News
February 01, 2012: Campbell Diagram in KISSsoft 
For the calculation of shaft eigenfrequencies, the Campbell diagram is a very helpful tool for better understanding the critical speed of a shaft (module WA4).
In KISSsoft, the Campbell diagram can be calculated for a desired speed range. It presents the eigenfrequencies and critical speeds. The calculations are possible for coaxial shafts as well. The results obtained provide a very reliable accordance with the relevant literature on machine dynamics or the 'Jeffcott rotor'.
The actual eigenfrequency calculation in KISSsoft allows the consideration of either non-linear or anisotropic bearing stiffness and spinning effect.
January 09, 2012: Optimization of Profile Corrections in KISSsoft 
An important step in terms of noise and strength optimization of a gear pair is the optimal design of the micro-geometry.
Thereby a combination of various profile modifications is usually used. Since these profile corrections, however, can be in negative interaction with each other, their combination had to be carefully and with great effort tested and verified by the designer.
In KISSsoft is now a fine sizing module available, which - similar to fine sizing of the macro-geometry - performs the optimization of the micro-geometry in a variant calculation (module ZA33). This process allows to simultaneously evaluate different combinations of profile corrections on several definable load stages.
The user decides afterwards, based on various criteria (e.g. face load factor KHβ, transmission error, etc.) and his experience which modification to apply.
December 13, 2011: GPK Models in KISSsoft 
GPK is a KISSsys based gearbox calculation package which provides the user with 17 basic models of gearboxes as templates.
For the current KISSsoft release, the GPK models were improved and the handling was refined. This includes functionalities as the enhanced shaft and bearing calculation, which iterates the shaft diameter based on the available bearing diameters - and the possibility to specify the strength method, individually for each stage. On the other hand, with the new 3D viewer, it is now possible to accomplish a simulation of the rotation or to visualize the shaft deflection.
Finally, with the export and import feature, it is possible to export table data and KISSsoft data from a GPK model and import it into another one. Consequently, the user can apply the new functionalities quickly and efficiently.
November 14, 2011: Animated Skin Models of Crossed Helical Gears and Worm Wheels 
Crossed helical gears are helical gears that are mounted on crossed axes. The shaft angle is usually Σ = 90°. In contrast to the line contact shown in cylinder worms, paired with globoid worms, crossed helical gears only contact at one point.
With increasing load, the point of contact between the worm and the helical gear is expanding to a contact ellipse. In the helical gearing, the meshing line runs tangentially to the base circle, angular in space. So, the contact situation has to be tested in 3D.
With the 3D variant "Skin model" (see picture), the contact pattern characteristics of the crossed helical gears and worms with enveloping worm wheels can be simulated in KISSsoft. Collisions or interference in the crossed helical gear are recognizable by the changed form course of the compression ellipse. Unlike the highly-limited elliptical contact pattern of crossed helical gears, an identical worm geometry paired with a globoid worm leads to a wider range over the entire tooth extending contact pattern (see video animation).
October 25, 2011: Interface from KISSsys to MSC.Software 
For users of KISSsys and MSC.Software there is now an interface available in order to import KISSsys models directly into MSC "Adams Gear AT" (→ link to the video animation). Herewith the strength of both software are linked with a comfortable handling.
KISSsys is a software add-on for KISSsoft in order to calculate very fast complete gear boxes, drive trains and numerous variants including gears, shafts and bearings and other machine elements. The strength can be verified according to ISO or other standards, and space requirements fulfilled. With the versatile programming language of KISSsys, the interface to MSC was written.
The "Adams Gear AT" Software is a Toolkit for MD Adams (MBS) which is specialised to calculate gearboxes. Intention is to get the real load paths and values within a fully transient dynamic system simulation. These more reliable loads then can be used in the KISSsoft component durability calculation.
The collaboration between KISSsoft and MSC.Software has lead to an interface that creates a set of files for Adams out of KISSsys. So far property files for teeth, structural geometries and system assemblies are transferred, which lead to a properly defined model in "Adams Gear AT". Extensions to bearing data export and more is planned.
