Gear technology and automation systems

Evotion 2025 | Customer Magazine

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.

  • 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).

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.

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.

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.

Interdisciplinary training project in automation

Apprentices build mini gantry loader all by themselves

As part of an interdisciplinary training project, apprentices at Liebherr- Verzahntechnik GmbH have single-handedly designed, built and programmed a small-scale gantry loader. The aim of the task was to create a functional model, which replicated real processes in automation systems and could also be used as a practical learning object and for demonstrations. This was largely achieved by a project team of apprentices and dual-program students working autonomously.

New variants and optimized functions for flexible manufacturing

Rotary loading system (RLS) enhanced

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).

Gear expertise and a customer focus

Gear Seminar in Brazil

In November 2024 Liebherr Brasil LTDA held one of its renowned Gear Seminars on gear technology in Guaratinguetá, Brazil. Industry experts were in the spotlight as their presentations focused on grinding, soft machining and measuring technologies. The program provided the wide range of participants with well-grounded technical knowledge and practical know-how, and showcased the expertise and services available at the Brazilian site. The accompanying program offered space for knowledge sharing and direct networking.

Measurement along the path of contact und waviness analysis

Progressive measurement solution: Patent application for faster and more precise results

Waviness on tooth flank surfaces is a significant factor in noise developing in gearboxes. Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has therefore filed for a patent for a new measurement method, which produces more precise and meaningful results with less labor required.

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.