Machine Design

Food-Grade Helical Gear Drive

AGMA-sized helical gear reduction rated for 30 hp continuous duty, validated in ANSYS and specified to food-contact material standards.

University of Toronto Machine design coursework Design engineer
30 hp
rated continuous power
18:1
speed reduction ratio
100%
food-contact-rated materials
ANSYS finite element analysis of the pinion showing equivalent von Mises stress concentrated at the keyway
ANSYS static structural results — equivalent stress under peak mesh load, pinion.

Overview

Equipment on a food production line operates under frequent wash-down and sanitation cycles, which places tight constraints on materials, sealing, and surface finish. This project developed a helical gear reduction unit for that environment.

The gear set was sized using the AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association) method, the industry-standard procedure for gear rating, then independently verified with finite element stress analysis in ANSYS to confirm the sizing held under peak torque.

The final design is a 30 hp-rated, food-safe gear drive with a complete manufacturing drawing package — sized, verified, and documented to the point a machine shop could quote and build it directly.

ANSYS finite element analysis of the pinion showing equivalent elastic strain at the keyway
Equivalent elastic strain — same load case, pinion.
ANSYS finite element analysis of the large gear showing equivalent von Mises stress at the keyway
Equivalent stress on the mating gear.

Scope of work

  • Sized the gear set to AGMA 2001 methodology
  • Verified critical components with ANSYS stress simulation
  • Specified food-contact-rated materials and sealing
  • Produced a full manufacturing drawing package

Methods & tools

SolidWorksANSYSAGMA gear design standardsGD&T drawings

Questions about this project?

I’m happy to walk through the drawings, data, or decisions behind any case study in an interview.

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