The user benefits from a complete design process which allows him to create concepts in KISSsys along with established design-standards and immediately to verify the dynamic system behaviour and critical component influences.
September 16, 2011: 3D Models of Bevel Gears with Spiral Teeth 
Another highlight in the current KISSsoft Release is the extended 3D models. 3D models are now available for spur and helical bevel gears as well as bevel gears with spiral teeth.
Based on the bevel gear geometry calculation according to ISO 23509, 3D models after Gleason and Klingelnberg (module ZC10) can now be designed. There is a very good correspondence achieved with reference software.
The position of the contact pattern can be influenced through various flank modifications and tested by the designer by using the contact line in the load-free state.
Finally, the models can be exported in STEP or Parasolid format (module CB1) and used for further application on 5-axis milling machines.
Furthermore, models for worms with worm wheels (module ZD10) are now available.
August 30, 2011: Gearbox Design Using Automated Variant Calculations 
With KISSsys, gearbox variants can now be calculated very efficiently (module KS1). In contrast to the GPK-models, where within the fixed gear stage number, only one interpretation of the gears and shaft/bearing diameters is possible; this gearbox design tool manages an evaluation across stages, for several potential gearing stages, all variants based on previously established parameter ranges. This is all done in the same calculation.
The variant generator of KISSsys produces up to a hundred or more different gearboxes based on power data and required safeties. With the specification of the geometry parameters by the designer, the desired conditions of the gearbox are fulfilled. KISSsys also determines even weight, cost, housing dimensions and efficiency for each variant. Quite surprising solutions result from this analysis, at same effective safeties and service lifes.
The different solutions may be represented in a 3D-axis-graphic and compared with each other. The desired solution can be easily generated (with selecting the variant in KISSsys) and therefore examined visually.
The designer is now able to compare, within a few hours, a variety of gearboxes among themselves. The model allows the sizing of cylindrical, planetary, bevel gears and worm wheels.
In this article you will learn more about the variant generator of KISSsys.
August 03, 2011: New Module in the Bearing Calculation 
For the bearing calculation in KISSsoft, a new module is available (module WB4). This module permits the calculation of a single bearing directly according to the method of ISO 16281, taking into account the inner geometry, without the need to determine the forces in the shaft editor as previously required.
In addition, deformations of the internal and outer ring, as well as the profiling of the roller can be set (in axial-/ cylindrical - or tapered roller bearing). These data permit a very realistic consideration of the actual bearing loading.
This enhanced functionality provides great advantages for bearing manufacturers and designers who know applied loads from other sources (FEM), but want to learn more about load distribution and pressure ratio in a bearing.
July 11, 2011: New Features in the Contact Analysis 
In the contact analysis of KISSsoft, the effects of shaft deformations may now be precisely evaluated (module ZA30). The results of shaft calculations can also be directly imported to the contact analysis. Bending and torsion of shafts are furthermore calculated load-dependent and considered in the tooth contact. In the KISSsys calculation, the shaft classification is done automatically.
Additionally, the face load factor KHβ is calculated according to ISO 6336-1, Annex E. Another new feature is to combine the profile and lead correction factor within defined areas. Thus all variants are automatically analyzed in respect of the load distribution, transmission error, safety against micropitting, wear and flash temperature, and the stress curve (module ZA33). The pressure curve and root stresses are currently shown on the flank of the gears as well, allowing a direct comparison with the contact pattern on the gear during the assembly, operating process and test rig.
All these features constitute a huge improvement of the gear calculation under load for planetary gears and cylindrical gear pairs.
June 14, 2011: New Sintered Materials in KISSsoft 
The Swedish company Höganäs AB provided the KISSsoft calculation program with SN-curves for tooth bending of sintered material Distaloy AE. Two different conditions were measured: The case hardened (0.2%C and 0.8% C-potential) and the through hardened (0.6% C) ones. The fatigue data was extrapolated to 1% risk of damage as requested by ISO 6336 standard.
There is no information in ISO 6336 or DIN 3990 for the calculation of sintered materials. But as Höganäs provided complete Woehler-line data, which can be read and used by KISSsoft, the life factor YNT for bending is calculated based on the real SN-curve. Therefore bending strength calculation according ISO 6336 is possible.
