EMAG CLC 500 H

$600,000 - $900,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Max Workpiece ⌀

500 mm (19.5 in)

max workpiece length

2,000 / 3,000 mm (78.5 / 118 in)

max module

30 mm

axis drives

Direct-drive on table and milling head

tangential axes

Hand-scraped

cutting method

Oil, emulsion, or dry

Overview

The EMAG CLC 500 H is a large-capacity horizontal CNC gear hobbing machine designed for machining gear wheels, worm gears, and long-toothed shafts with workpiece diameters up to 500 mm (19.5 in) and modules up to 30 mm. As the largest machine in EMAG's CLC horizontal hobbing platform, the CLC 500 H targets heavy-industry gear production including wind turbine gearboxes, mining equipment, marine propulsion, and large industrial gearboxes where gear modules routinely exceed 10 mm.

The machine accommodates workpiece lengths of 2,000 mm or 3,000 mm (78.5 or 118 in) depending on configuration, providing the capacity for long gear shafts and pinions used in heavy-duty power transmission applications. Like the smaller CLC 260 H, the CLC 500 H features hand-scraped tangential axes and direct-drive axes on both the table and milling head, delivering the geometric accuracy and zero-backlash synchronization essential for maintaining pitch accuracy on large-module gears where tooth profile errors are amplified.

The CLC 500 H supports processing with oil, emulsion, or dry cutting. For large-module gears in alloy steel, oil-based cutting is typical to manage the substantial heat and cutting forces generated during heavy roughing passes. Optional capabilities include skiving, single-part milling, on-machine measurement, deburring, and chamfering — enabling shops to complete as much gear processing as possible in a single setup, which is particularly valuable when handling large, heavy workpieces that are difficult and time-consuming to transfer between machines.

For manufacturers producing large gears in the module 6-30 mm range, the CLC 500 H represents one of the few horizontal hobbing platforms capable of handling both the diameter and length requirements of heavy-industry gear shafts. The combination of 500 mm diameter capacity, 3,000 mm workpiece length, and module 30 capability positions the CLC 500 H as a workhorse for gear shops serving wind energy, mining, oil and gas, marine, and heavy industrial equipment sectors.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Workpiece Diameter	500 mm (19.5 in)
Max Workpiece Length	2,000 / 3,000 mm (78.5 / 118 in)
Max Module	30 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

500 mm diameter and module 30 capacity handles the large-module gears used in wind turbine, mining, and heavy industrial gearboxes
Workpiece lengths up to 3,000 mm accommodate the long pinion shafts common in heavy-duty power transmission applications
Direct-drive axes with hand-scraped tangential guides deliver the geometric accuracy needed for large-module gears where profile errors are amplified
Supports oil, emulsion, and dry cutting — essential flexibility for the diverse material requirements of heavy-industry gear production
Optional on-machine measurement reduces handling of large, heavy workpieces that are difficult to transport to separate inspection equipment
Horizontal layout enables gravity-assisted chip evacuation and provides operator accessibility even with large, heavy workpieces

Limitations

Large machine footprint, especially in the 3,000 mm workpiece length configuration, requires substantial floor space allocation
Heavy-industry gear production at module 30 generates enormous cutting forces, requiring robust foundations and proper installation planning
High acquisition cost reflects the machine's large-capacity construction and heavy-duty drive systems
Not optimized for high-volume small-gear production — the CLC 500 H is built for larger gears in small to medium lot sizes

Best For

Wind turbine gearbox manufacturers producing large ring gears, planet gears, and pinion shafts in the module 10-30 range Mining equipment and heavy machinery builders machining large-module drive gears and pinions for crushing, conveying, and excavation systems Marine propulsion gear manufacturers producing long pinion shafts and large-diameter gear wheels for ship reduction gearboxes Industrial gearbox builders manufacturing gears for cement, sugar, steel, and paper mill drives in the 300-500 mm diameter range Oil and gas equipment manufacturers producing large gears for pump drives, compressor gearboxes, and drilling equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the largest gear module the CLC 500 H can cut?

The CLC 500 H can cut gears up to module 30 mm, which corresponds to approximately 0.85 diametral pitch (DP). This covers the vast majority of large industrial gearing including wind turbine gearbox components, mining equipment drive gears, and heavy marine propulsion gears. Very few hobbing machines in this diameter class offer module 30 capability.

02 How does the CLC 500 H compare to the CLC 260 H?

The CLC 500 H nearly doubles the maximum workpiece diameter (500 mm vs 260 mm) and increases the maximum module from 6 to 30. The CLC 500 H is built with heavier-duty spindle drives and structural components to handle the significantly larger cutting forces associated with large-module gear hobbing. The CLC 260 H offers slightly longer workpiece capacity in its maximum configuration (3,200 mm vs 3,000 mm) but cannot match the CLC 500 H's diameter and module range.

03 Can the CLC 500 H produce worm gears?

Yes, the CLC 500 H is designed for machining worm gears in addition to spur and helical gears. The machine's horizontal configuration is well suited for worm production, where the workpiece is typically a long shaft. With the single-part milling option, the CLC 500 H can also produce worm wheels using fly-cutter or single-index methods.

04 What foundation requirements does the CLC 500 H have?

Given the large cutting forces generated during module 30 hobbing operations, the CLC 500 H requires a reinforced concrete foundation designed to the machine's specific load and vibration specifications. EMAG provides detailed foundation drawings and specifications during the pre-installation planning phase. Typical requirements include a reinforced isolation slab of 300-500 mm thickness depending on soil conditions.