Nidec Machine Tool Corporation has introduced the ZI25A internal gear grinding machine, designed to meet the growing demand for larger, high-precision gears in automotive drive units, robot joints, and reducers. The ZI25A will be unveiled at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF 2024), scheduled for November 5-10, 2024, where live demonstrations will showcase its capabilities.
Building on the precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the ZI20A, the first mass-production internal gear grinder introduced in 2009, the ZI25A now accommodates larger gears with an increased maximum external diameter of 250mm, up from 200mm. This expansion allows the ZI25A to meet the demands for larger gears in various industries.
Designed to correct distortion caused by thermal treatments in ring gears used in vehicles, robots, and more, the ZI25A ensures precise, efficient, and cost-effective grinding of internal teeth. It utilizes high-speed, synchronized grinding technology with a spindle that rotates at up to 15,000 rpm and a work table that reaches 6,000 rpm.
The ZI25A’s wide axis-crossing angle of 20º to 35º enhances sliding speed and reduces interference during the grinding process, ensuring smoother operations. Additionally, the screw-type grinding stone, featuring an enlarged central diameter, supports high-efficiency machining by creating a barrel-shaped grinding surface.
For precise shaping of the grinding stone, the ZI25A includes an on-board dressing system, allowing for high-precision mass production without removing the stone from the machine. In collaboration with Germany’s RWTH Aachen University, Nidec Machine Tool has also focused on extending the lifespan of grinding stones. By adopting durable, clean-cutting stones suited to large-diameter workpieces, the ZI25A reduces tooling costs compared to traditional grinding machines.
As global demand for high-precision gears continues to grow, Nidec Machine Tool remains dedicated to creating systems that handle both rough and finish processing of various gear types, including internal and external, large, and small-diameter gears. These advanced systems, with automation and precision at their core, meet the ever-evolving needs of modern gear machining.
