Gear hobbing in roughing and finishing cut for soft toothing with highest surface qualities (finish hobbing II)

 

Starting Situation

Gear hobbing in roughing and finishing cuts is used for finish hobbing as well as for the pre-cutting of components with the highest demands on component geometry and surface quality for subsequent process steps. Scientific studies have already been carried out on a combination tool with a separate roughing and finishing area for finishing hobbing case-hardened steel. However, SMEs in particular prefer to use conventional tools without separate roughing and finishing profiles or areas. A knowledge-based process design taking into account the interaction between the individual cuts, tool life and component quality is currently not available for conventionally designed hob cutters. Also, despite their economic importance, there are no findings available on finishing hobbing of quenched and tempered steel.

Research Objective

The aim of the research project is to develop a methodology for the knowledge-based design of the two-cut strategy for gear hobbing using a conventional hob. In order to achieve the research objective, the possibilities of tool design will be evaluated on the one hand. This includes the geometric design as well as the choice of cutting material. On the other hand, production parameters adapted to the finishing and roughing cut are to be determined. In particular, the interaction between the two cuts is to be analyzed. Subsequently, the knowledge gained is to be combined in a design guideline and simulation methodology for gear hobbing in two cuts. In addition to the investigation of case-hardening steels, extensive investigations of quenched and tempered steels will be carried out for the first time.