4-5axis gear hobbing

[Bob W.]

I have a Haas VF2 with a trunnion and yesterday a friend asked me if I could match the spindle and B-axis rpms well enough for gear hobbing. What he envisioned is tilting the A-axis to 90 degrees, set the appropriate spindle and B-axis rpms and feed over with a hob in the spindle to hob the gears.

 

I wasn't sure if the spindle rpms could be controlled accurately enough to get good results but I do know the machine is capable based on what I see during rigid tapping (perfectly synchronized spindle rpm and Z feed). Has anyone ever used a 5 axis for hobbing gears?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[crazy^millman]

On a Haas or any machine that is not set up to sync the spindle to the axis movement I would say no. Gears have to be very accurate. The Mazak we have has a special cycle for doing it and it could not do it. We cut splines, and other normal axis thinks, but gear cutting is designed for very specific equipment. I would caution against it when asked.

 

I however would try it to see if I could do it. Do I think it will work how know unless you try. Normal gears I have cut on 4th axis machines using wheel cutters. Not as accurate, but got the job done. Good luck and if you attempt it keep us posted.

[iowajim62]

Just remember that trunnion uses rubber belts to drive the axis. I know for a fact that you can damage that belt and scrap parts.

[GoetzInd]

I agree with Ron. Our mill turns have special cycles that sync the milling spindle amd the turning spindle just like a hobbing machine. Without this your best bet would be to index with a form cutter.

 

Mike

[Piglet Trespassers William]

Just remember that trunion uses rubber belts to drive the axis. I know for a fact that you can damage that belt and scrap parts.

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+1000

Was personally shocked to see the ins of Haas trunion 210

Pathetic !