LC 180 - 280 | Gear hobbing machines

Product segments

LC 180 - 280

The impulse generator.

Highlights

The new LC 180/280 machine platform allows for a modular design. By doing this, many different technological applications or customer-specific requirements can be implemented.

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High flexibility

Wet and dry machining

Energy and resource efficiency

Machine concept

The new LC 180 / 280 machine platform allows for a modular design. This means many different technological applications or customer-specific requirements can be implemented. Liebherr gear hobbing machines are optimally customized to the requirements of universal usability. The high-performance gear hobbing machines are productive and manufacture in the highest quality with maximum availability.

Optimized base frame rigidity thanks to FEM simulation
Thermosymmetric machine design and integrated temperature compensation ensure consistent high quality
Fundamentally optimized chip removal system
High flexibility for various processes:
- Gears, shafts, worm gears
- Cluster gears
- Skive hobbing/finish cutting
- Position dependency
- Milling of special proﬁles
Wet and dry machining
Hook-ready machine with a low space requirement, suitable for easy transfer

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Axes

Gear hobbing machine LC 280 α

Your entry point into gear cutting

The LC 280 α is the perfect way for getting started with gear cutting. It offers maximum flexibility thanks to a diverse range of workpieces, well-known Liebherr quality, and low machine investment.

Thanks to the reduced scope of options, these machines can be produced and delivered at short notice. The more standardized machine can be manufactured and delivered quicker, which allows you to start with your production sooner. The entry-level model comes with the touch-based LHGearTec user interface and a ringloader concept for loading and unloading workpieces up to 25 kg. For the Alpha machines, Liebherr uses the same high-quality components as for the universal and customized machines.

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Machine

Machining workpieces with max. 280 mm diameter and shafts with a length of up to 500 mm
L-doors for better accessibility
Thermally stable machine bed
Wet and dry machining
High rigidity ensures best machining quality
Optimized chip removal
Hook-ready machine for fast installation and commissioning

liebherr-gear-hobbing-lc180-280-alpha-concept

Automation

Plastic chain conveyor KKB
Storage capacity 20 workpieces à 25 kg / 30 workpieces à 10 kg
Suitable for fast ringloader loading (up to 25 kg workpiece weight) for maximum productivity

Axes

_{X1: Radial movement column slide | V1: Tangential movement tool | Z1: Axial travel cutter head | B1: Rotary movement tool | C2: Rotary movement workpiece | A1: Tilting movement tool | Z4: Vertical travel counter column | C3: Rotary movement ringloader}

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Gear hobbing machines 180 / 280 (DC)

Hobbing heads

Different gear ratios are available for the hob head to cover most high torque and high RPM applications. Hollow shank tapers, steep tapers and straight shank tools are available as the interface for holding the tool. For very high spindle speed requirements, a hob head with direct drive is also available.

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The hob head provides greater flexibility and productivity. Workpieces up to a module of 5 millimeters can be machined. The spindle speed has been increased by 50% to 2,250 revolutions per minute compared to the previous model. At the same time, the shift distance has been extended by 11 % to 200 millimeters, and the maximum tool diameter has been increased by 67 % to 150 millimeters.

Drive power: 13 kW
Speed of cutter spindle: 2,250 rpm
Max. module: 5 mm
Shift distance: 200 mm
Max. hob diameter: 150 mm

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Alongside the default gear cutter head, a directly driven cutter head is also available as an option. The directly driven cutter head features high speeds of up to 6,000 rpm and high drive power of 23 kW. It offers sufficient reserves for future tool developments.

Drive power: 23 kW
Speed of cutter spindle: 6000 rpm
Max. module: 3 mm
Shift distance: 180 mm
Max. hob diameter: 90 mm

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Table drive

For gear manufacturing machining, a workpiece drive with absolutely zero backlash is required. The table drive with spur gears is available when using conventional technology. For high performance cutting (HPC) an ultra-dynamic direct drive is available which satisfies all requirements with respect to speed and precision.

