<div class="htmlview paragraph">Over the past twenty years a number of companies have developed proprietary processes for forging net shape straight bevel gears. The inherent complexity of bevel gear geometry requires tight process control to forge gears which require no further machining on the teeth. Electrode design, die manufacture, scale control and finish machining are critical areas which require special attention to obtain functional gears with integrally forged teeth.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Gears with integrally forged teeth have inherent advantages over conventionally manufactured gears. These advantages include improved strength, less raw material, design flexibility and cost savings. Examples of these benefits are discussed.</div>