Gleason P600G
Key Specifications
Weight
workpiece diameter max
max module
max gear width
grinding spindle speed
pivoting angle
Overview
The Gleason P600G (originally Gleason-Pfauter) is a CNC profile grinding machine designed for medium-to-large cylindrical gears up to 600 mm diameter, with an optional extension to 800 mm. Where threaded wheel grinders like the Genesis GX series excel at high-volume automotive gears, the P600G targets a different niche: lower-volume, higher-precision gears for wind energy, marine, mining, and heavy industrial applications where profile grinding's flexibility matters more than raw cycle time.
The machine grinds external and internal spur and helical gears using the single-index (Maag) method, plus any arbitrary profile or form that can be ground with a disc wheel. That versatility is the P600G's strongest selling point. You can grind standard involute profiles, modified profiles with tip relief and crowning, and even non-involute forms — all on the same machine. The grinding spindle runs up to 8,000 RPM with a pivoting angle of +/- 40 degrees, and the table handles workpieces up to 1,200 kg.
Axis feeds are generous: 3,000 mm/min on X, 5,000 mm/min on Y, and 4,800 mm/min on Z, with table rotation from 0 to 22 RPM. The 450 mm diameter table with 215 mm bore accommodates a wide range of workholding configurations. The Siemens 840C/D control runs Gleason-Pfauter's proprietary grinding software with full dressing capability.
At approximately 11,000 kg and a footprint of 6.2 x 6.6 x 3.7 m, the P600G is a substantial machine. It competes directly with the Klingelnberg Hoefler Rapid series, Reishauer RZ series (in profile mode), and Liebherr LCS machines in the 400-800 mm range. For shops that need the flexibility to grind one-off prototype gears on Monday and a 50-piece production run on Friday, the P600G's profile grinding approach is hard to beat.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Workpiece Diameter Max | 600 mm (23.6 in), extendable to 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Max Module | 15 mm (profile depth 35 mm) |
| Max Gear Width | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | 1,200 - 8,000 RPM |
| Pivoting Angle | +/- 40° |
| Table Diameter | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Table Bore | 215 mm (8.5 in) |
| Table Load Max | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Table Speed | 0 - 22 RPM |
| Feed Rate X | 3,000 mm/min |
| Feed Rate Y | 5,000 mm/min |
| Feed Rate Z | 4,800 mm/min |
| Grinding Method | Single-index profile grinding (Maag method) |
| Gear Types | External/internal spur, helical, and arbitrary profiles |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik 840C/D |
| Machine Weight | 11,000 kg (24,250 lb) |
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 6.6 x 3.7 m (20.3 x 21.7 x 12.1 ft) |
Specifications sourced from gleason.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 600 mm workpiece capacity (800 mm optional) covers wind energy, marine, and heavy industrial gear ranges that smaller grinders can't touch
- Profile grinding method handles standard involute, modified, and non-involute forms on the same machine
- Grinds both external and internal gears — internal capability is rare and eliminates the need for a dedicated internal grinder
- 1,200 kg table load accommodates heavy gear blanks and robust fixturing for large workpieces
- 8,000 RPM grinding spindle with +/- 40° pivot handles steep helix angles and fine-pitch gears
- Siemens 840C/D control is industry-standard and familiar to most CNC operators
Limitations
- Single-index grinding is inherently slower than continuous generating grinding — cycle times can be 3-5x longer on high-tooth-count gears
- 11,000 kg machine weight and 6.2 x 6.6 m footprint require significant floor space and foundation planning
- Older control platform (840C) on some units; verify the control version when buying used
- Gleason-Pfauter service and parts availability varies by region — strong in Europe and North America, thinner in Asia
- Profile grinding wheel dressing takes longer than threaded wheel dressing, adding to non-cut time
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Profile grinding uses a disc-shaped wheel dressed to the exact tooth form and grinds one tooth gap at a time (single-index). Generating grinding uses a threaded worm wheel and grinds all teeth in a continuous motion. Profile grinding is slower but more flexible — it can grind any profile shape, including non-involute forms. Generating grinding is faster but limited to standard involute profiles.
02
Yes. The P600G can grind both external and internal spur and helical gears. Internal gear grinding capability is relatively rare and typically requires a separate dedicated machine, so having it on the same platform is a significant advantage for shops producing planetary gearsets.
03
The P600G routinely achieves DIN 3-5 quality (AGMA 12-14) depending on gear size, module, and grinding parameters. Profile grinding is inherently capable of very high accuracy because the wheel is dressed to the exact final tooth form.
04
The P600G has been succeeded by newer models in Gleason's profile grinding lineup, but it remains widely available on the used market. Machines from the 2000s and 2010s with Siemens 840D controls are the best used buys, typically priced between $200,000 and $500,000 depending on condition and vintage.
Videos
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Gleason Corporation
EMUK GmbH Werkzeugmaschinen
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