The new series includes all relevant gear technologies and is aimed at manufacturers of large gears, particularly in the sectors of mechanical engineering, ship drives, construction machinery, and wind power. It kicks off with milling machines and profile grinding machines for this size range – thus covering hard fine machining of large workpieces for the first time.
With the expansion of the platform, Liebherr now offers the entire machining spectrum in this size category and responds to the growing demand for soft and hard fine machining from a single source. “Especially for this segment, our concept of a comprehensive solution is designed,” explains Thomas Breith, head of product management for gear technology. With the new LGP 2000, profile grinding of workpieces up to 2,000 millimeters in diameter is possible. Customers will soon receive a machine package that includes milling and grinding – a combination that is often used in the machining of large components.
Modular construction kit system
The focus of the redesign was on modularity, flexibility, and reduced parts variety – with the aim of optimizing delivery times and spare parts availability. All machines are based on a thermosymmetrical machine bed, which is optimally tempered by the circulation of coolant. “This makes milling and grinding thermally even more stable than with the predecessor machines,” explains Thomas Breith.
The machines feature a highly precise, hydrostatically supported table with wear-free direct drive. Depending on the machine type, flat or roller linear guides are used, which allow for high damping during milling as well as the highest precision during grinding and gear testing on the machine. Two main column variants with 1,500 and 2,000 millimeters of stroke allow for efficient machining of particularly long shafts with multiple gears. The machines of the platform are prepared for automation solutions such as pallet changers or ring loaders.
New features in milling: integrable chamfering unit, optimized chip removal
New is that the milling machines offer an optional chamfering unit with a conventional end mill (FlexChamfer) that can be directly used at the milling head. It allows for economical machining even in small batch sizes. In the milling of internal gears, an integrated chip removal makes a complex, separate channel in the hall foundation unnecessary. The milling machines are suitable for both dry and wet machining.
Profile grinding: new LGP series for large gears
For profile grinding of large gears, different grinding head configurations are available on the LGP. A unique feature is the sequential use of two grinding wheels without tool change. This allows for different tool specifications that either shorten grinding time or enable higher achievable surface qualities in production.
The LGP allows for both “High Speed Grinding” – also known as quick stroke grinding – and “Creep Feed Grinding,” which is also associated with deep grinding. Single or double flank topological profile grinding as well as internal grinding via an optional swiveling internal grinding arm are made possible thanks to the modern LHGearTec. In addition to a conventional double dresser, the LGP can also be equipped with a double dresser for simultaneous dressing of the two grinding wheel flanks. This can almost halve the dressing times and significantly increase the productivity of the profile grinding machine.
New platform: modular, economical, precise
The newly designed large machine platform offers – also thanks to a uniform control interface – comprehensive synergies across all machining processes. Shorter machining times in profile grinding lower machine costs and thus reduce piece costs for the customer. The modular concept also improves the availability of spare parts and ensures high machine availability. The new milling and profile grinding machines will be presented for the first time at EMO in September 2025.
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