Gear Technology’s annual State-of-the-Gear-Industry survey polls gear manufacturers about the latest trends and opinions relating to the overall health of the gear industry. As in years past, the survey was conducted anonymously, with invitations sent by e-mail to gear industry companies—primarily in North America, but also including some respondents from around the world. Nearly 200 individuals responded to the survey.

State of the Gear Industry Perspectives takes an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities in gear manufacturing today and in the future. Our third installment online is an interview with Peter Wiedemann, managing director, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH and Scott Yoders, vice president sales, Liebherr Gear Technology, Inc. 

The Machine Training Center (MTC) of Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH in Kempten offers bright training rooms equipped with the latest technology the world of gear making has to offer including an LC 280 gear cutting machine with ChamferCut device, an LGG 280 gear grinding machine and a WGT measuring machine. 

A newly developed measuring probe now allows Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH the possibility of precise corrective measurement in the gear shaping machine. The measuring probe sits directly on the tool spindle and is therefore in the same coordinate system as the pinion type cutter itself. This reduces inaccuracies which might arise due to a tool change or turning a workpiece and leads to considerably higher quality and process reliability.

Liebherr-Australia has announced the expansion of their Perth mining facility, which will strengthen the company’s ability to deliver accelerated zero emission solutions to the wider market. Liebherr-Australia’s growing involvement in the development and implementation of zero emission technology with Australian customers illustrates the necessity for this investment in infrastructure and signifies Liebherr’s commitment to these industry-leading projects.

Liebherr Gear Technology will be displaying a variety of technologies at Booth #236914 (North Hall) during IMTS 2022. 

In the course of the mobility transition, electric and hybrid drives will gradually replace the traditional combustion engine. The battery is a key element in electrification: More and more manufacturers are starting their own production of battery systems and are looking for suitable solutions to do so. Liebherr has looked into the processes extensively and offers system-capable, modular concepts for the automated assembly of battery packs.

Different component characteristics in electric vehicles lead to higher noise and load requirements in the automotive industry. E-mobility—to a certain degree—is changing how gear analysis and inspection is carried out. Dissecting noise issues in gears and gearboxes requires an analytical approach like a detective. The problem could stem from the design itself, tolerancing or tip/root relief issues, tooth flank form deviations like waviness or perhaps crowning issues that directly impact noise. Every aspect of gear production needs to be examined to provide the most accurate results.

New drive technologies in e-mobility are changing the requirements for gears and, therefore, the quality of the tooth-flank surfaces. Manufacturers of gears have to adapt their manufacturing process accordingly. It’s good to be able to rely on a technology partner with expertise covering the entire range of production processes and technologies, which enables them to find suitable solutions even for special challenges.