Academia
Diploma thesis 2025improvement · precision · optimisation

Design Concept with Calculations and Optimisation of CNC Machining of Gearbox Housing in Shipbuilding

Gearboxes are key elements in power transmission between main engines and propulsion systems of ships.

Mirhad PedljićStrojništvo · supervisor mag. Dragan Gogić · defence julij 2025
In brief

The project in five facts.

AuthorMirhad Pedljić
Supervisormag. Dragan Gogić
Module—Mechanical Engineering
Employer / clientAcademia
Year2025julij 2025
About the project

Challenge, approach and results.

The diploma thesis addresses the design concept, calculation and optimisation of CNC machining of the gearbox housing and its components. The results demonstrate how an optimised approach to design and machining can achieve a technically refined, cost-effective and durable gearbox solution tailored to the specific requirements of shipbuilding. The conclusions are useful as guidelines for further product development and improvement of production processes.

Solution and Method

The diploma thesis addresses the design concept, calculation and optimisation of CNC machining of the gearbox housing and its components. Gearboxes are key elements in power transmission between main engines and propulsion systems of ships. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of the housing and internal components, which must ensure high strength, reliability and corrosion resistance.

At the same time, they must maintain minimum mass and enable economical production and easier product exploitation. Within the diploma thesis, key design calculations are carried out, including determination of mechanical properties of the material, load analysis and determination of required gearbox dimensions. Modern software packages for modelling are used (Solidworks and AutoCad).

In addition to design, great emphasis is placed on optimisation of the CNC machining process. Machining strategies, selection of appropriate tools and machine settings are studied, enabling shorter machining time, cost reduction and improved surface quality. The optimisation takes into account the specific properties of the housing material, such as hardness, wear resistance and weldability.

Results

The results demonstrate how an optimised approach to design and machining can achieve a technically refined, cost-effective and durable gearbox solution tailored to the specific requirements of shipbuilding. The conclusions are useful as guidelines for further product development and improvement of production processes. Various materials used in the manufacture of gearbox housings in shipbuilding are analysed, taking into account factors such as strength, corrosion resistance and machinability.

A comparison of materials is presented in terms of their economic efficiency and usability in industrial applications. Machining of the gearbox housing requires the use of specific tools for precise cutting and forming. This work examines different types of cutting tools and their optimisation according to specific machining requirements, such as material type, housing shape and size.

Various machining processes are investigated, including cutting, drilling, grinding and surface treatment, as well as how to optimise these processes using modern CNC technologies. The use of different machining strategies is presented, such as progressive cutting, tool path optimisation and reduction of machining time through greater automation and computer planning.

Study of the Mechanical Engineering programme at Academia
Diploma thesis

Full text

PDF of the diploma thesis (public).

Diploma thesis (PDF) ↓
Related

Module, programme and stories.

Apply

Your diploma project for a real company.

A diploma thesis at Academia solves a challenge from a company. Book a consultation.

800 hoursof placement in a company
97 %of graduates employed
Apply 2027/28All diploma projects
Before you go

We will send you the curriculum, the study path and your funding and scholarship options.

No calls, no spam. One e-mail with everything you need to decide, and an invitation to a lecture.

By sending the form you agree that Academia may contact you by e-mail or phone. Privacy · unsubscribe at any time.