Gear skiving machine- Here you have success!
Below you will learn how the gear skiving process is used for the manufacturing of gear manufacturing, specifically gear skiving for internal gears and gear skiving for external gears. We briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages of gear skiving and the difference between gear skiving and gear hobbing.
How a gear skiving machine works
A gear skiving machine is a highly specialised machine tool for the production of internal gears and external gears on components that are difficult to access. Power skiving combines the principles of gear hobbing with an inclined tool axis, enabling particularly efficient and precise machining.
At the centre of the machining process is the gear skiving tool, which is positioned at a specific axis angle to the workpiece axis - typically between 15 and 30 degrees. Both the workpiece and the tool rotate synchronously, with the tool performing the cutting movement. This relative movement creates a skiving action that removes material by cutting.
Modern gear skiving machines are CNC-controlled and enable precise control of the tool movement, cutting speed and feed rate. Combined with automated loading systems and tool changers, these machines are ideal for high-volume production as well as for flexible single-part production in mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and aerospace technology. The gear skiving machine offers an economical solution for manufacturing high-precision gear manufacturing with high surface quality and low tolerances - even in materials that are difficult to machine.
Producing internal gears - advantages of the power skiving process:
A decisive advantage of the gear skiving machine lies in the machining of closed internal gears, for example in planetary gears or ring gears, where other processes often reach their geometric limits. Gear skiving is therefore particularly suitable for small diameters or deep tooth meshes. The resulting gear quality is high and the machining times are significantly shorter compared to other processes such as broaching or shaping. In addition, the gear skiving process allows flexible adaptation to different module sizes, tooth counts and profile shapes - for both straight and helical gears. The uniform cutting conditions reduce tool wear. As gear skiving machines are CNC-controlled and can be automated, they are used in modern production lines.
Disadvantages of the skiving process
The gear skiving process requires high machine and tool precision, incurs higher investment costs and is complex to programme. Gear skiving machines are less economically attractive, especially for small quantities.
Internal gear shaping
An alternative process is gear shaping. It is based on a linear, thrusting movement. The tool moves axially into the workpiece and is rotated slightly after each joint until the tooth profile is complete. For more information, see the gear shaping machine category linked below.
Gear skiving vs gear hobbing
As a third option, you can mill internal gears or use gear hobbing or gear shaping. For more on this, see the gear hobbing machine category linked below.
Types of gear cutting machines
Depending on the production technology used to manufacture gears, we differentiate between the following gear cutting machines:
- Gear hobbing machine
- Gear skiving machine
- Gear grinding machine
- Gear shaping machine
Applications in industrial production
Gear skiving machines are mainly used in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, aerospace, drive technology, medical technology, energy technology and robotics. The following typical workpieces are manufactured with a gear skiving machine:
- Planetary gears
- ring gears
- gear wheels
- Coupling part
- Synchroniser rings
- Gear rings
- Rotor shafts
- Drive bushes
- Flange gears
- Gear couplings
Even complex components such as gearbox housings with integrated internal gearing or rotating instruments for medical applications can be machined economically. The gear skiving process offers high precision with short cycle times, particularly for difficult-to-machine materials such as hardened steel or high-alloy materials. Due to the combined turning and cutting movement, complex geometries can be produced in a single step.
Structure of a gear skiving machine
A gear skiving machine consists of precisely coordinated components. The centrepiece is the main spindle, which picks up the workpiece and sets it in rotation. The tool spindle is aligned at a specific axis angle to the workpiece spindle and carries the skiving tool. Guideways and linear axes enable high-precision feed movements. A CNC control system ensures the exact synchronisation of workpiece and tool rotation. Other components include the coolant supply, a tool changer, a chip conveyor and an automated loading system. The stable machine bed design guarantees low-vibration machining and maximum dimensional accuracy in the manufacture of complex gear manufacturing.
Gear skiving tools
A gear skiving machine uses high-precision tools that have been specially developed for the dynamic machining of gear manufacturing. Frequently used tool types include
- Gear skiving wheels
- Carbide skiving tools
- HSS skiving tools
- Modular cutting heads
- Cutting wheels with internal cooling
- Skiving wheels with coating (e.g. TiAlN)
- Tools with interchangeable inserts
- Combination tools for rough and finish cutting
- Cutting tools with defined cutting edges
- Tools with spiral groove profiles
Depending on the application and workpiece material, different cutting edge geometries and coatings are selected in order to optimise tool life, surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
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Accessories and equipment for a gear skiving machine
Numerous accessories and equipment are required for efficient operation. These include clamping devices such as collets, chucks or workpiece carriers for secure positioning. An automated workpiece changer increases productivity in series production. A high-performance coolant system for lubrication and cooling during the skiving process is also essential - including a filter and recirculation system. Modular interfaces, tool holders and adjustment aids are required for the tool interface. Measuring systems or presetting devices are used for tool measurement. An integrated extraction system for chip removal and a chip conveyor ensure a clean working area. CNC programming software is also used for precise control of the machining process. Operating materials such as cutting oils, emulsions, cleaning agents as well as testing and measuring equipment for quality assurance are also indispensable.
Leading manufacturers of gear skiving machines
In our manufacturers directory you will find companies that manufacture gear skiving machines for metalworking.
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Choosing the right gear skiving machine
If you want to buy a gear skiving machine, there are several important features and specifications to consider.
- The axis angle between the tool spindle and the workpiece spindle is particularly important, as it determines the cutting conditions and accessibility.
- Pay attention to the maximum workpiece size, the machining module and the number of CNC-controlled axes to ensure flexibility for complex gear manufacturing.
- High spindle rigidity and thermal stability ensure dimensional accuracy during continuous operation.
- Engine power of the main spindle and tool spindle directly influences the cutting performance.
- Also check the tool interface, the degree of automation (e.g. workpiece changer, pallet handling) and the integration into digital manufacturing processes (Industry 4.0).
- A user-friendly control interface, integrated measurement technology and options for online condition monitoring increase process reliability.
- Finally, the manufacturer's service - such as maintenance, training and spare parts supply - is a key aspect for economical and trouble-free operation of the gear skiving machine.
Find the gear skiving machine that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.