The distaloy materials will be fully integrated in the gear material data base of the next release (2012). For the KISSsoft Release 03/2011, the data is now available on request at support@KISSsoft.AG.
May 19, 2011: KISSsoft Calculates Flank Breakage 
The flank breakage of gears is a failure mode that is separate from the damage forms such as root breaking or pitting. Consequently, it adds a further risk factor for gearbox failure. To be able to calculate this damage form in advance, extensive studies were performed on spiral bevel gears by Dr. Annast at the FZG Munich.
On the basis of this analysis, the flank breakage calculation for bevel gears, and additionally for cylindrical gears, was implemented in the current KISSsoft Release 03/2011 (module ZZ4). Thus, a reliable risk assessment of flank breakage and its calculation is now available for the user.
May 04, 2011: New Sabic Material Data in KISSsoft 
In the current KISSsoft Release 03/2011, two additional new data sets for plastic materials from SABIC are available:
- VERTON* RVL36 (PA66/LGF/PTFE) now with root strength data
- LUBRICOMP* ECL36 (PEI/CF/PTFE) with static and wear data
So far, in line with the cooperation between SABIC and KISSsoft, for the gear calculation, material properties of 17 SABIC plastics were determined.
The selection includes materials with and without carbon fibers, fiber glass, PTFE and varieties with embedded lubricant.
April 05, 2011: New KISSsoft Release 03/2011 
The current KISSsoft Release 03/2011 brings a lot of new features. These are the highlights:
- Accurate 3D models of spiral bevel gears and worm gears
- Calculation of safety against risk of micropitting according to Method B of ISO TR 15144
- Optimized bearing calculation taking into account the inner geometry
- Enhanced contact analysis with integrated KHß calculation
- Implementation of the Campbell diagram for shaft eigenfrequencies
- Numerous other detail improvements
Have we caught your attention? Contact us at info@KISSsoft.AG!
March 09, 2011: Relaxation of Spring Calculation according to EN 13906-1 
The phenomenon of relaxation occurs in constant static loads of springs, which finally lead to time-dependent changes of the springing values. The calculation of compression spring relaxation is available in KISSsoft (module FPK).
The solutions are shown in relaxation diagrams. These provide the relaxation of shear stress, the time curve of relaxation and the time curve of spring force.
The spring calculation values from the relaxation diagrams are determined according to EN 13906-1.
February 10, 2011: Calculation of Shearing Strength for Worm Wheels Made of Plastic 
For crossed axis helical gear designs where a worm meshes with a cylindrical worm wheel made of plastic, the static analysis considering fracture or yield point of tooth tensile/bending strength often results in unrealistically low safeties.
In practical experience, the proof of tooth shearing is a more important design criterion. This calculation is now available in KISSsoft (module ZE4), carried out according literature references.
January 18, 2011: KISSsoft iPhone App for Hardness Conversion 
Hardness conversion, KISSsoft's first free iPhone app is now available!
This iPhone application easily allows the conversion of hardness values among the hardness test methods according to Vickers, Brinell and Rockwell while on the go. To get the conversion, only one value has to be entered - instantly, the remaining hardness values will be calculated. Additionally, the user can compare different hardness scales.
Information about each hardness test method completes this practical and effective iPhone app.
November 10, 2010: ISO TR 15144: Method A and B of the Micropitting Calculation 
A recent meeting of the workgroup TC60/WG15 took place considering the ISO Technical Report ISO TR 15144 - the calculation of risk regarding micropitting, method A and B. The main topic was the application of calculation examples.
The meeting revealed that KISSsoft is the first commercially available software, which includes the risk calculation for micropitting according to the more precise method A (module ZA32). The simplified calculation according to method B will be available in the next KISSsoft release (module ZPK).
The meeting also provided the occasion for a good test of the software: The calculation, presented by the Technical University of Munich, was recalculated with KISSsoft according to method A. The calculation resulted in an exact match.
Although the Technical Report 15144 is not published yet, this risk analysis of micropitting is already required of first certification bodies – especially in the wind gear manufacturing sector.
