Gear Production
Issue link: http://gear.epubxp.com/i/262216
March 2014—9 From Concept to Reality The vibrations caused by the dynamic nature of the skiving process and the need to machine at high rpms made it very diffcult to perform the process on older mechanical machines. The mechanically connected axes and spindles in those machines act like an elastic spring system, thus exacerbating the vibration challenge. Fortunately, the company's latest generation of gear manufacturing machines offers a particularly stiff and rigid starting platform. For example, on the smaller end of the part-size spectrum, Gleason now offers the 100PS, a horizontal-spindle machine built on the P 90 machine platform currently used in hobbing and grinding applications worldwide. Working in conjunction with new direct-drive spindles equipped with oversized bearings to increase rigidity, as well as a tailstock, the inherent rigidity of the 100PS makes it a highly versatile solution for power skiving smaller disc- and shaft-type parts. A gantry loader also is available to automate workpiece loading/ unloading to minimize non-productive change- over time. In a similar fashion, the larger 400PS and 600PS power skiving machines are built on Gleason's vertical large hobbing machine platform, using the same massive frame and rigid guideways. Like the 100PS, these machines also are equipped with specially designed spindles, all with oversized diameters and larger, more- rigid bearings. On these larger machines, Gleason decided Automatic workpiece change is an option to minimize non-productive change-over time. 0314_MMS_Gear_RussFeature_EDIT.indd 9 2/13/2014 2:42:43 PM