed using the tooth proportions proposed in ANSI/AGMA 1006-A97, Tooth Proportions for Plastic Gears and taking into account the recommendations given in AGMA 6023-A88, Design Manual for Enclosed Epicyclic Gear Drives and ANSI/AGMA 2101-C95, Fundamental Rating Factors and CalculationMethods for Involute Spur and Helical Gears taking into account the effect of changing the number of planets, the bending fatigue and contact strength of the plastic materials, and the temperature effects on the size of the gears. The design procedure starts with a preliminary analysis of the performance of the gears in a proposed (not optimized) transmission, going step by step to an optimum design for the given load conditions and expected minimum life.