The formulae specified in this International Standard are intended to establish a uniformly acceptable method for calculating the pitting resistance and bending strength capacity of industrial gears with spur or helical teeth.

The rating formulae in this International Standard are not applicable to other types of gear tooth deterioration such as plastic yielding, micropitting, scuffing, case crushing, welding and wear, and are not applicable under vibratory conditions where there may be an unpredictable profile breakdown. The bending strength formulae are applicable to fractures at the tooth fillet, but are not applicable to fractures on the tooth working profile surfaces, failure of the gear rim, or failures of the gear blank through web and hub. This International Standard does not apply to teeth finished by forging or sintering. It is not applicable to gears which have a poor contact pattern.

This International Standard provides a method by which different gear designs can be compared. It is not intended to assure the performance of assembled drive gear systems. Neither is it intended for use by the general engineering public. Instead, it is intended for use by the experienced gear designer who is capable of selecting reasonable values for the factors in these formulae based on knowledge of similar designs and awareness of the effects of the items discussed.