IMTS Preview: Gleason
Gleason will introduce a host of advanced new machines, tooling, and global customer support services at IMTS 2012 (Booth N-7000), covering a wide array of processes for the complete production and inspection of all types of bevel and cylindrical gears. Among the new technologies exhibited at the show will be:
The Genesis 400H Vertical Hobbing Machine: On display for the first time in the U.S., the 400H is a new addition to the highly popular Genesis Series of gear hobbing machines. Its compact footprint and slim profile, optimized workholding and tool change, and universal automation make it suitable for the widest range of user requirements, whether small batch or automated high volume production. Additionally, the 400H is available with two direct drive workspindles, three different high-performance hob heads, multiple tool interfaces and integrated chamfering, making it a versatile solution for the production of spur and helical gears and shafts up to 400 mm in diameter. A smaller Genesis 260H model also is available for workpieces up to 260 mm in diameter. Both models are designed as well to help customers meet the need for greater sustainability, with a host of features that greatly reduce energy consumption.
The Gleason-Heller CT8000 Bevel Gear Machining Center: First of a new generation of five-axis machining centers resulting from an alliance between Gleason and Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH, the Gleason-Heller CT8000 delivers gear cutting speeds four to eight times faster than competitive machining centers, for bevel gears as large as 1,800 mm in diameter. With the CT8000, manufacturers can quickly and easily accommodate new part series, design variations and corrections, while producing gears at production rates that make single setup machining in small and medium batches attractive economically. In addition, the new Gleason Heller alliance enables manufacturers to simultaneously benefit from Heller's renowned five-axis machining solutions and Gleason's design and process expertise and software.
The 350GMS Analytical Gear Inspection System: On display at the show will be one of a new family of GMS Series inspection systems (with models available for gears up to 3,000 mm in diameter). The 350GMS Analytical Gear Inspection System features a Renishaw 3-D probe head to provide maximum accuracy and flexibility for the complete inspection of all kinds of gears and gear-cutting tools. All Gleason analytical gear testers are equipped with the new Windows VB.NET-based Gleason GAMA 2.0 software with intuitive user interface allowing for simple input screens for programming of workpiece and cutting tool data. The GMS Series is also equipped with new ergonomically mounted operator work stations and optional remote pendant controls - both designed to greatly improve the operator's effectiveness at every stage of the inspection process.
Power Skiving Process: For these and other cylindrical gear applications, the newly developed Power Skiving process is fast emerging as a practical and highly productive alternative to typical gear shaping, forming, pressing, and broaching. Visitors to the Gleason booth will learn more about how Gleason combines machine, tool and technology for Power Skiving of small and medium-sized workpieces, with modules up to 2.0 mm.
A complete line of gear-cutting tools and workholding solutions: For the production of large cylindrical gears, Gleason offers the Opti-Cut family, which provides users with all the performance benefits of the latest replaceable, indexable, carbide insert technology. Opti-Cut can reduce cost-per-part by as much as 50 percent as compared to conventional high speed steel cutters. The family is versatile too, including gear gashing, hobbing and shaping products in a variety of cutter body sizes, insert types and geometries to meet a wide range of roughing and finishing, and internal and external gear production requirements.