September 27, 2010: Spline Connections According to DIN 5481 and DIN 5482 
Due to numerous requests from the industry, the spline connections according to DIN 5481 and DIN 5482 were implemented in KISSsoft. The old standard DIN 5482 became invalid a long time ago, however, is still in use. DIN 5481 has been recently republished (2005). The splines according to DIN 5482 are involute designs, DIN 5481 has straight line profiles (module MPK).
The user can now enter the effective and actual tolerances by himself. This makes it possible to match the tolerances precisely with the required mounting clearence for today's manufacturing process. This serves to avoid excessive tolerances as they were necessary in the past due to relatively large profile form deviations.
Furthermore, via the newly available function "tooth shape with straight flanks", the spline profile according to DIN 5481 is graphically presented and can be exported, e.g. as DXF file.
August 25, 2010: Face Gear with Arbitrary Shaft Angle and Offset 
A new functionality to generate a solid model of a face gear with arbitrary shaft angle and offset is implemented in the development version of KISSsoft. The models are provided through engineering services. From 2011 on the extended modules ZF1, ZF10 and CB1 are available in the official KISSsoft release.
The model is generated by simulating the actual cutting process, and has no limitation on the shaft angle or offset. After completing the cutting simulation, the tooth flank is approximated with a spline surface for further uses such as machining and FEA.
The model can be exported in neutral file format (STEP) and Parasolid (binary or text).
July 20, 2010: New Features of GPK 
In the KISSsoft Release 04-2010, new functionalities are added to the GPK gearbox calculation files (module GPK).
The shaft deflection values are now transferred automatically to the improved tooth contact analysis in KISSsoft.
The shaft and gear sizing is also significantly improved for small gear applications as for precision steel and plastic gearbox designs.
Finally, the import of a housing file now allows a check for possible collisions and provides the ability to modify the size or arrangement of the gearbox elements in correlation with the housing.
July 14, 2010: Improved Path of Contact Calculation 04-2010 
With the KISSsoft Release 04-2010, the tooth contact analysis for cylindrical gears has improved significantly (module ZA30).
In order to consider the meshing conditions of helical gears, the gear is divided in slices in lengthwise direction. The single slices are connected with the coupling stiffness cc so that a supporting effect between the slices is considered.
The graphical evaluation of the tooth contact analysis is enhanced with 3D graphics which provide a quick overview of local meshing situations and stress distributions.
A document describes in detail the difference to the previous release.
June 02, 2010: Latest Calculation Method for Safety against Scuffing 
In the release 04/2010, the calculation of flash and integral temperature according to ISO/TR 13989-1 and 13989-2 is available.
With the ISO/TR 13989, the newest calculation method of safety against scuffing was implemented in KISSsoft (base package ZPK). This calculation is carried out for cylindrical and bevel gears. It is, like the older DIN calculation method, split into integral and flash temperature.
This gives the user the option to run the calculation of safety against scuffing as hitherto according to DIN or now according to ISO.
May 05, 2010: Calculation of the Safety against Micropitting 
In the hitherto existing Draft ISO/CD TR 6336-7, the information for the definition of the permissible specific lubricant film thickness λGFP was missing. Therefore, reference values considering λGFP had to be derived from literature. But the information in this context was often contradictory.
The newest draft of the ISO/CD TR 15144, replacing the planned part of the ISO 6336, allows now the determination of the permissible specific lubricant film thickness λGFP, if the load level for micropitting of the oil is known.
With the implementation of this standard addition in KISSsoft (module ZA32), the safety against micropitting is calculated reliably !
April 19, 2010: KISSsoft Release 04/2010 Is Available Now! 
Just in time for the Hanover Fair in April 2010, the current KISSsoft-Release 04/2010 is available, which includes several significant new highlights - among others:
1. The newly implemented Parasolid CAD core generates of 3D-models directly in KISSsoft - in addition to a meshing simulation.
2. The ISO/TR 13989 now allows determining the risk of scuffing, and the ISO/CD TR 15144-1:2009 calculates the safety against micropitting.
