Klingelnberg C 80

Klingelnberg uses a face-hobbing (continuous indexing) process that produces uniform tooth depth bevel gears with an epicycloidal tooth curve. Gleason uses a face-milling (single indexing) process that produces tapered tooth depth gears with a circular arc tooth curve in the normal section. The two formats produce different tooth geometry, different contact patterns, and different performance characteristics. They are not interchangeable — a Klingelnberg ring gear must be paired with a Klingelnberg pinion, and the same for Gleason. Most European aerospace applications specify Klingelnberg format.

The Palloid process (also called Zyklo-Palloid) is Klingelnberg's face-hobbing bevel gear cutting method. A cutter head with multiple blade groups rotates continuously, with each blade group cutting one tooth slot as the cutter and workpiece rotate in a timed relationship. The continuous indexing produces an epicycloidal tooth curve and uniform tooth depth. The process is well-suited for high-quality spiral bevel gears with very uniform tooth spacing and consistent surface finish across all teeth.

Yes, the C 80 can cut hypoid gears using the Klingelnberg face-hobbing process. Klingelnberg's KIMOS software handles the additional kinematics required for hypoid geometry (offset pinion axis). Klingelnberg-format hypoid gears are used in European automotive rear axles and industrial applications where the hypoid offset provides packaging or efficiency advantages.

KIMOS (Klingelnberg Integrated Manufacturing of Spiral Bevel and Hypoid Gears) is Klingelnberg's proprietary software platform that connects bevel gear cutting machines (C-series) and measuring centers (P-series) in a closed-loop manufacturing workflow. KIMOS stores gear geometry definitions, generates cutting machine settings, interprets measurement results, and automatically calculates cutting machine corrections without manual parameter translation. This integration is Klingelnberg's equivalent to Gleason's GEMS system.

Klingelnberg has its North American headquarters in Huntersville, North Carolina, with application engineering, service, and parts support for the C-series and P-series machines. Klingelnberg's global service network provides on-site service with typical response times of 1-2 business days in the US. Spare parts are stocked at the North American facility for commonly replaced items. Training programs for C 80 operators and programmers are offered at Klingelnberg's facilities and on-site.