Large-Scale Grinders Promote Reproducibility

The Liebherr LGG 180 and 280 grinding machines use a one-table design and updated grinding head to quicken twist-free profile and generating grinding. The line suits large-scale automotive production, including conical gearing of planetary and sun gears, bore-type gears, as well as drive and pinion shafts as long as 500 mm. Compatibility with the company's automation options further supports production.

The one-table design features a single clamping fixture with a single geometry for improved grinding quality and reproducibility, since every machined part is manufactured under the same conditions. The design provides statistical reliability in continuously producing controlled, micron-range finish quality for gear noise optimization. In addition, the ability to apply undulations specifically to gear wheel flanks enables production of sub-micron-range waviness for further optimization capability.

The improved grinding head allows for rotation speeds as high as 10,000 rpm at 35 kW of power for high cutting speeds and feed rates. A second grinding head is available featuring a small worm diameter for collision-critical parts. The machines are compatible with 3M's Cubitron II abrasives, and the HSK-C 100 toolholder eases the process of changing the grinding arbor.

Featuring an integrated webcam, the machine control has a touchscreen user interface that eases programming and operation. The control can also incorporate additional documentation, such as fixture layouts and tool mounting instructions.