Shipbuilding parts,
from gear to housing.
A shipyard needs parts that fit the first time, because the dock schedule does not move. We machine propulsion gears, steering gear shafts, deck machinery parts and large weldments to drawing, with the inspection record agreed before the first cut.
Parts we machine for shipyards
- Propulsion gearsspur or helical, cut and checked as a pair
- Helical gear pairstooth form, helix angle and contact pattern
- Steering gear shaftsjournals, keyways and bearing fits
- Bearing housingssplit housings and seal seats
- Deck machinery partsto drawing or measured from a sample
- Castings and forgingsverified on receipt, then machined
Propulsion gears are cut and checked as a pair
A propulsion gear set is only as good as its contact pattern. Where the gear and pinion come to us together they are cut, checked and match-marked as a set. Tooth form, helix angle and the journal datums are referenced to one route, so the set goes into the housing without a second correction.
Steering gear and deck machinery
Steering gear shafts and deck machinery parts are judged by journals, keyways and bearing fits. We machine the fits from the datums the assembly uses, check keyways against the drawing, and protect the finished surfaces before packing.
Large weldments and distortion
A welded frame moves when it is welded. Critical bores and faces are machined after welding and stress relief, and checked from the machined datum rather than from the raw weldment. If the drawing allows, the part is roughed before welding and finished after.
Material and inspection
Blanks are checked against their mill certificate on receipt. Ultrasonic testing, hardness and dimensional records are added as the drawing requires. Reports travel with the part and can be issued in English for the yard and its customer.
What the shop can hold
Gears up to 8 m outside diameter, work up to 8 m in turning diameter, shafts up to 12 m between centres, and single castings or forgings up to 35 t. Hobbing, shaping, heat treatment and inspection are in the same workshop.
Reports for the yard and the class
Where a classification society or the yard requires a specific report, send the template with the enquiry. We confirm which tests and certificates we can issue before quoting; we do not claim a class approval we have not been given.
Replacement parts for older vessels
Older vessels often have no current drawing. Send the worn part or the mating part; we measure the unworn references and issue a drawing for approval before cutting. One piece is enough — there is no pattern charge and no minimum order.
Shipbuilding questions
- Do you cut the gear and pinion as a set?
- Where both parts come to us, yes. They are cut, checked and match-marked as a set so the contact pattern and helix angle agree when they are fitted.
- Can you machine a large welded fabrication?
- Yes. Critical bores and faces are machined after welding and stress relief, and checked from the machined datum rather than the raw weldment.
- Can you issue reports in English?
- Yes. Material certificates, dimensional records, hardness and ultrasonic results can be issued in English. Send any yard or class template with the enquiry so we can confirm it before quoting.
- How long does a replacement take?
- Usually four to eight weeks from the approved drawing, depending on size, module and heat treatment. The date is confirmed with the quotation.
Send the drawing, or the part that failed.
Tell us the vessel or the yard programme, the part and the report it needs. We reply with what we can measure, the material questions we still need answered, and a date.
Send a drawing or a photo