3. The calculation of path of contact under load has been expanded to a full tooth contact analysis with three-dimensional representation of the results.
4. The AGMA 6014-A06 for open gears and the AGMA 6011-I03 for high speed helical gear units were also implemented in KISSsoft.
If you want to discuss these or other highlights of the new release 04/2010 with us, please contact us.
March 21, 2010: Safety against fissure on high-strength steels 
In the shaft module of KISSsoft the strength calculation according to the new draft of DIN 743 is now also available. The main differences from the previous standard: the additional proof of avoiding fissures on hard surface layers and the time and fatigue strength calculation according to "Miner extended".
The safety against fissure or forced rupture for a composite stress (tension/compression, bending and torsion) is calculated according to the Maximum Stress Theory, for which the local stresses are decisive. The crack boundaries are determined based on the tensile strength of the hard surface layer (surface hardness on the component).
January 12, 2010: Calculations for Gear Shift 
Conventional vehicle gearboxes include a gear shifting mechanism which can be constructed with several different methods (sliding gears, constant mesh, synchromesh, multi-disc clutching etc.).
The synchronization procedure can be analyzed using the internal script language of KISSsys and standard calculations. For this purpose, the procedure of a Borg-Warner-type synchronizer - with its partial sequences - was implemented.
The KISSsys model “Synchronizer” contains the entire process with de-clutching, speed synchronization and coupling. Calculations can be performed for either the operating forces (at given synchronization time) or the required synchronization time (at given operating force). Further development will include the sizing of the synchronizer based on given forces and synchronization time.
January 06, 2010: Measurement over pins and balls - adapted to the effective tooth form 
When using profile modifications (e.g. profile crowning/barreling), the tooth thickness cannot be determined exactly by measurements over pins and balls when these dimensions have been calculated utilizing classical methods or the conventional formulas according to ISO 21771 or DIN 3960. This is due to the fact that the formulas assume a pure involute tooth form.
The measurement over pins and balls, applied on non-involute gear teeth, can differ significantly from the values of the standard calculation. In the past, when these measurements had to be defined for such cases, tedious manual fitting of the pin in CAD has been required.
KISSsoft now determines the pin/ball position for the calculation of measurement over pins and balls by adapting them to the effective tooth form. This method has the big advantage of being generally applicable to any tooth form - and thus to different profile modifications, if they were developed in KISSsoft. (ZY1)
December 17, 2009: KISSsys: Relative Position of Bevel Gears 
For a tooth contact analysis on bevel gears, deviations of pinion and gear resulting from meshing forces and manufacturing allowances are taken into account.
KISSsys now allows the calculation of the relative position considering shaft deflection, bearing stiffness with inner geometry and housing stiffness. The calculation is possible for single-stage bevel gears as well as for multi-stage gearboxes. Hence meshing forces of adjacent spur, helical or worm gears are also included in the calculation.
In addition, an interface to reference software is implemented, which creates the required input file for the tooth contact analysis or field calculation. This KISSsys functionality is available as a plug and play module for existing models.
November 30, 2009: K-Charts in KISSsoft 
With the current KISSsoft Release 08/2009, tooth flank and tooth profile diagrams (also known as K-charts) for spur and helical gears are available (ZA5). The charts are generated in accordance to ANSI/AGMA 2000-A88 and do include the modifications as defined in KISSsoft.
The K-charts are measurement diagrams, which constitute the basis of quality assurance in gear manufacturing. In the diagram, there are modification curves, reference profiles and tolerance curves. The user can show/hide single curves and determine their color as well as type of line. The measured profile must be located between the tolerance curve and the reference profile.
November 03, 2009: Release 08/2009 Contains Sabic Innovative Plastics 
The KISSsoft material database now incorporates material properties of 17 LNP* Specialty compounds from the SABIC Innovative Plastics portfolio for gear design. These data, provided by SABIC, are thus available for KISSsoft and include temperature-dependent values for Young's modulus, static bending strength as well as characteristic wear values at dry-run.
Especially in the medical and food industry, plastic gears often must not run with lubricant – and dry-running gears need a higher strength on the tooth flank. In these conditions wear of tooth flank constitutes the most common failure criterion.
