Advanced Manufacture of Spiral Bevel Gears on CNC Hypoid Generating Machine

Abstract

An algorithm is developed for the execution of motions on the computer numerical control (CNC) hypoid generating machine using the relations on the cradle-type machine. The algorithm is based on the condition that, since the tool is a rotary surface and the pinion/gear blank is also related to a rotary surface, it is necessary to ensure the same relative position of the head cutter and the pinion on both machines. The algorithm is applied for the execution of motions on the CNC hypoid generator for the manufacture of spiral bevel gears, based on the machine tool setting variation on the cradle-type hypoid generator conducted by optimal polynomial functions up to the fifth-order. By using the corresponding computer program, the motion graphs of the CNC hypoid generator are determined for the manufacture of spiral bevel gears, based on the optimal variation in the velocity ratio in the kinematic scheme and on the variation in the cradle radial setting on a cradle-type generator.