Gear Technology Magazine
www.geartechnology.com/articles/23977

Exsys Tool Provides Roughing/Gear Hobbing on Single Machine

August 16, 2011

A special compact gear hobber system from Exsys Tool, Inc. allows shops to generate splines, spur or helical gears in one operation. The Exsys/Eppinger adjustable tool holding system, designed for Mazak horizontal turning centers, as well as most other machine brands, eliminates having to rough gears on one machine, then transfer them to another for gear hobbing. To compensate for different types of grooves or pitches in splines and gears, users simply set the vernier dial up to +/- 20 degrees. Software for gear hobbing is an option on most turning centers. Having a compact design, the system, in most instances, operates without interrupting its neighboring tool stations in a machine turret. Other comparable systems often require the room of two tool positions. Built for heavy machining loads, the gear-driven Exsys/Eppinger gear hobbing system has been designed for 45 Nm of torque and speeds of up to 3,000 rpm for hobs or slotting saws up to 2.480 dia (63 mm). Arbor diameters are available for all standard sizes for use of both slotting saws and gear hobs. Changing tools takes just seconds by removing the yoke plate and sliding out the arbor. The base of the tool holder remains in its station.