Small batch sizes, large variety: The Terhaerst Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Neunkirchen near Nuremberg relies on a gear milling machine LC 700 M from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH. It replaces several older existing machines and enables efficient processing of a wide range of workpieces with significantly reduced processing times.
Christian Ripper attentively looks into the working area of the LC 700 M. On the control screen, he starts the processing program, and a few minutes later, the gear is finished milled. For the managing director and technical director of Terhaerst Maschinenfabrik GmbH, this moment is still special: 'Every day I work on the machine is a highlight for me.' Since autumn 2025, the company has been manufacturing gears on the gear milling machine from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH. The investment marks an important step in modernizing the machine park.
Precision for a wide range of workpieces
The company was founded in 1906 and specializes in gears, gearbox parts, as well as CNC turned and milled parts. Today, eight employees manufacture a wide range for general mechanical engineering – including straight and helical gears, internal gears, and rack gears. Production is mainly in batch sizes of one to 20 pieces with workpiece diameters up to 700 mm and modules from 1 to 12. This variety places high demands on manufacturing technology in terms of productivity and flexibility.
Investment in productivity
In the search for a new milling machine, the overall concept of Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH was convincing. 'Processing size, technology, and equipment fit optimally with our parts spectrum,' says Christian Ripper. Good advice from area sales manager Thomas Butzke also played a crucial role: 'He supported us throughout the entire process with great commitment and expertise.'
The machine features a machine table with a 550 mm table top and a powerful milling head. The intuitive operating software LHGearTec allows for simple and straightforward operation. Automation was not implemented: Due to the small batch sizes, loading is still done manually, but robot automation would also be possible.
Nevertheless, the LC 700 M significantly increases productivity. It replaces four older machines, which are still available as buffers but are now less frequently needed in daily use. The extent of the effect is demonstrated by a gear series, whose processing time decreased from about one hour to a few minutes.
High process reliability, intuitive operation
The commissioning also left a consistently positive impression: The Liebherr service accompanied the entire process from delivery to the meticulous alignment of the machine. Production was stable shortly after. 'Everything just worked, and the quality was right immediately,' says Christian Ripper. The user interface is also convincing: 'The software is very intuitive,' says Ripper, who programs and operates the machine himself.
Quality 'Made in Germany'
Another decision factor for the investment in the machine was that it is completely manufactured in Germany. For Christian Ripper, it stands for modern engineering and a long-term investment in quality and competitiveness. He also wants to consider Liebherr for future investments. 'The machine convinces us every day.'
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