Gear technology and automation systems

Evotion 2025 | Customer Magazine

  • Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has expanded and increased the adaptability of its production of sophisticated machined parts for Airbus Aerostructures with an intelligent automation concept. At the Varel site in northern Germany, two pallet handling systems (PHS), a robot cell and a tool handling system (THS) work together seamlessly to supply three machining centers and other connected system components with the parts they need at all times.

  • In the new version of its bin picking software LHRobotics.Vision, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH relies on artificial intelligence (AI). By filtering irrelevant image data, it detects disordered workpieces faster and more accurately when removing them from the container.

  • Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is continuing the systematic development of its platform strategy with the redesign of its machine platform for workpieces up to two metres in diameter. The new series encompasses all relevant gear technologies and is aimed at manufacturers of large gears, particularly in the mechanical engineering, marine propulsion, construction machinery and wind power industries. The lineup begins with hobbing and profile grinding machines designed for this size range – making it possible, for the first time, to perform precision hard machining on large workpieces.

  • Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH have revised and further developed their rotary loading system (RLS) for automated and order-specific machine loading. Offering an additional load category for transportation weights up to 2,000 kilograms, greater storage density and wider interference diameters, the automation specialist is able to meet current manufacturing requirements. The new version will be presented at EMO 2025 in Hanover (Germany).

Bundled machine portfolio for maximized customer benefits

Optimized processes, tried-and-tested quality

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is restructuring its gear cutting machine portfolio along two lines: Series machines for economical, fast solutions with proven technology – and regulation machines for individual requirements. Both approaches share a common goal: to maximize customer benefit while maintaining consistently high quality.

Pallet handling system from Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH successfully relocated to new site

Pallet handling system from Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH successfully relocated to new site

In 2024, Dülmen-based gear manufacturer Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH managed to relocate its PHS 1500 Pro pallet handling system to a new location in record time while continuing production. Thanks to careful planning and efficient support from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH, the complex system was relocated in just six months with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Liebherr systems expand complex manufacturing at Airbus Aerostructures GmbH

Perfectly combined, highly versatile automation

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has expanded and increased the adaptability of its production of sophisticated machined parts for Airbus Aerostructures with an intelligent automation concept. At the Varel site in northern Germany, two pallet handling systems (PHS), a robot cell and a tool handling system (THS) work together seamlessly to supply three machining centers and other connected system components with the parts they need at all times.

Rooted in all company departments

Liebherr combines sustainability and quality

Sustainability at Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is firmly rooted in all processes. Policies to conserve resources, increase energy efficiency and boost the circular economy are interconnected and incorporated directly into the products.

Initial step in expanding the machine platform for large gear machining

Gear cutting and grinding from a single source

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is continuing the systematic development of its platform strategy with the redesign of its machine platform for workpieces up to two metres in diameter. The new series encompasses all relevant gear technologies and is aimed at manufacturers of large gears, particularly in the mechanical engineering, marine propulsion, construction machinery and wind power industries. The lineup begins with hobbing and profile grinding machines designed for this size range – making it possible, for the first time, to perform precision hard machining on large workpieces.

Hard-fine machining II – quality and efficiency for internal gears

SkiveFinishing®: Innovative and precise

SkiveFinishing® is a new method for efficiently hard machining high quality internal gears. It combines the flexibility of gear skiving with the advantages of non-dressable CBN tools. An innovative CBN tool by Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH ensures a long tool life and even enables profile modification.

Hard-fine machining I – a cost effective process for internal gears and splines

Hard skiving: An alternative to grinding or honing

The hard skiving process opens up new possibilities in hard-fine machining internal gears and splines, which, when processes like grinding or honing are used, are difficult, unproductive or impossible to achieve. It can even out hardening distortion in a targeted fashion, stands out for its high flexibility, long tool life and economic efficiency, and can be used by simply changing the tool on the Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH gear skiving machines.

Tools for inline process monitoring and condition monitoring

LHProcessMonitoring and LHFingerprint now even better

The LHProcessMonitoring software monitors and visualizes the manufacturing process. Initially designed for generating grinding and dressing, it now also supports profile grinding and gear skiving. The “digital fingerprint” for machine monitoring was previously available as part of a maintenance contract. Now customers can perform the measurements themselves using the LHFingerprint software.