This report uses an application case to demonstrate the optimization potential of gear skiving in the production of internal splines on a universal machining center. The process established in the example is then analyzed using the software tool OpenSkiving developed by the wbk Institute of Production Science of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the results are discussed. Finally, the most important findings are summarized.

Emuge–Franken USA offers gear manufacturers a single source for a full range of Skiving Tool Solutions including wheels for internal and external gears as bell-type or shank tool variants in the module sizes m 0.4 to m 5, as well as tool and workpiece clamping solutions. 

Manufacturers have a relatively new option that offers several key advantages—gear skiving on machining centers. Gear skiving on a mill-turn machining center with fully synchronous spindles is highly efficient, fast, and accurate. In some cases when producing small and medium-sized volumes, gear skiving will gradually replace established gear-cutting processes.

Gear skiving is used for both soft and hard finishing. As a quality critical final step in hard finishing, the process can be used to create modifications to the tooth flank. At present there is no knowledge of the extent to which topological modifications can be applied by gear skiving. In this report, the feasibility of manufacturing topological modifications on an external gear through adapted kinematics for gear skiving has been investigated.

Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire esco GmbH engineering solutions consulting, a German-based supplier of software for power skiving, an important technology within gear machining. Esco’s software solutions supports design, production and quality inspection in the main area of gear manufacturing. The company will be reported in Sandvik Coromant, a division within Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions.

Are you looking for a solution to ensure quality and increase productivity in gear manufacturing? There is a clear trend towards saving resources and sustainable manufacturing. Here Liebherr highlights their gear technology, gear-cutting tools, measuring technology, and automation systems.

German Machine Tools of America (GMTA) is now selling Profilator 300-V with linear drives in the North American market.
This modular machine platform used to cut gears, is equipped with one or two workpiece spindles in a compact design. It offers maximum flexibility due to modular design and is individually configurable for various machining processes (i.e. Scudding, hobbing, cycloidal milling, pointing, chamfering and deburring). State-of-the-art linear drives in the x and y axis, as well as a torque drive in the a axis offers high machine dynamics for short cycle times and maximum accuracy/low costs. High machine rigidity is available for Hard Scudding of inner and outer diameters. 

When developing the AF160, maximum versatility was the key goal of the Engineering Department of the Swiss family enterprise Affolter Group, a world technology leader in high-precision gear hobbing solutions. Vincent Affolter, Managing Director of the Affolter Group, explains: “The AF160 is designed for high precision manufacturers that need flexibility and efficiency. With its eight axes, sophisticated automation solutions, and an innovative quick-change system, the machine provides exactly that.”

State of the Gear Industry Perspectives takes an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities in gear manufacturing today and in the future. Our fifth installment online is an interview with Adam Gimpert, president, Helios Gear Products.