It's not easy being big. Maybe that's not exactly how the phrase goes, but it's applicable, particularly when discussing the quality requirements of large gears. The size alone promises unique engineering challenges. BONUS Online Exclusive: Big or Small - Inspection is Key to Success.

Video from C&B Machinery; Introducing the Gear Technology Blog, featuring technical editor Charles D. Schultz; plus an online-exclusive article on big gear inspection.

Methods of examining large ring gear teeth to detect surface breaking discontinuities have often been time-consuming and limited in terms of data collected. Methods such as visual and magnetic particle inspection can miss critical discontinuities. However, a new ASTM international standard provides a more effective method for gear examination using eddy current array, a technology that has been widely used but, until now, not standardized.

Readers respond to our "Job Shop Lean" column and the "My Gear is Bigger than Your Gear" article.

When a customer needed gears delivered in three weeks, here’s how Brevini Wind got it done.

Readers respond regarding the article from March/April 2013.

Industry battles it out for World's Largest Gear title.

This paper introduces mandatory improvements in design, manufacturing and inspection - from material elaboration to final machining - with special focus on today's large and powerful gearing.

A road map is presented listing critical considerations and optimal use of materials and methods in the construction of large gears.

An overview of nondestructive testing and its importance in the manufacture of big gears.