Preowned gear hobbing machines 72

Manual Gear Hobbing Machines: Precision and Flexibility in Gear Production

Manual gear hobbing machines are vital tools in the metalworking industry, essential for producing high-precision gears through a controlled mechanical process. While CNC machines dominate high-volume and complex gear production, manual gear hobbing machines remain popular for small to medium-scale production, custom jobs, and educational purposes. These machines offer operators greater control and flexibility, allowing for manual adjustments to achieve the desired gear specifications.

Types of Manual Gear Hobbing Machines

Manual gear hobbing machines come in various designs and capabilities, tailored to different gear production needs:

Horizontal Gear Hobbing Machines

Featuring a horizontal spindle orientation, these machines are versatile and suitable for producing a wide range of gears, including spur, helical, and worm gears. They can handle various gear sizes, making them ideal for diverse applications.

Vertical Gear Hobbing Machines

With a vertical spindle orientation, these machines are perfect for larger and heavier workpieces that are difficult to mount horizontally. Vertical machines are typically used for large-diameter gears and gear rings, providing better stability.

Universal Gear Hobbing Machines

These versatile machines can switch between horizontal and vertical orientations, offering flexibility for various gear production needs. They are ideal for workshops that need to handle different gear types and sizes.

Key Features and Specifications

When selecting a manual gear hobbing machine, several key features and specifications should be considered:

Workpiece Capacity

The maximum diameter and length of the workpiece the machine can handle are crucial for ensuring the machine can accommodate the intended gear sizes.

Hob Speed and Feed Rates

Adjustable hob speeds and feed rates allow for optimal cutting conditions for different materials and gear types, enhancing precision and efficiency.

Table Size and Load Capacity

The size of the worktable and its load capacity affect the maximum size and weight of the workpiece that can be processed, influencing overall production capability.

Adjustability and Control

The range of manual adjustments available for the hob position, angle, and depth is essential for producing gears with precise specifications, offering greater control to the operator.

Construction and Rigidity

The machine's build quality and structural rigidity impact the precision and stability during the hobbing process, ensuring high-quality gear production.

Advantages of Manual Gear Hobbing Machines

Manual gear hobbing machines offer several benefits, especially for specific applications and production environments:

• Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than CNC machines, making them suitable for small businesses, workshops, and educational institutions.
• Flexibility: Allows operators to manually adjust and control the gear cutting process, making them ideal for custom gear production and prototyping.
• Simplicity: Easier to operate and maintain compared to complex CNC machines, requiring less specialized training for operators.
• Versatility: Capable of producing a wide range of gear types and sizes with the appropriate setup and adjustments.
• Hands-On Control: Provides operators with direct control over the gear cutting process, advantageous for fine-tuning and achieving high precision in specific applications.

Considerations When Buying a Manual Gear Hobbing Machine

To select the right manual gear hobbing machine for your needs, consider the following factors:

Production Volume

Determine the volume of gears to be produced to choose a machine with suitable capacity and efficiency.

Gear Types and Sizes

Ensure the machine can handle the specific types and sizes of gears you need to produce.

Precision Requirements

Match the machine’s precision capabilities with your quality standards to ensure consistent high-quality production.

Budget

Balance the initial investment with long-term operational costs, including maintenance and consumables, to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Service and Support

Consider the availability of technical support and maintenance services for the machine to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.

Training

Assess the need for operator training to effectively use the machine’s features and capabilities, ensuring optimal performance.

Popular Brands and Pricing

Several reputable brands manufacture manual gear hobbing machines known for their reliability and performance:

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI): Offers robust and reliable manual gear hobbing machines, suitable for various industrial applications. Prices for MHI manual machines typically range from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on the model and specifications.
• Pfauter (now part of Gleason): Known for high-quality gear hobbing machines, Pfauter’s manual models are priced between $40,000 and $120,000.
• Lorenz: Specializes in gear cutting machinery, offering manual gear hobbing machines well-regarded for precision and durability. Pricing generally falls between $30,000 and $100,000.
• TOS: A brand known for its range of metalworking machinery, including reliable and cost-effective manual gear hobbing machines. Prices typically range from $20,000 to $90,000.
• Liebherr: Although more famous for their CNC machines, Liebherr also produces high-quality manual gear hobbing machines. Prices generally range from $40,000 to $130,000.

Conclusion

Manual gear hobbing machines remain a critical tool in the metalworking industry for producing high-precision gears. With types such as horizontal, vertical, and universal machines, the right model depends on specific production needs and gear types. Key considerations include workpiece capacity, hob speed and feed rates, table size, adjustability, and construction quality. Leading brands like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Pfauter, Lorenz, TOS, and Liebherr offer a range of high-quality manual gear hobbing machines to suit various applications and budgets. By carefully evaluating production volume, gear types, precision requirements, and budget, businesses can ensure they invest in the right manual gear hobbing machine to enhance their manufacturing capabilities and ensure consistent, high-quality gear production.