Also, with the KISSsoft Release 08/2009, for the first time there is a calculation method available in a software package that determines the local wear on the tooth flank (see news "Calculation of Flank Wear with KISSsoft").
October 21, 2009: What Is Micropitting? 
If the lubricating film gets so thin that the flanks come in contact, it leads to damage on the surface – called micropitting. This happens, if the surface roughness is larger than the lubricating film, leading to friction between the tooth flanks.
In the new KISSsoft-Release 08/2009 the planned ISO/CD TR 6336-7 is implemented (see also the news on flash temperature). This draft defines the calculation of the lubrication film thickness h, and the effective specific lubrication film thickness λGF during meshing.
This calculation represents an important element for the prevention of micropitting, if it is used as part of an adequate procedure based on practical experience.
September 29, 2009: Calculation of Flash Temperature 
In the KISSsoft module "path of contact under load", i.e. the calculation of actual contact points for cylindrical gears, now the calculation of the flash temperature is integrated:
Its calculation is carried out at each contact point, taking into account the sliding velocity, the velocity in the tangential direction on pinion and wheel, the curvature radii of the tooth flanks and the Hertzian pressure. The methods implemented in the Release 08/2009 are based on AGMA 925 and on the draft ISO/TR 6336-7.
In addition the current KISSsoft version includes the calculation method of the effective oil film thickness h and the specific oil film thikness λGF over the meshing; this method is also derived from the ISO. Consequently, the possibility to evaluate the risk of micropitting occurrence is given.
September 23, 2009: Calculation of Flank Wear with KISSsoft 
Tooth flank wear, which can be calculated with the current KISSsoft-version 08/2009, is the dominant damage factor considering dry-running plastic gears.
In the new release, the local wear and the worn flank are graphically represented: the wear in relative scale with rays in normal direction on the tooth flank and the flank in real coordinates.
With the early integration of the flank wear calculation in the gear design the number of expensive prototype tests can be reduced successfully.
August 17, 2009: The new KISSsoft Release is available 
With the new release 08/2009 several improvements in vital areas have been made - such as the gear contact analysis, roller bearing service life calculation considering inner geometry and the safety factor for micropitting. Additional plastic material data is available, as well as a new calculation method for wear of plastic gear flanks. And for hypoid gears the latest method according to FVA 411 (equivalent to the coming draft of ISO 10300) was implemented.
A list of changes and extensions is available in this document.
Convince yourself of our high quality software package for design, optimization and analysis of machine elements! As from now on, you can download the new version of the KISSsoft calculation program.
July 28, 2009: KISSsoft Is Sharing Knowledge 
For months, the industry is overwhelmed with negative headlines. Specialized know-how and skills with calculation tools are the crucial medium for working out the best solutions, especially in these times.
Do not wait until the economic revival starts, but act on time and strengthen yourself for the future: We want to call your atttention to this years training class series of KISSsys, which will take place in September 2009, at our head office in Hombrechtikon (Switzerland). On our seminar page you can find furher informations and prices.
Let us share knowledge and visit one of our training. We look forward to your visit.
July 21, 2009: Reinforcement of our Engineering Department
Mr. James Marsch has been appointed as Engineering Manager, North America for KISSsoft, U.S.A., LLC. Jim brings over 40 years of practical engineering design and manufacturing experience including 8 years of specific application support and consulting projects involving metal and plastic gearing for a wide range of customers. Jim has held positions with Allis-Chalmers, Harnischfeger Corporation, Morris Material Handling and most recently Universal Technical Systems.
Jim will be responsible for engineering consulting, customer support and training in North America for KISSsoft, U.S.A., LLC. “We are fortunate to have Jim join our team here and look forward to offering our customers more services” said Dan Kondritz, National Sales Manager of KISSsoft, U.S.A., LLC.
Feel free to contact Jim Marsch at (815) 262-5934 or by email at: jim.marsch@kisssoft.com.
May 20, 2009: KISSsoft on the industrial fair in Hannover 2009 
This year it seemed - in comparison to previous years - calmly in Hannover on the most important industrial fair in Europe.