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Dry machining with stainless steel covers

Thanks to an integrated complete stainless steel housing (optional), thermal influences that normally occur in dry machining can be minimized. This ensures consistent machining results and exceptionally high process reliability. In addition, chip accumulation can be prevented. The easy and fast cleaning of the machine is another benefit.

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Chamfering during the machining process with ChamferCut or FlexChamfer (LC 180 / 280 DC)

With the LC 180/280 DC, the ChamferCut device is integrated on the operator side. This device has been enhanced in terms of user-friendliness. As such, the machine operator has unobstructed accessibility to both machining positions. Chip removal has also been significantly improved. Using the proven Liebherr ringloader concept, the workpiece can be transferred quickly and efficiently between the gear hobbing and chamfering machining positions. Chamfering by ChamferCut or FlexChamfer therefore takes place parallel to gear hobbing. The special feature of the chamfering unit is that it is controlled using 6 CNC axes as standard. Settings or corrections and adjustments for varying lead corrections can be executed quickly and easily using the user-friendly software.

liebherr-gear-hobbing-lc180-280-DC-machine-concept

LC 180 / 280 DC with integrated ChamferCut device

Axes

_{X1: Radial movement column slide | B1: Rotary movement tool | Z4: Vertical travel counter column | V1: Tangential movement tool | C2: Rotary movement workpiece| C3: Rotary movement ringloader| Z1: Axial travel cutter head | A1: Swivel movement tool}

FlexChamfer

As an alternative, we offer the new FlexChamfer technology. The gears can be chamfered quickly and efficiently using a standard milling tool. The movements of the tool are also fully NC-controlled, ensuring high repeatability and chamfer quality. This process is ideal for workpieces with interfering contours or when there is a very large part variance and small batch sizes.

ChamferCut advantages

Parallel gear hobbing and defined deburring / chamfering
Dry and wet machining possible
Precision chamfering geometry
Highest chamfer quality and repeatability
No bulging or material deformation
Tooth root chamfering as standard
Very long tool life ChamferCut tools can be easily reground 15 to 20 times at low cost
Lowest tool costs per workpiece compared to traditional processes
Short amortization period thanks to low tool costs per workpiece
wide module range from 0.8 to 42 mm
2nd cutting during gear hobbing is unnecessary thereby increasing tool life quantity at the gear hob
Short setup times

Advantages FlexChamfer

Flexible and universally applicable
Ideally suited for workpieces with interfering contours
Precision chamfering geometries
Highest repeatability
Simple NC corrections possible
Use of standard tools (quickly available from stock)

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Technical data

Variants	LC 180 α	LC 280 α	LC 180	LC 280	LC 280 DC	LC 280 DC

Insights

Automation & Features

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Plastic chain conveyor (KKB)

The plastic chain conveyor is available in the standard version for workpieces up to 20 kg in weight and in the heavy duty version for workpieces up to 180 kg in weight, and is designed to transport any number of irregularly shaped workpieces without them coming into contact with each other. The workpieces are transported on pallets. The queue effect means that they are cycle-independent. Parts can be stored on the belt style conveyor.

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Chain conveyor storage (KSR)

With the small, compact chain conveyor storage (KSR), workpieces up to 180 mm in diameter and 300 mm long can be stored and transported. The maximum total load is 75 kg. This compact workpiece storage unit can also serve as an additional buffer option, for example with a robotic workpiece feed.

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Easy to maintain

Optimum machine accessibility during maintenance work is a prerequisite for ensuring productivity. For this purpose, all necessary maintenance access points are equipped with doors. Moreover, to enable quick and easy additional monitoring of specific statuses, window panes are inserted into the maintenance doors. This means the machine operator or maintenance personnel can read the signals from the outside quickly. An enclosure for the hydraulics has also been integrated into the new machine design. This ensures reductions of hydraulic power unit noise.