#manufacturing #engineering Based in Ricardo’s Midlands Technical Centre in Leamington Spa, Ricardo Driveline and Transmission Systems (RDTS) recently invested in a Höfler Helix 400 SK gear-grinding machine
(www.micronz.co.uk), which uses a 15kW grinding spindle, a 400mm grinding wheel and high-pressure oil feed to provide very fast grinding times. In addition, the use of such a large wheel minimises dressing cycles, cuts grinding-wheel costs and reduces the risk of over-heating when grinding.
Nigel Walker of RDTS says: “We purchased a highly productive Höfler Promat 400 SK profile gear grinder six years ago, and we have been delighted with its reliability and the quality of its output, so when the need arose for another machine and we found that the Höfler Helix 400 SK ticked all of our boxes, the decision was an easy one. Not only has the service from Höfler been fist-class; the assistance we have received from its UK agent Micronz has also been of great help.
“Following a trouble-free installation and training period, our new gear grinder is now turning out the anticipated quantity of high-quality gears. Even though the Helix 400 SK is used by our highly skilled personnel, the interface is so intuitive that I’m sure operators with little or no experience in the manufacture of gears could quickly become proficient on the machine. In addition to manufacturing gears for high-performance transmission systems, it is proving ideal for gear development work. I’m sure that it will prove a great asset for many years to come.”