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.

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.

By advancing twist-free generating grinding, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is elevating efficiency and quality in hard-fine machining to the next level. The machining times when using dressable grinding worms have been reduced to almost the same level as conventional methods – even with asymmetrical gear teeth. At the same time, optimized shift methods enable fine grinding or polishing to be integrated into a single machining step.

When it comes to aviation, top quality is essential – for every single component. For surface quality measurement, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is the only manufacturer to offer a solution for internal and external gears on its measuring devices – optionally with skid or free-moving probe – in a single workpiece clamping.

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.

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.

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.

In April 2024, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH opened a branch in Mexico. The Querétaro site specializes in the sale and servicing of gear cutting machines and tools, measuring technology, and automation systems. Branch Manager Miguel Cisneros serves customers nationwide. He is supported in this role by Felix Scholz, General Manager of Liebherr Gear and Automation Technologies, Inc. in Saline, Michigan (USA), and Andreas Heider, Sales Director Gear Cutting Machines in Kempten (Germany). In the interview, they discuss goals, collaboration, and market potential.