Gears are important components of machines and other mechanical innovations; different types of gears are manufactured for a variety of functions and designs. Depending on the intended function of a gear, it needs to be assembled in a particular way, so there are a number of different ways to create gears to make them perfectly suited for that intended application. These include gear hobbing, broaching, and shaping.

 

Gear hobbing is perhaps the most well-known technique, but there are a few others as well!

 

Broaching is ideal for cutting large gears or splines. A broach is a sharp tool that is used to essentially carve the intended pattern into a piece of metal. The tool used can be customized based on the needed shape of the finished product.

 

Shaping is a more traditional gear cutting method where a “blank gear” (one that won’t be used for non-cutting purposes) is rotated alongside an incomplete gear as a template. Typically, this is a process that will be used to form internal and external gears, though its relative simplicity makes it a reliable general method for gear cutting.

 

Gear hobbing is one of the most versatile and widely used cutting process for creating spurs and gears. The process works through a special piece of equipment called the hobbing machine. The hobbing process works by using a hob to cut the grooves or teeth into a blank gear. The process is entirely automated, and allows for flexibility with regards to the working angle for different types of gear as the end result. As the blank gear rotates, the hobbing machine methodically shapes it evenly and smoothly.

 

True Gear & Spline is a company that specializes in manufacturing high quality gears and splines. Our experience with each type of cutting method gives us the freedom and capacity to accurately identify how best to manage your unique needs. Whether you need specialized gear hobbing or general broaching, we have the tools and the experience to deliver. Contact us today to learn more!