Stoke-on-Trent-based DePe Gear Co Ltd, which designs and manufactures gears and gearboxes that are used in sectors such as rail transport, mining, quarrying and steel processing, has ordered a second Höfler Rapid gear-grinding machine from UK agent Micronz (
www.micronz.co.uk) after rising demand for the company’s products and an increase in requests for larger gears prompted company directors Nigel Parker and Andrew Jubb to search for an additional high-quality gear grinder.
Mr Jubb says: “We installed a Höfler Rapid 800 gear grinder in 2008 and were impressed by the quality of the machine’s output and its impressive production volumes.
“In fact, it was able to get through the same amount of work in one day that our older machines managed in a week. When the need recently arose for a further gear grinder, we looked at a couple of other brands, but we concluded that our Höfler still had a technical lead, so another Rapid-series machine was the best way forward. We placed an order for a Rapid 1250.
“With its capacity for larger gear diameters — 1,250mm compared to 800mm — the new machine will allow us to satisfy the growing demand for larger gears. In addition to its external-diameter gear-grinding capabilities, we particularly appreciate its ability to grind internal gears from solid.
“This enables us to provide a fast turn-round for our customers, as we can machine helical gears without having to wait for special guideways to be made.
“There is a growing demand for the manufacture of internal gears, and only a few UK companies can undertake this kind of work, so we anticipate keeping our new gear grinder busy in this area.”