At Gear Expo, Machine Tool Builders (MTB) will display a P900 gear hobbing machine rebuilt with all mechanical linkages, gearing, and other driving mechanisms replaced with new modern servo drives and electronic controls via CNC. All guide ways have been refinished, seals and bearings replaced, hydraulics completely replaced, lubrication systems replaced, and a new electrical system installed. During the course of the rebuild, the machine was converted to CNC control for the X (radial), Y (tangential), Z (axial), C (worktable), and A (hob head swivel) axes, along with the B (cutter) spindle. Overall features will include a hob head swivel converted to CNC, an enclosure with manually operated door and access panels for maintenance, and a new magnetic style chip conveyor. This rigid design has outstanding performance and is an ideal addition to any commercial or captive gear department.
The challenger is one of the classic muscle cars with an unforgettable body style and Mopar power. Today, its classic design with increased power and performance make it even more desirable, and it exemplifies MTB’s rebuilding capabilities. For this reason, MTB is showcasing a Challenger muscle car that has been retrofitted and customized.
At MTB, classic machine design challenges are overcome by shortening the drive (gear) train for efficiency and accuracy and by converting them to servo-driven ballscrews. Motors are designed with the proper torque and speed to move the axes at the required accelerations and speeds, similar to the dynamics of supercharging an engine. MTB looks at rebuilding a machine like doing a restoration of a classic car, but with a new high-performance engine and chassis underneath the body. It’s like a puzzle: understanding every component by taking it apart and putting it back together for improved productivity.
The remanufacturing or rebuilding of a machine is the most advanced level of an upgrade. It includes not only a rebuild and re-control, but the machine is also modified to reduce or eliminate as much of the mechanical linkages, gearing, and other driving mechanisms as possible.
Generally, these are then replaced with new modern servo drives and electronic control via CNC or PLC motion cards. The reduction in the number of bearings, seals, shafts, and other mechanical elements translates to less mechanical wear areas and more reliability and accuracy. As a result, it’s a modern machine tool.
