Different methods are used to process gears. Depending on what size teeth you need, for what purposes they will be used, and the method of how the wheels will be processed.
There are two types of gear machining:
- Copying
- Running in
Each type has its own characteristics that determine where and for what such wheels will be intended.
Copy or profile milling method
This method is intended for the manufacture of gears of low accuracy. They are used in the manufacture of chevron wheels, wheels with a modulus of more than 15 mm, for mass production of wheels with a modulus of 2-8 mm, or for some individual production or repair.
How wheels are processed by copying
Processing is carried out with a special tool, which was cut in advance, giving the shape of a cavity between the teeth of the required cut. Then with this object (usually a disk with teeth, a finger head, or a multi-cutting head), the wheels are processed.
Run-in or run-milling method
This method is intended for the manufacture of wheels with both external and internal gearing, it is also possible to produce wheels with a continuous chevron. This method is more commonly used in gear machining because the ability to continuously cut teeth ensures high tooth precision as well as productivity.
How wheels are processed by rolling
Processing is carried out with continuous connection of the part on which processing is performed and the tool attached to the surface. As a result, the part, as it were, engages with the tool, forming an involute profile on the toothed wheel. Processing can be done with tools such as a worm cutter or a tool rail.
This method contributes to the high performance of gears with a large number of teeth. However, this method makes it more difficult to set up other tooth modifications or readjust to different part sizes.
Thus, depending on what type of gear you want to produce, you need to select a processing method.