EMAG CLC 260 H
Key Specifications
Max Workpiece ⌀
max workpiece length
max module
axis drives
tangential axes
cutting method
Overview
The EMAG CLC 260 H is a horizontal CNC gear hobbing machine built for machining gear wheels, worm gears, and long-toothed shafts with workpiece diameters up to 260 mm (10 in) and modules up to 6 mm. The CLC platform represents EMAG's mid-range horizontal hobbing solution, bridging the gap between the smaller HLC 150 H and the larger CLC 500 H for shops producing medium-sized gears for automotive, industrial gearbox, and power transmission applications.
The machine accommodates workpiece lengths of 1,800 mm, 2,300 mm, or 3,200 mm (71, 90.5, or 126 in) depending on configuration, making it one of the most flexible horizontal hobbers available for long-shaft and spline production. The hand-scraped tangential axes ensure the geometric accuracy needed for high-quality gear cutting, while direct-drive axes on both the table and milling head deliver the zero-backlash synchronization essential for maintaining pitch accuracy across the full tooth count.
The CLC 260 H supports processing with oil, emulsion, or dry cutting, giving manufacturers flexibility to optimize their process for different materials and production requirements. Optional capabilities include skiving, single-part milling, on-machine measurement, deburring, and chamfering — enabling complete gear processing in a single setup where applicable. The machine's horizontal layout facilitates easy setup and changeover, making it suitable for both individual parts and small to medium series production where job variety demands quick transitions between different gear specifications.
For automotive and industrial gear manufacturers producing shafts with integrated gearing, long splined shafts, or medium-module gear wheels in lot sizes from single pieces to moderate volumes, the CLC 260 H delivers the combination of capacity, flexibility, and precision that dedicated production hobbers cannot match. The ability to process workpieces up to 3,200 mm long on a machine with 260 mm diameter capacity makes the CLC 260 H particularly valuable for long-shaft applications that exceed the capacity of most competitive machines in this diameter class.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 260 mm (10 in) |
| Max Workpiece Length | 1,800 / 2,300 / 3,200 mm (71 / 90.5 / 126 in) |
| Max Module | 6 mm |
| Axis Drives | Direct-drive on table and milling head |
| Tangential Axes | Hand-scraped |
| Cutting Method | Oil, emulsion, or dry |
| Optional Processes | Skiving, single-part milling, on-machine measurement, deburring, chamfering |
| Configuration | Horizontal |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Module Max | mmin |
| Workpiece Length Max | mmin |
| Workpiece Dia Max | mmin |
Specifications sourced from emag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Workpiece lengths up to 3,200 mm accommodate long-toothed shafts and splines that exceed the capacity of most hobbers in this diameter class
- Direct-drive axes on table and milling head provide zero-backlash synchronization for consistent pitch accuracy across large tooth counts
- Hand-scraped tangential axes deliver the geometric precision required for high-quality gear cutting at tight DIN/AGMA quality levels
- Supports oil, emulsion, and dry cutting — maximizing process flexibility across different materials and production environments
- Optional skiving, measurement, deburring, and chamfering enable complete gear processing in a single setup
- Horizontal layout provides excellent chip evacuation and accessible setup for individual parts and small series production
Limitations
- 260 mm maximum diameter limits this machine to small and medium gears — larger gear wheels require the CLC 500 H
- Multiple workpiece length configurations mean the machine footprint varies significantly; longer versions require substantial floor space
- Hand-scraped axes require periodic re-scraping during major rebuilds, adding maintenance complexity compared to linear-guide designs
- Not optimized for mass production — shops running 100,000+ identical gears may find dedicated vertical hobbers more productive
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The CLC 260 H handles workpieces up to 260 mm diameter and module 6, compared to the HLC 150 H's 150 mm diameter and module 3 limit. The CLC 260 H also supports much longer workpieces (up to 3,200 mm vs 500 mm) and offers optional skiving and on-machine measurement. The HLC 150 H is optimized for high-speed production of small gears, while the CLC 260 H targets larger, more varied gear production.
02
Yes, skiving is available as an optional capability on the CLC 260 H. Power skiving combines elements of hobbing and shaping to produce internal and external gears at high productivity rates. When equipped with the skiving option, the CLC 260 H can produce gear forms that would otherwise require a separate shaping machine.
03
Horizontal hobbing is preferred for long-shaft workpieces because the workpiece is supported along its length rather than hanging vertically, reducing deflection and vibration. For shafts exceeding 1,000 mm, horizontal support is virtually mandatory to maintain gear quality. The CLC 260 H's horizontal layout also provides better operator access and chip evacuation for shaft-type work.
04
The CLC 260 H with its hand-scraped tangential axes and direct-drive synchronization typically achieves DIN 7-8 (AGMA 9-10) quality in production hobbing, with DIN 5-6 (AGMA 11-12) achievable under optimal conditions. For higher quality requirements, hobbed gears can be finished with subsequent shaving, honing, or grinding operations on machines like the EMAG G-series.
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