Classification of Gear Hobbing Machines
The hobbing machines are categorized into vertical and horizontal types based on their layout. Large and medium-sized hobbing machines are predominantly vertical, while small hobbing machines and those designed for cutting long shaft gears are horizontal. Vertical hobbing machines further divide into two types: the worktable moves and the column moves.
The hobbing machines are primarily categorized into two types based on the machining accuracy of the machine tools: standard hobbing machines and precision hobbing machines.
Horizontal Gear Shaping Machine
One of the machine tools used for generating gear tooth surfaces by the rolling cutter method. The layout feature of this machine is that the workpiece rotating axis is in a horizontal position, i.e., horizontal. Such a structural layout of a gear hobbing machine is generally a small hobbing machine, applied for processing long shaft gears, spline shafts, and more.
Vertical Gear Shaper
The rotating axis of the workpiece shaft is perpendicular to the horizontal plane on the gear hobbing machine. Currently, most large and medium-sized gear hobbing machines are vertical in design. Vertical hobbing machines are divided into two types: those with the worktable moving and those with the column moving. During hobbing, the hob shaft is driven by the main motor to rotate, and the tool holder can move vertically along the column guide rail and can also be adjusted to an angle around the horizontal axis. The workpiece is mounted on the worktable and rotated by a dividing worm gear pair. As the hob completes one revolution, the workpiece rotates by z0/z revolutions. When hobbing helical gears, the differential mechanism causes the workpiece to make corresponding additional rotations. The appearance of the vertical hobbing machine is shown in Figure 9-2a, b.
Wn Gear Shaping Machine
One of the machine tools that processes gear tooth surfaces using the rolling rack method. This type of machine tool comes in various specifications and models, with a wide range of processing capabilities and strong versatility. It is capable of machining cylindrical straight gears, helical gears, and bevel gears with relief grooves, as well as worm gears using the radial cut-in method. With the addition of optional accessories, it can also process bevel gears without relief grooves, internal gears, bevel gears, and shaft gears. When using special rolling cutters, it can also manufacture splined shafts, sprockets, and other components with special tooth profiles. The machining accuracy can reach levels 7 to 3. Currently, the largest machining diameter reaches 15 meters.
Automatic Gear Hobbing Machine
A gear hobbing machine with semi-automatic and automatic reciprocating working modes. It features an automatic indexing mechanism for the hob, automatic circulation lubrication for the main drive components and bearings, and is equipped with loading/unloading and workpiece clamping devices. It also automatically removes chips and can be integrated into an automatic gear production line. With the addition of a robot and a storage unit, it can achieve single-machine automation. Suitable for mass production.
Large High-Precision Gear Hobbing Machine
A machine tool using rolling cutter forming method for processing large high-precision gear tooth surfaces. This type of machine tool has a high degree of automation, featuring an automatic stop mechanism, rapid movement mechanisms for the turret and column slider adjustments, as well as a rapid return-to-origin mechanism for the rolling cutter. The processing accuracy can reach level 4 and above, with the maximum machining diameter up to 15 meters. Mainly used for processing large gears with high requirements for motion stability and service life.
High-Precision Gear Shaping Machine
A gear hobbing machine for cutting 4-3 grade precision gear tooth surfaces. The structure and working principle are the same as those of a standard hobbing machine, but its components are manufactured with higher precision, or equipped with mechanisms to eliminate transmission errors. This machine tool typically features an automatic stop mechanism, making operation and adjustment extremely convenient.
Fractional Gear Hobbing Machine
A gear hobbing machine designed for precision worm gear tooth processing. To prevent machine vibration and thermal deformation, the main motor and transmission are typically placed outside the machine tool, with pressure oil circulation lubrication used for all parts. The transmission chain is short, ensuring high motion accuracy, with no tangential or axial feed transmission chains. High-precision hobbing cutters are used for hobbing, achieving a maximum machining accuracy of 4 levels. Primarily used for processing division worms used in dividing mechanisms, precision machine tools, high-precision instruments, and tools.
Crankshaft Gear Cutting Machine
A gear hobbing machine used for processing the helical gear teeth surface on camshafts. High production efficiency, easy operation, commonly used for mass production.
Microcomputer Numerical Control Gear Shaping Machine
Based on the standard hobbing machine, we have added a single-board computer, stepper motor, drive power supply, and pulse generator. This machine tool, in addition to the functions of a standard hobbing machine, also features the capability to process gears with variable tooth thickness. It boasts high levels of automation, simple operation, and high production efficiency.
Watch Gear齿加工机
A small gear machining machine for processing the tooth surfaces of watch gears using the rolling forming method. This machine boasts high reliability and is equipped with automatic loading and unloading devices, enabling single-machine automatic processing. It is suitable for the production of watch escapement gears.
