Intro
A gear cutting machine is a type of machine tool specialized in producing gear with advanced machining accuracy and efficiency. In the automotive, aerospace, and energy industries, gear cutting machines are used to produce gear components. While gear cutting machines can be used to produce gear with a wide range of sizes and shapes, the most common application is the production of external involute gears.
Gear cutting machine can be classified into several different types, such as gear hobbing, gear shaping, gear broaching, and gear milling machines. These types of gear cutting machines differ in terms of the cutting tools they use and the process they apply. Although each gear cutting machine is different, they are typically all similar in terms of their purpose, which is to produce exactly-sized gear components with excellent accuracy and repeatability.
Gear Hobbing Machine
One of the most widely used types of gear cutting machines is the gear hobbing machine. This type of gear cutting machine uses a tool, called a hob, to create the gear. The hob is specially designed to accurately cut the gear with specific teeth and profiles. Typically, the hob is fed into the gear blank in a helical path to create the gear profile.
The gear hobbing machine is designed to create gear with a high degree of accuracy. It is also capable of producing gear with a variety of profiles, including spur, helical, bevel, and worm gears. However, the hobbing process is best suited for producing external involute gears, which are the most commonly used type of gear.
Gear Shaping Machine
Another type of gear cutting machine is the gear shaping machine, which uses a “shaper” cutter to create the gear. A shaper is a type of cutter with a distinct cutting profile that is used to cut a gear in one pass. This type of cutter is generally used on soft materials, like aluminum, brass, or bronze. Gear shapers are versatile machines, capable of producing a wide range of gear shapes, sizes, and profiles.
Gear Broaching Machine
A third type of gear cutting machine is the gear broaching machine. This type of machine tool uses a broach to cut the gear. A broach is a tool that has multiple cutting edges arranged in a straight line; it is inserted into the gear blank and then pulled out to cut the gear. The advantage of broaching is that the entire gear is cut with a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple cutting machines.
Gear Milling Machine
The last type of gear cutting machine is the gear milling machine. This type of machine uses cutters with long teeth, called milling cutters, to create the gear teeth. The milling cutters are typically used on hard materials, such as steel and iron. Unlike the other types of gear cutting machines, which create the gear in one pass, gear milling machines need to make multiple passes in order to cut the gear accurately.
Conclusion
As can be seen, there are a variety of gear cutting machines available for various types of gear production. Each type of gear cutting machine has its own unique advantages and capabilities. As such, different types of gear cutting machines may be better suited for certain types of gear production. For example, a gear hobbing machine is best suited for producing external involute gears, while a gear milling machine is best for cutting hard materials. It is important to consider all the different types of gear cutting machines to ensure that the most suitable type is used for a particular task.
