Klingelnberg C 50
Key Specifications
Max Workpiece ⌀
machine type
max module
min module
max face width
max workpiece height
Overview
The Klingelnberg C 50 is a CNC cylindrical gear grinding machine for the precision finish grinding of external and internal spur and helical gears up to 500 mm in diameter. Part of Klingelnberg's C-series (cylindrical) grinding range, the C 50 occupies the mid-range position between the compact C 30 and the large-capacity C 60, targeting the industrial gearbox, wind turbine main gearbox component, marine propulsion, and heavy machinery sectors where cylindrical gears in the 200-500 mm range are common. Klingelnberg developed the C-series to apply the same precision and software integration principles found in their P-series bevel gear grinders to the cylindrical gear production market.
The C 50 uses Klingelnberg's generating grinding process with a threaded grinding wheel for maximum throughput on production runs, switchable to profile grinding with a dressable profile wheel for gears with modified flanks, tip relief, or other topological modifications. This dual-process capability makes the C 50 highly flexible across different gear types without requiring separate machines. The machine supports internal gear grinding via an internal grinding attachment — a capability that many competitive machines lack. Klingelnberg's KIMoS software manages both process modes, handling all aspects of gear geometry definition, grinding cycle optimization, and SPC data integration.
The C 50 incorporates an integrated gear measuring station that allows in-process gear inspection without removing the workpiece from the machine. This eliminates the time and handling required to transfer parts to a separate CMM or gear measuring instrument, and enables closed-loop correction of flank deviations within the grinding cycle. The measuring station uses the same probe technology as Klingelnberg's P-series measuring instruments, ensuring consistency between in-process and final inspection results. Measurement cycles for gears up to 500 mm complete in under 15 minutes.
At approximately $1,000,000-$1,500,000, the C 50 competes with the Liebherr LGG 500, Reishauer RZ 400 (at its upper capacity limit), and Gleason 500GX in the large cylindrical gear grinding segment. The machine is well-suited to industrial gearbox manufacturers, wind turbine component producers, and heavy equipment drivetrain suppliers who need the flexibility to grind both production runs and custom one-off gears in the same machine.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | CNC Cylindrical Gear Grinding Machine |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Max Module | 16 mm |
| Min Module | 1 mm |
| Max Face Width | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Height | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Gear Types | External and internal spur and helical gears |
| Grinding Methods | Generating grinding (threaded wheel) and profile grinding |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 35 kW (47 hp) continuous |
| Number Of Cnc Axes | 7 (including B-axis for internal grinding) |
| Surface Finish Achievable | Ra 0.2 - 0.5 µm |
| Quality Achievable | DIN 3962 Class 3-5 / AGMA Q11-13 |
| In Process Measurement | Integrated gear measuring station (Klingelnberg probe) |
| Dressing System | Integrated CNC diamond roller dressing |
| CNC Control | Klingelnberg proprietary CNC (KIMoS software) |
| Machine Weight | 18,000 kg (39,683 lb) |
| Machine Dimensions | 4,500 x 3,200 x 3,000 mm (177 x 126 x 118 in) |
Specifications sourced from klingelnberg.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Dual-process capability — generating grinding and profile grinding in one machine — handles both production runs and custom/modified flank gears without machine changeover
- Internal gear grinding capability via integrated attachment covers ring gear and internal spline applications that most competing machines cannot handle
- Integrated gear measuring station enables closed-loop flank correction without workpiece removal, reducing first-article qualification time
- 500 mm diameter capacity addresses the full industrial gearbox and wind turbine gearbox component range in a single machine
- KIMoS software integration with Klingelnberg measuring instruments enables seamless process feedback across the full cut-to-inspection workflow
Limitations
- $1.0M-$1.5M investment is suited to high-volume producers and large job shops — lower-volume shops may find the capital difficult to justify
- Dual-process capability adds complexity to operator training compared to generating-only or profile-only grinders — operators must be proficient in both processes
- 500 mm maximum diameter still falls short of the very large ring gears (above 600 mm) found in heavy industrial and offshore wind gearboxes, which require dedicated large-gear grinders
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Generating grinding uses a threaded grinding wheel that continuously meshes with the gear being ground, similar to the gear hobbing process. It is the fastest method for production grinding of standard involute gears. Profile grinding uses a wheel dressed to the exact tooth profile, grinding one tooth gap at a time. Profile grinding is slower but required for gears with tip relief, root relief, flank crowning, or other topological modifications. The C 50 supports both, switchable within the same machine.
02
The C 30 handles gears up to approximately 300 mm and is the compact model for smaller industrial and automotive gears. The C 50 extends to 500 mm for the industrial gearbox and wind turbine component market. The C 60 handles the largest gears in the C-series range, up to approximately 600 mm, for the heaviest industrial and power generation applications. All three models share KIMoS software and Klingelnberg's design philosophy.
03
Yes. The C 50 includes an internal grinding attachment (B-axis configuration) that enables grinding of internal spur and helical gears. Internal gear grinding requires a smaller diameter grinding wheel that reaches inside the ring gear bore. Klingelnberg's KIMoS software manages the different axis motions required for internal vs. external grinding within the same programming environment.
04
The C 50's integrated measuring station uses the same Klingelnberg probe technology as the standalone P-series measuring instruments, providing comparable accuracy for in-process checking. However, standalone measuring instruments in a temperature-controlled environment will always provide higher absolute accuracy than an on-machine system subject to thermal variations from the grinding process. The integrated station is intended for rapid in-process feedback; final dimensional certification is typically performed on a standalone instrument.
05
Primary users are industrial gearbox manufacturers (particularly for process industries: mining, cement, steel, paper), wind turbine gearbox component producers grinding planet and sun gears, marine propulsion equipment manufacturers, heavy construction and mining equipment drivetrain suppliers, and high-volume job shops servicing these industries.
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