---
title: How To Design and Engineer Plastic Components| Intech Power-Core
description: The how to basics for plastic motion transmission component design.
---

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# HOW-TO BASICS

 There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself when designing a plastic gear. We can help you with these questions....

Examples:

- How much backlash does a plastic gear require?
- How much allowance in backlash is to be allocated to moisture absorption?
- What is the impact of a cast-in metal core on the gear backlash?
- Is zero-backlash an objective?
- Am I taking a risk by just replacing a metal with a plastic gear?
- Is a bigger or smaller tooth better for my application?
- How fast can the gears turn without lubrication?
- Can the class of the gear change in different environments?
- Can I reduce inertia and maintain adequate gear strength?
- How do you increase tooth rooth strength up to 18% when face width is limited?
- How do you determine flank pressure safety?
- How many hours will a gear run in a given application?
- What is the most suitable material for my application?
- How do I attach the gear to the shaft?
- What are the alternatives for large and small gears?
- Can a plastic gear be used in sub-zero, such as -50 degree F, temperatures?
- What is the difference in gear life between pressing an all-plastic gear onto a shaft vs. pressing on a gear with a metal core?
- What is the largest OD I can design with plastic?
- Can a bearing be safely installed in small plastic idler gears?
- Why are some plastic gears noisier than others?
- Should the pinion or the driven gear be designed from plastic?
- Which plastic material has the highest impact strength for my shock load application?

 To learn more about Power-Core gears with zero-backlash please call Tody Mihov at 201-767-8066, or e-mail him at [todymihov@intechpower.com](mailto:todymihov@intechpower.com).

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