Greater productivity in gear machining
Greater productivity in gear machining
Greater productivity in gear machining
Greater productivity in gear machining
Small batch sizes and a wide range of gear types: Terhaerst Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Neunkirchen near Nuremberg has invested in an LC 700 M gear hobbing machine from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH. The new machine replaces several older units and allows the company to manufacture a broad spectrum of workpieces with significantly shorter processing times.
Every day I get to work on this machine is a highlight.
Christian Ripper looks attentively into the machining chamber of the LC 700 M. On the control system screen, he starts the machining program, and just a few minutes later the gear is finished. For the General Manager and Technical Director of Terhaerst Maschinenfabrik GmbH, this moment is still something special: “Every day I get to work on this machine is a highlight.” Since autumn 2025, the company has been producing gears on the gear hobbing machine from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH. The investment marks an important step in modernizing the company’s machine fleet.
Precision for a broad range of workpieces
Founded in 1906, Terhaerst specializes in gears, transmission components, and CNC turned and milled parts. Today, a team of eight manufactures a wide range of products for general mechanical engineering — including spur and helical gears, internal gears, and gear racks. Typical batch sizes range from one to twenty, with workpiece diameters of up to 700 mm and modules from 1 to 12. This variety places high demands on the manufacturing technology in terms of efficiency and flexibility.
Investing in productivity
When looking for a new hobbing machine, the overall concept from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH quickly stood out. “The machining capacity, technology, and equipment are a perfect match for our range of parts,” says Christian Ripper. Another key factor was the excellent support provided by Regional Sales Manager Thomas Butzke. “He guided us through the entire process with outstanding commitment and expertise.”
The machine features a 550 mm table plate and a powerful cutter head. Its intuitive LHGearTec operating software ensures easy, user friendly operation. Terhaerst chose not to automate loading. Given the small batch sizes, it can be done manually, but a robot-based system would also be possible.
Nevertheless, the LC 700 M delivers a substantial boost in productivity. It replaces four older machines that now serve only as backup and are less often required in day to day operations. The improvement is evident in one gear series whose machining time dropped from around an hour to just a few minutes.
High process reliability and intuitive operation
The commissioning process also left a thoroughly positive impression. Liebherr Service supported every step, from delivery through to the meticulous alignment of the machine. Production was running smoothly within a very short time. “Everything just worked, and the quality was spot on right from the start,” says Christian Ripper. The operating interface is equally impressive. “The software is extremely intuitive,” says Ripper, who programs and operates the machine himself.
Terhaerst Maschinenfabrik GmbH
Industry:
Machine engineering
Headquarters:
Neunkirchen am Sand (D)
Employees:
8 employees
Founded:
1906
Website:
terhaerst.de
Quality made in Germany
Another key factor in the investment decision was the fact that the machine is manufactured entirely in Germany. For Christian Ripper, this indicates modern engineering expertise and a long term commitment to quality and competitiveness. He also expects Liebherr to play a key part in future equipment investments. “The machine impresses us every single day.”
