STREAMLINE GEAR CUTTING PROCESSES AND ENHANCE PROCESS INTEGRATION OF MANUFACTURING
Gears are essential components for transmitting power in machinery. Machining gear parts demands high precision, and there are several dedicated machines specially designed for this purpose, such as hobbing machines. These machines are commonly utilized across various industries, including automotive and construction machinery.
However, factory managers and workers often face issues with many setups and jigs due to process division or a shortage of skilled workers. Additionally, there is a need for sufficient floor space to accommodate multiple dedicated machines, but space is limited.
A multitasking machine can change this situation because it performs turning, milling and gear cutting in a single process. Integrating these processes significantly reduces setup changes, contributing to more efficient production. Moreover, machining quality remains at the same level as that achieved with dedicated machines.
Hobbing or Skiving
Both processes are gear-cutting methods, each with its advantages. Hobbing is suitable for manufacturing high-volume parts and external gears, while skiving is used for producing parts ranging from low to high volume, for both outer and inner gears and when machining closer to the walls on the gear end.
Hobbing, skiving, and other cutting methods enable multitasking machines to produce various types of gears, such as Spur Gears and Helical Gears.
The following section will introduce software that supports programming for these gear-cutting processes.
Enhance Programming Support by “Smart Support”
The software solution, “Smart Support,” simplifies the creation of specialized machining programs developed by Nakamura-Tome through a conversational programming interface.
The latest update to the software introduced a gear hobbing function and users can now effortlessly create dedicated programs by inputting variables according to the provided guidelines. To enhance user-friendliness, the software incorporates graphical images.
Moreover, the software boasts a hob shift function similar to those found in specialized hobbing machines. This feature allows users to shift the contact face of the hob cutter, thereby extending the tool’s lifespan significantly.
There is a new video showcasing JX-250 and the gear machining capabilities, which provides a clearer understanding of the software’s capabilities in action.
At last, this software includes other cycles that enable users to create specialized programs quickly and easily.
For More information, contact WD Hearn – Tel: 021 534 5351.
