Advances in surface finishing technology for wind turbine gears: A comprehensive review

• Published in: Precision engineering Vol. 96; pp. 277 - 303
• Main Authors: Cheng, Lijun, Li, Wenhui, Li, Xiuhong, Zhang, Min, Wen, Xuejie, wang, Liangchen, Xie, Hao, Liu, Jingyi, Wu, Rongxue, Yang, Shengqiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2025
• Subjects: Finishing; Gears; Manufacturing; Surface integrity; Wind; Surface integrity; Wind; Gears; Manufacturing; Finishing
• ISSN: 0141-6359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.precisioneng.2025.06.015

The increasing energy scarcity and the threat of environmental pollution are significant obstacles to enhancing global economic growth. In this context, wind energy is a crucial focus due to its clean and sustainable nature. The demands for large-scale wind turbines, lightweight core components, independent key technologies, intelligent industrial development, and flexible production processes have heightened the requirements for the surface integrity of wind turbine gears. The surface integrity of wind turbine gears, which feature numerous teeth, deep grooves, and large modulus, is directly related to wind turbines' operational efficiency and service life. This paper thoroughly overviews the current technical challenges associated with finishing wind turbine gears. It systematically reviews domestic and international research findings and application statuses related to wind turbine gear surface finishing technologies. The paper summarizes and compares various surface finishing methods' technical characteristics and applications, emphasizing their effectiveness in improving gear surface integrity. Ultimately, it presents a concise discussion on adaptive strategies for implementing advanced gear finishing techniques in wind turbine gears and an outlook on future developments. It offers valuable insights and practical recommendations to address the challenges of wind turbine gear finishing. [Display omitted] •The wind turbine gear finishing points are summarized.•The statuses related to wind turbine gear surface finishing technologies are reviewed.•The surface finishing methods are summarized and compared regarding surface integrity.•Development trends in wind turbine gear surface finishing technology are discussed.