Our visitors came with specific requests to us – people did not really stroll and browse and talks with random passersby belonged rather to the rarity. Nevertheless, KISSsoft and the innovations of our software aroused a great interest. Our study on thermal analysis, the new roller bearing calculation according to ISO/TS16281 and the traditional method Palloid according to KN3025 belonged to the highlights among the queries.
We appreciate this feedback and will proceed to implement suggestions and requests of our customers in the KISSsoft calculation programs: Your opinion is important to us.
April 14, 2009: KISSsoft certified for Inventor 2010 
It is official now: KISSsoft was certified for Inventor 2010 by Autodesk. Due to the interface to Inventor it takes only a few mouse clicks to generate a 3D model of a gear designed in KISSsoft. In addition the complete calculation details are embedded in the model, so that they are available for modifications. Furthermore the transfer of the gear manufacturing data to a 2D sketch is done automatically.
Besides Inventor KISSsoft supports all the other CAD packages common in machine design. If you are looking for further information about this topic, please have a look into our product area.
February 24, 2009: Wind energy 
The overall trends in wind turbines and their drive trains are opposing: While the need for smaller gearboxes leads to the requirement for low cost yet noise optimized gears, the demand for large gearboxes causes technological challenges in gearing, large bearings and highly stressed structural members like planetary carriers.
The KISSsoft-software is due to its modular constitution flexibly adaptive and conforms itself to the requirements of the different fields of application. In the current KISSsoft-release 10/2008 the calculation of bearing service life according to ISO/TS16281 is implemented; this standard is officially demanded for wind turbines. Deviation and inclination error of axis, crowning and profile corrections are also taken into account considering the evaluation of transmission error and load distribution.
January 05, 2009: The new KISSsoft training approach
For the upcoming year, the KISSsoft training concept is optimized by a clearer differentiation, which will lead to an increase of efficiency.
The training courses will be structured as follows:
1. Introduction:
Software operation
2. Emphasis:
a) Design strategies
b) Theoretical background
The training material will also be adapted to these new guidelines. You may find all the training dates in 2009 under Seminars and Fairs.
December 08, 2008: Palloid method according to KN3025 
On request of the industry the palloid process according to KN3025 was implemented into the calculation of the KISSsoft-software. This proven Klingelnberg-method works with a bevel hob and is characterized by high root strength. Because of its constant normal module over facewidth, the palloid toothing enjoys the reputation to be the strongest one.
The original calculation of geometry and root strength is now available in KISSsoft, as well. Furthermore it is extended with load collectives and the KISSsoft-typical functionality of rough sizing on the basis of required safeties. In addition to the standard cutter series for special cutters, the user may enter his own cutter data.
November 17, 2008: New Release 10/2008 
The new release of the KISSsoft calculation program is available for download. The user manual has been rewritten along with the context sensitive help file. A comprehensive search engine has been incorporated along with individual print page options. This new manual enhances the new user interface introduced with release 03/2008.
The graphics capabilities have been dramatically enhanced and offer the user the ability to define colors and line styles of curves. Exporting single curves into a text file or the ability to freeze in the background for comparison purposes are also included.
The sizing and selection of roller bearings has been tightly integrated into the shaft editor. This enables the gear selection to utilize the bearing service life in the design process.
Additional capabilities in the calculation of the path of contact for cylindrical gears include: deviation and inclination error of axis, crowning, end relief and helix angel correction. The load distribution is calculated over the facewidth localizing stress and pressure peaks.
The geometrical evaluation of bevel and hypoid gears was extended to include ISO23509 which combines the calculation for straight bevel gears and the three major design generation methods for spiral bevel gears into one complete set of formulas. The formulas apply to bevel gears with center distance (hypoid gears) and to the ones without – as well as for the manufacturing regarding generated and non-generated gears.
