The e-bike market continues to boom – even if manufacturers have recently been unable to match the record figures from the pandemic. Nevertheless, around 1.6 million e-bikes were produced in Germany in 2023. In light of these large figures, it is particularly interesting to take a look at the central component: how exactly does the e-bike motor work, what characterizes its production and what changes are in store for the future?
In the world of machine tools, the optimal design of processes is crucial to achieving the highest precision and efficiency. In today’s blog article, we spoke to Jörg Lohmann, Head of Technology and Product Management and Member of the Management Board at EMAG KOEPFER, to find out more about how hobbing processes are designed, using planetary gears as an example. Jörg Lohmann brings almost 20 years of experience in the design and application of gear hobbing machines and gear cutting processes and gives us a deeper insight into the decision-making behind these processes.
Whenever containers are lifted by trucks, large excavator shovels are swiveled or heavy containers are tilted at production plants, powerful rotary drives are to thank! The number of application examples for this technology is almost unlimited. As market leader in this sector, HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH with headquarters in Wächtersbach, Hesse relies on vertical hobbing machines from EMAG Richardon – major gearing is created with their help. These specialists have recently acquired a new machine of this type for their production site in Neukirch, Saxony. In the following interview, HKS Production Manager Mario Vogt explains why they made this investment decision and what technological challenges stand out in this process.
“Smart technologies drive tomorrow’s production!” That is the motto for EMO 2019 in Hanover, Germany. But we believe that smart people, and not just smart technologies, are what matters—and we need to bring those people together to talk.
So, at the EMAG Group’s booth, we will be focusing not just on networked technologies, but also on networking with our visitors.
To give you a preview of who you really should talk to at the EMO, over the next few weeks we will be publishing regular interviews with the EMAG experts who will be there in person.
The HLC 150 H horizontal gear cutting machine by EMAG KOEPFER is the perfect complete solution for machining workpieces up to module 3 with a maximum length of 500 mm (20 in). It not only features all relevant gear cutting technologies such as gear hobbing, skiving, screw milling and worm skiving, it also includes press deburring and chamfering integrated into the machining area. As a result, an extremely wide range of workpieces can be finished without burrs – including gear and anchor shafts, steering pinions, planetary gears and worm gears.
In many ways, the production of large components presents a particular challenge in manufacturing. Used in commercial vehicles, large transmission, or wind power, these parts are large – making them difficult to handle and slowing down production speeds. Adding to the production challenge is the additional technological requirements being placed on the parts, as well as the demand for improved reliability and precision, with decreased costs per piece. All of which needs to be achieved while improving process speeds.
Maximum flexibility is required for gear production. EPS steering is a good example: Production planners for this application are looking for machines that can efficiently and completely cut an EPS steering gear including steering pinion, worm gears, and screws. The HLC 150 H horizontal gear cutting machine from EMAG KOEPFER is the perfect solution for this.