Reliance’s gear-shaping capabilities strengthened

Reliance Precision says it is delighted with the performance of a new state-of-the-art CNC electronic gear-shaping machine since its introduction to production. The Liebherr LS 400 EM, purchased to support Reliance’s wider gear business, is already strengthening the company’s gear-shaping capabilities.

Following installation in the gear cutting department at the Huddersfield site, the operators spent a few days learning how to programme and operate the machine before it went into full production. The LS 400 EM has now been used to manufacture a range of precision cut spur gears and splines to different specifications to suit individual customer requirements. With a maximum stroke length of 70 mm, it can machine workpieces up to a diameter of 400 mm and module of 5 mm.

Opportunity for expansion

While the maximum gear diameter remains the same as Reliance currently offers and it maintains its standard 0.2 – 1.5 mm module range, it does allow the opportunity for future expansion.

Results from the Metrology team undertaking inspection and testing of the gears produced are already very positive. “Measurements from the new machine show greater accuracy and much tighter tolerances are being achieved,” confirms the company. “The operators are also finding the LS 400 EM significantly quicker than the previous mechanical-shaping machines it replaced. The software and database eliminate the time-consuming manual set-up process and allow quick call-up of existing programmes for modification to suit individual customer specifications.

Additional functionality

“The new machine also has additional functionality over and above the two previous mechanical gear-shaping machines that widens Reliance’s gear-shaping capabilities: the ability to apply crowning to a gear in the shaping process; and a B-axis that tilts the head of the machine to enable Reliance to cut tapered gears or compensate for deflections in the process.”

Alex Greenhalgh, Reliance’s estimating manager who led the procurement process for the new gear shaping machine, comments: “In the few months the LS 400 EM has been in production, it has exceeded expectations in all areas. It has already proven its capabilities, in terms of enhancing Reliance’s gear shaping offer, enabling us to produce shaped components we would not previously have been able to achieve. We are delighted with its performance.”