October 21, 2008: Calculation of roller bearings according to ISO16281 
In addition to the classic method L10 the roller bearing-calculation of KISSsoft evaluates the modified reference service life Lr (according to ISO16281). This standard, which was released 2008, defines the calculation of service life considering the inner geometry of roller bearings. By the integration of the roller bearing module into the shaft calculation the bearing loads are automatically evaluated. Thus with a few mouse clicks you may achieve the service life – of simple and complex bearing configurations. Furthermore influencing variables are taken into account as inclination, operating clearance and inner load distribution as well as lubricant temperature and purity. KISSsoft provides therewith a user friendly tool which optimizes the process of shaft and bearing calculation.
September 12, 2008: Extension of gear tool definition
With the new KISSsoft Release 09/2007, the definition of the gear reference profile as well as the gear tool was clearly summarized on a dialogue page. It is now possible to input, from the simple DIN 867 Standard Reference Profile, through protuberance tools, down to pinion type cutter, all in the same window. For milling and pinion type cutters, standard series are provided (e. g. DIN 3967); however, own company series may also be defined.
Additionally, there is the possibility of integrating a pre-machining step. Or also, to define a reference profile freely, independently from the data base. In this last case, meaningful sizing functions are available for most input parameters, for example the tip height hap may be laid out from the tip circle. Or to automatically determine the whole reference profile in order to obtain a pre-determined profile overlapping, for example, 2.0 to get an as quiet as possible running of the gears.
September 12, 2008: KISSsys support for coaxial shafts
KISSsys supports now the direct definition of several coaxial shafts in a shaft model. This considerably simplifies gearshift definition. Through it, models will be clearer and faster to realize. Overlaid shafts, such as for example for loose gears in gearboxes and pilot bearings; for instance, a spindle, which is to be installed in a hollow shaft had to be interactively calculated; the entire configuration may now be directly input into KISSsoft. Consequently, the idle gears directly supported by needle bearings in automobile gearbox modeling and the load distribution, may be calculated taking into consideration the internal bearing geometry.
May 31, 2008: Pitting load capacity according to ISO6336
The calculation of helical gears according to ISO6336 or DIN3990 shows a higher load capacity for pitting in helical gears compared to spur gears which is in contrast to experiments.
Recent research done by a FVA project proposed a change for the helix angle Zβ to be calculated to Zβ = 1/sqrt(cos(β)) instead of Zβ=sqrt(cos(β)) as stated in ISO6336 or DIN3990 part 2. This proposal compares better to experimental results as shown in http://www.geartechnology.com/issues/0508/hohn.htm
This change in helix angle factor for ISO 6336 can be selected in calculation settings for KISSsoft 03/2008. This setting is recommended for comparisons of different solutions.
The ISO6336 Corrigendum 2008 was finally published beginning of June. You can download it for free under www.iso.org.
April 27, 2008: Release 03/2008
At the Hanover Fair, KISSsoft presented the new Release, 03/2008, of its Software Package. With this version of the calculation program, the completely revised program surface was introduced, considerably contributing to the easier application of the software sizing and analysis modules through their dynamic concept. Particular highlight is the new shaft calculation. It is not only new for the input methodology, by reorganization of the built-in graphical shaft editor, but especially because the calculation kernel was replaced by a Finite Element Kernel. With it, additional calculation possibilities are opened, for example coaxial shafts systems with connective constraints. This frequently appears with gearboxes (overlaid shafts) but also with gear body modeling for finer load analyses, especially with planet gears mounted on bolts. The rolling contact bearing module was considerably extended, offering not only the basic calculation according to ISO 281, but also the implementation of additional methods. Above all, the calculation according to Supplement 4, which takes into account the inner geometry with respect to the load distribution on the individual contact bearing that, recently, became ever more important through the wind energy sector requirements.
January 01, 2008: 10 years of KISSsoft AG - 25 years of KISSsoft
Tradition,
this is not the worship of the ashes,
but maintaining the fire.
Gustav Mahler
On the 1st of January 2008, KISSsoft AG celebrated its 10th anniversary. Established on the 1st of January 1998 with the purpose of promoting software development more consistently, the company looks back on ten successful years.
The KISSsoft Software is even a bit older: 25 years ago began the commercialization of the Programs originally written by Dr. Kissling for internal purposes. New functions have been added every year often motivated by customer suggestions. We want to use this opportunity to thank our users for their trust.