Since its introduction, Vergnano has actively participated in the development of the dry hobbing method. The rationale behind this choice has been confirmed by consistent investments made by major manufacturers of speed gears and transmissions in this hobbing method.
The combined use of powder metallurgy high speed steel (HSSE-PM) substrates and state-of-the-art hard coatings, such as TiAlN and AlCrN, make it possible to reach cutting speeds exceeding 200 m/min. Until recently, these values were thought impossible for steel hobs.
PM steel often represents an economically advantageous alternative to solid carbide.
Although solid carbide allows for higher cutting speeds, the high toughness of HSSE-PM permits greater feed rates and therefore similar or higher productivity compared to solid carbide. The high toughness also lowers the risk of accidental fracture.
In addition, hobs made from HSSE-PM have lower initial, re-sharpening and re-coating costs.
HSSE-PM hobs also yield excellent results using traditional wet hobbing methods, allowing for reduced process times and longer tool life.