Current challenge for automotive engineers is to raise drive train loads without upsizing parts. The conventional approach first optimizes gear-tooth geometry, materials, and surface finishes of ground and honed parts. But after exhausting these "macro" techniques you may want to give surface engineering a look before initiating costly redesigns. Timken Engineered Surfaces, for instance, alter the physical or chemical properties of component surfaces at the micron scale. Doing so can improve wear, fatigue, and frictional performance of bearings, hydrostatics, engine components, and gear trains. For example, engineering the surfaces of transmission gear teeth can extend life about threefold. Engineered Surfaces include topographical modification and coatings.

Topographical modification brings surface roughness below levels possible by conventional grinding or honing. The proprietary process lowers asperity heights, producing a flatter, no directional surface that is less prone to micro welding and adhesive wear than ground surfaces. A typical ground surface has about a 12 to 20m in. finish. Topographical-modified surfaces, for comparison, have 2 to 3m in. surface finishes.