Liebherr LC 500 CNC Gear Hobbing Machine
Key Specifications
Max Gear Diameter
Max Module
Gear Type
Max Workpiece Weight
Hob Diameter
Hob Arbor Speed
Overview
The Liebherr LC 500 is a full CNC gear hobbing machine designed for production of medium-to-large external spur and helical gears up to 500mm pitch diameter and module 1-8. Built around Liebherr's proven vertical hobbing architecture, the LC 500 features a synchronous spindle drive that maintains precise phase relationship between hob and workpiece for accurate involute profile generation. The Siemens 840D sl control with Liebherr WOP (Workshop Oriented Programming) simplifies job programming for operators. The LC 500 accommodates both HSS and carbide hobs with the full range of Liebherr's hobbing tool system. Automatic workpiece loading integration is available through Liebherr's own gantry loader systems. The LC 500 is commonly found in industrial gearbox, agricultural equipment, and heavy machinery gear production environments.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Gear Diameter | 500 mm |
| Max Module | 8 |
| Gear Type | External spur and helical |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 250 kg (on table) |
| Hob Diameter | Up to 160 mm |
| Hob Arbor Speed | Up to 600 RPM |
| Radial Feed | CNC servo |
| Tangential Shift | CNC servo (automatic hob shift) |
| Control | Siemens 840D sl + Liebherr WOP |
| Table Clamping | Hydraulic |
| Automation Ready | Yes (gantry loader interface) |
Specifications sourced from liebherr.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Siemens 840D control with Liebherr WOP for operator-friendly programming
- 500mm capacity covers industrial gearbox and construction equipment gears
- Automatic hob shift for extended tool life in production runs
- Gantry loader interface for lights-out production
- Strong global Liebherr machine tool service network
Limitations
- Gear hobbing limited to external gears (internal requires gear shaping)
- Module 8 upper limit restricts very large gear production
- High capital cost vs used cam-type hobbers for simple gear forms
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Gear hobbing uses a multi-tooth rotating hob tool that generates the involute profile through continuous rotation and feed. It is fast and suited for external spur and helical gears. Gear shaping uses a reciprocating gear-shaped cutter and can produce internal gears, cluster gears, and gears close to shoulders. Hobbing is faster for external gears; shaping is more versatile for internal and restricted geometries.
02
The Liebherr LC 500 produces external spur gears, external helical gears (with helix angles up to approximately 45 degrees), and worm gears. Internal gears require a different machine (gear shaper). The LC 500 handles both through-feed and climb-hobbing for soft and pre-hardened materials.
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Community Discussions
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Pricing and buying discussion — gear hobbing : r/Machinists - Reddithas anyone created a diy cnc gear hobbing machine?Machining - RedditHow to remove center : r/Machinists - RedditCan this be done in a lathe w live tooling without a gear ...What does everyone see as the most trusted CNC machine bran
Community discussion — has anyone created a diy cnc gear hobbing machine?
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