To expand the capacities for spur gears up to 400 millimeters in diameter, Ilmberger Maschinen- und Zahnradfabrik GmbH invested in a Liebherr LC 400 M gear cutting machine. This provided the company with a powerful, compact, and flexible solution for a long-term customer order. Not only the technology but also communication and service were convincing in every respect.
Since 1946, Ilmberger Maschinen- und Zahnradfabrik GmbH, based in Straubing, East Bavaria, has been manufacturing and developing drive technology and coating systems. With modern manufacturing facilities, 90 employees produce precision gears and drive components for nearly all industries. The company specializes in small and medium batch sizes, prototypes, and pre-series. The business relationship with Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH dates back to 1956 with the first gear cutting machine of the type Lorenz S 800. Today, the flexible, state-of-the-art machine fleet also includes additional Liebherr machines. To expand the capacities in spur gear machining for a long-term customer order, Ilmberger invested in another Liebherr gear cutting machine in 2024.
Productive and powerful: the LC 400 M
The LC 400 M is designed for manual loading and offers high productivity and flexibility on a small footprint. It is suitable for workpieces with diameters up to 400 millimeters and shafts with lengths up to 500 millimeters, and impresses with high rigidity, a thermally stable machine bed, and a particularly powerful milling head. The intuitive, touch-based user interface of the LHGearTec software significantly simplifies setup. However, factors such as price and short delivery time also played a role in the decision for the LC 400 M - especially in contract machining, these are crucial factors.
Small machine for large module
Three different drive gears are manufactured with module sizes from 4.5 to 7.25, diameters up to 320 millimeters, and tooth widths up to 80 millimeters. These are convexly executed, pre-milled helical gears. During machining, several allowances must be considered to make targeted corrections after hardening. Ilmberger was impressed by the powerful milling head of the LC 400 M. 'At first, we were skeptical whether the compact machine could handle the large module permanently - but it manages it effortlessly,' says Oliver Macholej, production manager at Ilmberger Maschinen- und Zahnradfabrik GmbH.
Manually loadable machine with flexible automation
Due to the significantly more compact footprint, the choice fell on the manual machine version, which was automated in-house with a handling robot and conveyor belt. 'Not primarily for increasing productivity, but because of the high component weight and increasing quantities,' explains Oliver Macholej. 'We appreciate the flexibility of the LC 400 M - the automation can be quickly dismantled and used on other machines if needed. This is ideal for our medium-sized business with changing requirements.'
'Everything fit perfectly'
Not only is the company very satisfied with the machine: 'The fact that we have been working together for decades speaks for itself,' praises Oliver Macholej. Short paths, direct contact with sales, and comprehensive service - from tools to grinding - complete the overall package. 'Buying a machine is a matter of trust - in the end, everything fit perfectly.'
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