During a two-day in-house show on November 9 and 10 at the Ettlingen Oberweier (Germany) works, Klingelnberg presented its wide range of Höfler cylindrical gear machines. A total of 13 exhibition areas at the Ettlingen works were dedicated to showcasing the company's innovative and versatile solutions as well as the very latest technological processes.

The latest development from Klingelnberg enables direct networking of a closed loop cylindrical gear machine with a measuring device. This technology was previously only possible with bevel gear machines. "By transferring the established Klingelnberg closed loop concept for cylindrical gears, we link the machining centers with the measuring machine and are therefore driving digitization of gear manufacturing firmly forward," explains Dr. Christof Gorgels, head of the Precision Measuring Center product line. "The closed loop concept for cylindrical gears is based on an open interface and automates machine correction."

To demonstrate how the latest Industry 4.0 compliant development can be used for practical production, a VIPER 500 cylindrical gear grinding machine was networked with the P 40 measuring machine at the works. "We have been waiting for this interface!" Willi Humbel, chairman of the board of directors of Humbel Zahnräder AG, commented. "This development will help us tremendously to simplify production of our toothed gears and improve the quality of our components at the same time."

Digitization in production was the main topic at the two-day event. Höfler cylindrical gear grinding machines are not only designed to be reliable and highly-developed hardware, but the company's GearPro software also guarantees convenient machining and ensures maximum efficiency in daily use.

In addition, attendees were able to obtain information about the wide range of services of the machine construction company. With the Höfler Service Gate remote maintenance concept, a global communication network will be established in the future from the Ettlingen Oberweier site. At the beginning of the technology show, visitors already marveled at the sight of a customized eight-meter-high Höfler HF 6000 cylindrical gear cutting machine at the plant entrance. The Höfler HF 6000 cylindrical gear cutting machine for workpieces has a diameter of up to six meters.