CNC Solution for Gear Measuring Machines

Measurement device - the eyes of a machine tool!

Using the expertise gain during years of experience in machine tool retrofit and other motion control solutions, CNC Design was able to easily solve all the delicate problems raised by metrology solutions as add-on or stand-alone equipment. No matter if attached to a roll grinder, gear grinder, gear shaper or dedicated metrology equipment the measuring task is a complex one and require sound hardware and mathematical solutions.

Hofler mobile gear measuring machine

Our first project related to gear measurement was the retrofit of a mobile gear measuring machine originally manufactured by Hoefler. It was  equiped with independent measuring units for gear pitch, gear run-out and tooth profile measurement. Our concept was a complete re-design with new servomotors and new measuring three-dimensional probe for the TPF profile measuring head and interfacing to the pitch and EMZ run-out unit. The machine is controlled by a Sinumerik 840D CNC which runs our measuring software which is able to generate measurement reports in all major standards used in the gear industry - AGMA2000, AGMA 2015, ISO and DIN. the system was trialed by measurement of a master gear with very good accuracy and repeatability results. This mobile measuring machine is now used extensively for measuring gears cut with large gear hobing or gashing machines.  

On board gear measuring machine for Maag gear shapers

The knowledge gain during retrofitting the mobile measuring was then applied to the innovative on-board gear measuring system offered in the MAAGCut CNC conversion solution for Maag Gear Shapers. The reports and the measuring principle are the same, all in accordance with the specifications of the international standards for gear measuring. we use a 3D scanning probes from reputed names in the metrology equipment manufacturing world, this is a very important improvement for the Maag machines. With this feature it is now possible to measure all gear parameters for gears and pinions cut with the Maag machines without moving the gear to a separate measuring machine.  

Hofler laboratory gear measuring machine

Next step in our development for gear measurement is the complete retrofit of a Hofler CNC laboratory measuring machine. This is based also on using Sinumerik 840D powerful CNC platform and 3D measuring probe, interfaced to the retrofitted drives and linear measuring systems. Reports are created in all current standards and measuring units (metric or imperial).

Our solution for gear measuring can be adapted for most common models of gear measuring machines from Hofler or Klinelnberg or as add-on for your gear cutter or grinder.