Gleason 350GMS
Key Specifications
Max Workpiece ⌀
axes
max workpiece weight
measurement probe
measured parameters
gear types
Overview
The Gleason 350GMS (Gear Measuring System) is a CNC bevel gear measuring machine for spiral bevel, hypoid, and straight bevel gears up to 350 mm (13.8 in) workpiece diameter. It is designed specifically for closed-loop integration with Gleason's Phoenix series bevel gear cutting machines, providing the measurement feedback necessary for automated tooth geometry correction in automotive and industrial bevel gear production.
The 350GMS uses a high-accuracy touch-trigger or scanning probe mounted on a multi-axis CNC measuring head to map the complete three-dimensional tooth surface geometry of bevel gears. The machine measures tooth profile, lead, pitch, runout, and composite errors against the theoretical geometry defined by the Gleason GEMS cutting software. Measurement results are expressed in standard bevel gear parameters (mean point geometry, pressure angle, spiral angle, tooth thickness) as well as full surface topography maps.
The most important feature of the 350GMS in a production environment is its GEMS software integration. Measured deviations are automatically formatted as cutting machine correction parameters and can be transmitted directly to the Phoenix 280G or other Gleason cutting machines. This closed-loop correction capability eliminates the skilled operator judgment traditionally required to interpret bevel gear measurement data and calculate cutting machine adjustments — a critical productivity enabler in high-volume automotive production.
The 350GMS is built on a thermally stable granite base with CNC-controlled measuring axes and an air-bearing spindle for the workpiece. The machine environment requirements (temperature control, vibration isolation) are less demanding than a traditional coordinate measuring machine because the 350GMS is purpose-built for gear measurement rather than general geometric measurement. New 350GMS systems are typically priced in the $500,000–$800,000 range.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Axes | 5 (CNC multi-axis measuring head) |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 100 kg (220 lb) |
| Measurement Probe | Touch-trigger or scanning probe |
| Measured Parameters | Profile, lead, pitch, runout, tooth thickness, surface topography |
| Gear Types | Spiral bevel, hypoid, straight bevel, face gears |
| Spindle | Air-bearing workpiece spindle |
| Base | Granite measuring base |
| Software | Gleason GEMS with closed-loop Phoenix integration |
| Temperature Compensation | Integrated thermal compensation |
| Output Formats | GEMS correction files, IGES, standard gear reports |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,800 x 1,400 x 1,900 mm (71 x 55 x 75 in) |
Specifications sourced from gleason.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- GEMS software integration with Phoenix cutting machines enables fully automated closed-loop bevel gear correction — measured deviations become cutting corrections without skilled operator intervention
- Purpose-built for bevel gear measurement with results reported in native bevel gear parameters, unlike general CMMs that require specialized post-processing software
- Air-bearing workpiece spindle provides high-accuracy rotational reference for pitch and runout measurements critical to bevel gear quality assessment
- Granite base and thermal compensation system provide measurement stability in the near-production-floor environment typical of bevel gear manufacturing cells
Limitations
- Measurement capacity limited to 350 mm — larger bevel gears require Gleason's larger measurement platforms or third-party gear measuring equipment
- Software integration is Gleason-ecosystem specific; closed-loop correction requires Phoenix cutting machines — shops using other bevel gear cutting equipment cannot leverage the automated correction workflow
- Capital cost of $500K–$800K means the 350GMS is typically justified only in dedicated bevel gear production cells with sufficient volume to amortize the measurement system investment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A standard CMM adapted for gear measurement uses general-purpose measurement software with gear measurement modules. The 350GMS is purpose-built for bevel gear measurement with Gleason's specific parameter definitions, tooth contact analysis outputs, and GEMS correction file formats. The closed-loop integration with Phoenix cutting machines is native to the 350GMS, whereas a general CMM requires custom software development to achieve similar correction feedback. For bevel gear production in a Gleason ecosystem, the 350GMS is the optimized solution.
02
The 350GMS can physically measure any bevel gear within its size envelope regardless of how it was cut. The measurement results are reported in standard bevel gear parameters. However, the automated closed-loop correction workflow is designed specifically for Gleason Phoenix cutting machine parameter formats. Measurement data can be exported in standard formats for use with other equipment, but the seamless automated correction is a Gleason-to-Gleason integration.
03
A full measurement cycle for a typical automotive ring gear (40–48 teeth) measuring profile, lead, pitch, and runout on all teeth typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on the measurement density and probe configuration. Single-flank composite testing is faster. In production environments, sampling strategies (measuring every 5th or 10th gear) reduce the effective measurement load. First-article and capability studies require full measurement of all teeth on multiple parts.
04
The 350GMS replaces gear measurement functionality but does not replace general-purpose CMM capability for non-gear features like bore diameters, face runout, and housing features. A complete bevel gear quality system typically includes the 350GMS for gear-specific measurement and a separate CMM or functional gauging for component dimensional features. The 350GMS is a gear measurement specialist, not a general metrology solution.
05
The 350GMS requires a temperature-controlled measurement environment, typically 20°C ± 1°C (68°F ± 2°F) for accurate results. The machine should be isolated from floor vibration and positioned away from heat sources such as cutting machines and hydraulic units. Gleason recommends a dedicated measurement room or at minimum a climate-controlled enclosure. The requirements are less stringent than high-precision CMMs for general metrology but more demanding than a production floor environment.
Videos
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Gleason Corporation
Community Discussions
Community discussion about this machine.
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