Power Skiving: Productive and Flexible Gear and Spline Machining
Even though power skiving as a concept has been around for over a century, it was not until recently that its development has taken a new turn. As a result of the rapid progress of more robust and rigid machines and synchronized spindles, a wider use of power skiving is now quickly becoming a reality.
When comparing power skiving to traditional machining methods, there are several important advantages. Since power skiving makes it possible to machine the complete component on one multi-task machine or machining center in one single setup, the need for several specialized machines is efficiently removed, and quality restrictions, due to machine changes, have disappeared. This significantly reduces the total production time in comparison to processes with broaching, shaping, and hobbing, and it facilitates manageable and predictable component machining.
An example of the potential gains is a customer case where a time-consuming shaping process of main gears in low-alloy steel was replaced with power skiving. The machining time was reduced by 90%, while tool life increased considerably. In addition, the four dedicated machines used before were replaced by two multi-task machines.
Power skiving can be applied to both internal and external gears and splines, but it is especially productive when it comes to internal machining. The method works particularly well in mass production, where short lead times are decisive. For small to medium batch production, the flexible InvoMilling™ technology is recommended.
Sandvik Coromant offers several comprehensive solutions tailored to fit the different manufacturing needs in the industry today. CoroMill® 178 PM-HSS (powder metallurgical high speed steel) and solid carbide cutters are high-performance tools with extremely high accuracy, available for module 0.5–5 (DP 50–5). CoroMill® 179 and CoroMill® 180 are indexable insert cutters with railed insert seats for excellent and repeatable accuracy in modules ranging from 2.5–8 (DP 10–3).
For more information on how power skiving can further develop your production, contact your local Sandvik Coromant representative.