Holroyd Precision Limited has launched a brand new, full CNC machine range that is specifically designed to provide ultra-high levels of accuracy and finish in worm gear shaft manufacture. Known as the WG Series, these new worm gear ‘grinding stations’ incorporate Holroyd’s award-winning ‘SMART’ probe and self-correction CNC technology. Depending on the model selected, users can grind precision worm shafts to AGMA 14/DIN 2 in sizes ranging from 3 mm to 500 mm diameter and thread lengths up to 1,600 mm, with a 130 mm diameter through bore work head to accommodate long shaft lengths.

“We are already well known for setting new benchmarks in the production of precision rotors and helical gears,” comments Sales Manager, Steven Benn. “It, therefore, seemed only appropriate to offer worm gear manufacturers the same high levels of excellence as provided by our industry leading TG Series Rotor Grinding machines and GTG2 Gear Grinding models.”

Designed and manufactured in the U.K., Holroyd’s new WG gear grinding stations combine high power for deep grinding operations, with exacting levels of finish and fast set up to maximize production and minimize operating costs.

Each WG machine also benefits from Holroyd’s CNC system - a purpose-developed controller with graphical, menu-driven user interface that makes it both simple and straightforward for operators to take data from gear drawings, to produce profile and grinding paths and to generate standard tooth forms or perform topological modifications to tooth profiles in a controlled and easy way.

Each WG model’s high power capability stems from the use of advanced digital servo drives and high torque density synchronous servomotors. Holroyd’s digital drive technology offers a small, neat and reliable drive package and incorporates ‘Safety on Board Technology’. Performance is also enhanced by the use of 3-D measurement and an integrated correction probe. This improves production rates by removing any need for off-machine inspection of ground components. It also means that parts can be precision-ground and measured, with any deviations being automatically corrected before the completion of the cycle.

Other user benefits of the WG range - and, indeed, Holroyd Precision’s other gear machines - include the introduction of a gear manufacturing and design analysis program. Reducing the margin for error during worm gear manufacture, the program also helps ensure greater consistency and longer gear life. This is achieved by providing benefits such as the ability to grind worm gears off-load, in order to offset distortion due to loading during use.

Particularly interesting worm gear projects carried out by Holroyd Precision include the development of accurate worm gears for the smooth operation of film equipment used by a Hollywood production company, and the supply of dual gear leads for the precise positioning of a telescope at a large astronomical observatory in Chile. Other customers stem from a wide range of industrial sectors, including elevator manufacture, steel mills and tool indexing systems.