Gear hobbing machines for industrial production
How a gear hobbing machine works
Gear manufacturing with a gear hobbing machine is a common process for manufacturing gears. This gear cutting process is based on the principle of the hobbing motion, in which a special hobbing tool shapes the teeth of the gear. The gear hobbing machine ensures precise and efficient machining of gears of different sizes and profiles.
The machining process begins with the clamping of the workpiece, which is later processed into a gear wheel. The hobbing tool is shaped like a screw thread and is designed so that it continuously engages with the workpiece during the process. The workpiece and the tool are arranged in a synchronised movement in order to produce the tooth shape by hobbing.
During the hobbing process, the hobbing tool rotates at high speed and moves along the circumference of the workpiece. The gear hobbing machine precisely controls both the rotation of the workpiece and the movement of the milling tool to ensure that the teeth are cut in the correct position and with the desired shape. The desired tooth flanks are created by gradually removing the material.
Structure of a gear hobbing machine
At the centre is the worktable on which the workpiece is clamped. This table can often be moved and turned around several axes in order to precisely position the tooth spaces. The centrepiece of the gear hobbing machine is the milling head in which the hobbing tool is mounted. This rotating tool mills the teeth of the gear into the workpiece by guiding it in synchronisation with the rotary movement of the workpiece. The machine also has stepper motors and CNC controls that precisely control the movements of the milling head and the workpiece.
See below for information on accessories and equipment.
Strengths of the gear hobbing machine
One advantage of gear hobbing is that several teeth can be machined simultaneously, which significantly increases efficiency compared to other processes. It also enables high precision and repeatability, even with large production volumes.
The gear hobbing machines also offer flexibility in application as they can be used for straight, helical and other gear profiles. The use of modern CNC controls increases accuracy and makes it possible to produce complex gear geometries.
Gear hobbing machines and other machine tools for gear manufacturing
For an overview of the various machines and what they are used for, see the superordinate gear manufacturing category.
Applications in industrial production
A gear hobbing machine is used to machine various metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and bronze. These metals are suitable for the production of gears and other gear manufacturing due to their strength and machinability.
Gear hobbing machines are used in series production in numerous industries, including: Automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering, power generation, medical technology, shipbuilding and precision engineering - all industries with high demands on reliability and performance. The size of the gears produced can vary greatly, from small precision gears with a diameter of a few millimetres to large industrial gears with a diameter of over a metre.
Typical workpieces produced with a gear hobbing machine include gears for transmissions, pinions, bevel gears, worm gears, couplings, gear shafts, spur gears, drive shafts, sprockets and gear shafts. These components are essential for applications where precise mechanical movements are required, such as in engines, turbines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems.
Tools and accessories for a gear hobbing machine
First and foremost, high-quality hobbing tools are essential for producing precise gears. These tools are usually made of carbide or HSS (high-speed steel) and are specially designed for machining gears.
Clamping devices such as collets, chucks and workpiece holders are important for holding the workpiece securely in place during the milling process and enabling precise machining. Measuring equipment such as gear gauges and calipers are also necessary to check the dimensional accuracy and quality of the manufactured gears.
Lubricants and coolants are also required for the operation of a gear hobbing machine in order to minimise friction and heat generation during milling. These operating materials not only contribute to the longevity of the tools, but also improve the surface quality of the manufactured gears. In addition, automatic tool changers and CNC controls ensure greater efficiency and accuracy in the production process.
Leading manufacturers of gear hobbing machines
In our manufacturers directory, you will find companies that produce gear hobbing machines for metalworking.
The following terms are frequently searched for: DVS Technology Group gear hobbing machine, Emag gear hobbing machine, Gleason gear hobbing machine, Liebherr gear hobbinghobbing machine, Modul hobbing machine, Monnier + Zahner hobbing machine, Pfauter hobbing machine, Reishauer hobbing machine, Richardon hobbing machine.hobbing machine, Richardon gear hobbing machine, Klingelnberg gear hobbing machine, Höfler gear hobbing machine, Felsomat gear hobbing machine, Emaghobbing machine, Emag Koepfer hobbing machine, Horizontal hobbing machine, Vertical hobbing machine
Selecting the right gear hobbing machine
If you want to buy a gear hobbing machine, you need to consider the following features and specifications.
- Firstly, look at the maximum workpiece size, as this determines which gears or components can be produced or machined.
- The number of axes is important, as machines with multiple axes offer more flexible machining options and greater precision.
- Another important factor is the speed and torque of the machine. These parameters determine the efficiency and quality of machining.
- The accuracy of the machine, expressed in positioning accuracy and repeatability, is crucial for the production of high-precision gears.
- Pay attention to the CNC control and its software compatibility; these determine the user-friendliness and flexibility of the machine.
- A robust machine design, an automatic tool changer and cooling systems are further features for selection.
Search now on maschinenauswahl.de for the gear hobbing machine that suits your production requirements.