The Monnier + Zahner ("MZ") 500 D-drive gear hobbing machine offers CNC technology in a compact footprint for top-quality fine- and ultra-fine pitch gear manufacturing. Introduced by Koepfer America at IMTS 2016, the 500 D-drive is the latest in precision machine design from the Swiss company, MZ.

The machine features two identical direct-drive work spindles on the headstock and tailstock. This configuration allows driving the work piece with less tailstock pressure, which results in minimized machine distortion and increased part quality and cutting performance. The double drive system also provides precise concentricity of the work holding and better drive performance for work pieces that are difficult to clamp.

With CNC hob shifting (up to 1.181" or 30 mm), a 12,000 rpm hob spindle, and capability for mounting bore- or shank-type hobs, a wide variety of components can be manufactured on the 500 D-drive. Furthermore, the machine offers options for Wahli automatic loading and unloading systems. Existing Wahli work-holding can also be used. In the end, this is a high-production, high-quality, high-flexibility solution for cutting fine- and ultra-fine pitch gears.

The 500 D-drive is rated at 1.575" (40 mm) diameter at 40 DP (0.6 mn) with a maximum work piece length of 1.969" (50 mm) and maximum hobbing length of 1.181" (30 mm). This range ensures an optimal gear hobbing solution for instrumentation, medical products, robotics, and more.

There is more to learn about the 500 D-drive. Gear manufacturers looking for a hobbing solution for fine- and ultra-fine pitch work pieces should consider the MZ 500 D-drive from Koepfer America. The machine's technology provides a state-of-the-art gear cutting solution, and Koepfer America's domestic technical support ensures gear manufacturers can find help immediately when needed.