Gear technology and automation systems

Magazine 2020

What does the name LHOpenConnect stand for? How can an open data structure help the user? Which software services does Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH offer? Over the past few years, the company has gradually built up an application architecture that focuses not only on the machine, but on the entire process, which means it can support production in many different ways. Thanks to its modular structure, customers can select the tools which best complement their own specific production environment.

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In August 2019, trainees Fabian Altenried and Julia Fetzer participated in the Liebherr Summer Program at Liebherr Gear Technology Inc. / Liebherr Automation Systems Co. (LGT / LAU) in Saline, near Detroit. There, they ran the PLC programming course for pupils of the robotics course from the local high school, which was offered for the first time, and got to know the work routine at the Liebherr site. Fabian reports on his experience here:

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Liebherr presents the new series of generating and profile grinding machines for hard machining of external and internal gears on workpieces with diameters of up to 500 millimeters. The LGG series follows the successful Liebherr LCS 300 to 500 series. With an impressive range of added features, they offer more flexibility and grinding performance with a significantly reduced footprint.

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Gear skiving is over 100 years old and has recently been experiencing a renaissance as a flexible and economical alternative to other gear cutting methods. However, this complex process frequently presents great challenges to users. In addition to Skiving3, a “complete package” consisting of machine, tool and technology, Liebherr now also offers skiving tools for suppliers and contract gear manufacturers – and the appropriate consultation, if desired.

Anyone who manufactures small batch sizes of complex components wants to perform as many work steps as possible with a single machine. This not only saves time and equipment costs but also increases the quality, provided that the clamping fixture does not have to be changed. Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH offers a comprehensive solution for complete machining by integrating a tool changing system and a chamfering device while using the turning, drilling and gear cutting functions of the latest generation of Siemens controls.

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH presented four machine concepts at EMO 2019. These were characterized above all by their versatility. With technologies such as shaping, worm milling, grinding and skiving, the exhibited products offered a wide range of options for every requirement in gear technology. Here is a review of the trends at the leading trade fair for metal machining.

Liebherr opened a new test hall for automation systems in Kempten. Prototype solutions are tested and the systems are “put to the test” here. This new facility allows the customers to experience the tests “live” and gives them the opportunity to conduct virtual tests themselves.

Liebherr in the United States is proud to celebrate five decades in North America and establish itself as a leading manufacturer. Liebherr has built its U.S. business on a foundation of trust, innovation and engagement with customers. Five decades later, Liebherr’s growth, diversity and stability are evidence of how the company is united by success with customers as they work on the challenges of tomorrow and focus on the future together.

The machining of gears with interfering contours for the aerospace industry places the highest demands on the grinding tool and often cannot be carried out with standard grinding heads due to the small tool diameters. Liebherr has developed an auxiliary spindle for these applications which can be retrofitted. This enables the production of challenging aerospace components on existing LGG gear grinding machines.

If you need high-quality gear cutting tools at short notice, you can request them online from Liebherr. Many customers already use the practical and uncomplicated online catalog on the Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH website. Haider Arroum, Team Leader for Tool Sales in Ettlingen, explains how it works.

Clamping units for gears with short delivery times at low costs – due to the high level of individualization of clamping devices, these demands were often diffi cult to reconcile. That’s now a thing of the past. The segment clamping arbor SECLA from Liebherr is an innovative, inexpensive standard solution with short delivery times for a maximum application range in gear manufacturing machining.

Gear skiving is over 100 years old and has recently been experiencing a renaissance as a flexible and economical alternative to other gear cutting methods. However, this complex process frequently presents great challenges to users. In addition to Skiving3, a “complete package” consisting of machine, tool and technology, Liebherr now also offers skiving tools for suppliers and contract gear manufacturers – and the appropriate consultation, if desired.