Helical Gear Hobbing Machines
Helical gear hobbing machines are a type of equipment designed to cut helical gears that feature a curved tooth pattern on a cylindrical surface. The method used to cut the gears involves a cutting tool that is conically shaped to the helical profile of the gear, usually referred to as a ‘hob’. The hob is horizontally mounted in the machine, inserted into and held in a spindle. The hob is then rotated at high speed, while the workpiece is either held stationary or moved axially against the cutting action.
The helical gear hobbing process is extremely precise, and the split hob system makes it highly efficient. The technique produces high-quality, accurate gears in a very short period of time.
The helical gear hobbing process has the fundamental advantage of being able to cut complex shapes with accuracy, as the hob will not chatter or slip when cutting helical surfaces.
The flexibility of the machine is also a key benefit; the cutting speed can be easily changed, allowing the operator to control the speed of the process to achieve high-quality results. This speeds up the process and also ensures that the hob is not worn down too quickly.
The machines used to carry out this process are sophisticated pieces of equipment, and they are usually quite expensive. Different types of machines are available depending on the application and size of the gear being cut.
The machines can range from those designed for large industrial-scale production to those more suitable for smaller-scale production jobs. They come in three general forms – vertical, horizontal, and universal – and each has its pros and cons.
The vertical helical gear hobbing machines provide excellent rigidity and accuracy, as the work piece is fixed and the toolhead is moved radially. The machine’s stability means that vibration is very low when cutting, which helps to ensure excellent surface finish.
The horizontal helical machines provide a convenient set-up for the operator and easy access for cutting tools. However, their workpiece loading and unloading time can be quite long.
The universal helical machines have the advantage of being able to operate in both the vertical and horizontal plane, so they can be used for a variety of different production jobs.
Helical gear hobbing machines are versatile and precise pieces of equipment, and they are able to cut helical gears with absolute accuracy and speed. The machines vary in terms of size and cost, but all offer the same high-quality results.
