Keywords：gear hobbing machine
Introduction
Gear Hobbing Machine is a type of cutting machine that is used to create gear components. It utilizes a hobbing tool to cut teeth (hobs) into the gear blank. The process of gear hobbing is a delicate, tedious and accurate application that requires the use of specialized machines. There are various types of gear hobbing machines which have been designed for specific gear profiles or generate gear teeth of different widths, profiles and numbers per inch.
Working Principle
Gear hobbing machines work by rotating the gear blank along its axis, while the cutting tool (hob) is also rotated at a preset speed. This cutting process involves the gear blank being machined by the hob to create gear teeth on the gear blank. The gear blank is machined in a position that supports the hob against the blank and allows the cutting tool to cut down the gear teeth in the blank.
Material Considerations
The materials used to make gears typically include brass, steel, alloy steel, wrought iron and stainless steel. The gear components typically consist of two gear faces and two gear rims. The process of gear hobbing allows for the production of components with accurately machined gear teeth. It ensures that the gear teeth have a smooth surface finish and have uniform tooth contact pattern.
Types of Gear Hobbing Machines
The different types of gear hobbing machines are designed for specific gear profiles. They come in different types including; single-spindle hobbing machines, multi-spindle hobbing machines, worm and gear hobbing machines, and screw hobbing machines.
Single-Spindle Hobbing Machines
A single-spindle hobbing machine utilizes a single spindle to cut the gear teeth. This type of gear hobbing machine is well-suited for making small gear components. The hob is used to cut the gear teeth in one setting. The advantage of this type of gear hobbing machine is that it is effective and cost-efficient because of the accuracy with which it cuts the gear teeth.
Multi-Spindle Hobbing Machines
A multi-spindle gear hobbing machine uses multiple spindles to cut the gear teeth into the gear blank. This type of machine is used for larger and more complex gear components. The process involves the simultaneous cutting of multiple teeth with each spindle. The advantage of this type of machine is that it increases the efficiency of the gear-cutting operation.
Worm and Gear Hobbing Machines
This type of gear hobbing machine is used to cut worm and gear components. The process involves cutting both the worm and the gear teeth in one setting. This process ensures that the teeth are accurately and uniformly cut. This type of machine is extremely accurate and is well-suited for making components with very precise shapes and dimensions.
Screw Hobbing Machines
This type of gear hobbing machine is well-suited for producing internal and external helical gears. It utilizes a screw-like cutting tool to cut the gear teeth. This type of machine is normally used for components that require maximum accuracy and repeatability.
Conclusion
Gear Hobbing machines are essential in the manufacturing process of gearing components. They have a variety of applications in the production of components with accurate gear teeth. The different types of gear hobbing machines are designed for specific gear profiles and come in different sizes and configurations depending on the application. With the right type of gear hobbing machine, manufacturers can ensure that their products have consistent quality, accuracy and repeatability.
