RONSON Gears has received its third automated CNC gear hobbing machine, a Koepfer 160. For the hobbing of a large variety of work pieces, even with small lot sizes, automatic loading with the adjustable parallel magazine offers a flexible solution.
The parallel magazine can be equipped with a mechanical chain feeder for non-symmetrical work pieces that will not roll by gravity. For larger lot sizes that will be produced in a continual production multi-chambered magazine, work piece stacking and deposit systems or other solutions can be designed.
Reliability, short set-up times, low floor space, and flexibility are all characteristics of the automation system. The machine offers hob speeds of up to 5000 rpm, making the use of carbide cutters very practical. The work spindle is also capable of reaching a high rpm for efficient cutting of gears with a small number of teeth.
Another feature available on the machines is skiving, the automatic carbide recutting of hardened gears. The work piece and cutter are electronically aligned and stock is evenly removed from both flanks. This is suitable for improving final gear quality without the need for profile grinding.
The high helix cutter heads provide 90º capability. These heads also provide the necessary clearance between the tailstock and hob head casting when cutting high helix work pieces.