This document describes a procedure for the calculation of the micropitting load capacity of cylindrical gears with external teeth. It has been developed on the basis of testing and observation of oil-lubricated gear transmissions with modules between 3 mm and 11 mm and pitch line velocities of 8 m/s to 60 m/s. However, the procedure is applicable to any gear pair where suitable reference data are available, providing the criteria specified below are satisfied.

The formulae specified are applicable for driving as well as for driven cylindrical gears with tooth profiles in line with the basic rack specified in ISO 53. They are also applicable for teeth conjugate to other basic racks where the virtual contact ratio (ε_αn) is less than 2,5. The results are in good agreement with other methods for normal working pressure angles up to 25°, reference helix angles up to 25° and in cases where pitch line velocity is higher than 2 m/s.

This document is not applicable for the assessment of types of gear tooth surface damage other than micropitting.