Description
EP-200: Heavy-Duty 6-Axis Vertical Hobbing for Medium-to-Large Module Industrial Gear Production
The EP-200 CNC 6-Axis Vertical Hobbing Machine steps up the EP-series capability to workpieces of Phi 200mm diameter and module M6 — the capacity range that covers the bulk of industrial gearbox pinions, construction equipment drive gears, and wind turbine auxiliary gear sets. Where the EP-150 is thermal-optimised for automotive fine-pitch production, the EP-200 is rigidity-optimised for the higher cutting forces, larger workpiece weights, and extended axial depths of cut that medium-module industrial gear production demands.
EP-200 — 6-Axis Vertical CNC Hobbing Machine
The EP-200 features a high-rigidity heavy-duty machining bed structure with roller hob spindle design for reliable high-torque cutting, a high-precision direct-drive rotary table with 200mm diameter clamping surface, and FANUC 0i-MF Plus control for full electronic gearbox synchronisation. The C-axis table is rated at 900Nm (direct drive), providing the workpiece holding force required for interrupted cuts in alloy steel at M6 without table deflection. The large axial travel of 240mm covers shaft gear and cluster gear applications without workpiece repositioning.
For industrial gear manufacturers evaluating the EP-series range, the EP-200 sits between the precision-optimised EP-150 and the large-capacity EP-350. Explore the full CNC Hobbing Machine product line, or contact our team via the enquiry page with your gear drawing for a direct configuration recommendation.
Key Engineering Features
High-Rigidity Heavy-Duty Bed Structure
The EP-200 bed is engineered for the elevated radial and axial cutting forces of M6 gear production in alloy steel. The high-rigidity casting and reinforced column structure minimise deflection under heavy hobbing loads — the primary source of tooth lead error in conventional machine tools at this module range.
Reliable Roller Hob Spindle Design
The B-axis uses a reliable roller hob spindle designed for consistent performance under the high thrust loads of medium-module cutting. The spindle nose is BT#40 taper, accepting the full range of standard gear hobs for M6 production without custom tooling.
High-Torque Direct-Drive Rotary Table
C-axis direct-drive table rated at 900Nm with Phi 200mm clamping diameter. The higher torque rating compared to the EP-150 reflects the heavier workpiece loads of M6 gear blanks and the elevated tangential cutting forces at larger module. Standard table speed supports the cutting feed rates required for productive M6 hobbing cycles.
FANUC 0i-MF Plus — 6-Axis Electronic Gearbox
Full six-axis FANUC 0i-MF Plus control provides electronic gearbox synchronisation for helix angles to ±45°, parametric gear programming, and the process documentation capability expected in industrial gearbox supply chain applications.
Extended Z-Axis Axial Travel
240mm axial travel (150mm to 390mm from table) covers shaft gears, cluster gears, and stepped gear blanks without workpiece repositioning — increasing utilisation on multi-gear shaft components typical of industrial gearbox designs.
Automation-Ready Architecture
Standard I/O and M-code interface for robot loading integration. Optional rotary mechanical arm and automatic loading system available for unmanned production. C-axis direct drive allows workpiece table indexing in automated transfer sequences without additional positioning hardware.
EP-200 Axis Configuration
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Phi 200mm |
| Max Module | M6 |
| Max Helix Angle | ±45° |
| C-Axis Table Diameter | Phi 200mm |
| Spindle Nose Taper | BT#40 Taper |
| Max Hob Size (OD x L) | Phi 150mm x 220mm |
| Max Hob Shift Travel | 180mm |
| Hob Spindle Speed (B-axis) | Max 1000rpm | S1=35.8Nm, S3=95.5Nm |
| Table Speed (C-axis) | Max 200rpm / 300rpm | Direct drive 900Nm / 1000Nm |
| Radial Feed (X-axis) | Max 12000mm/min | Travel 250mm (35–285mm) |
| Tangential Feed (Y-axis) | Max 2500mm/min | Travel 180mm (0–180mm) |
| Axial Feed (Z-axis) | Max 10000mm/min | Travel 240mm (150–390mm) |
| Helix Angle (A-axis) | Max 720 deg/min | Range ±45° |
| Hydraulic Tailstock (U-axis) | Max 6000mm/min | Travel 300mm (340–640mm) |
| CNC System | FANUC 0i-MF Plus |
| Total Power | 35 KVA |
| Machine Footprint (L x W x H) | 3950 x 3450 x 2750mm (incl. external layout) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 9.5 ton |
EP-200 System Layout
Standard Configuration & Optional Accessories
Standard Equipment
- B/C axis direct-drive motors with rotation encoders
- C-axis direct-drive motor with rotation encoder
- Hydraulic tailstock
- Machine body cleaning and mixing device
- Tooling pressure regulator
- Main spindle motor backup protection
- Scraper-type chip conveyor system
- Internal circulation cooling device
- Oil-mist centrifugal collector
- Hydraulic system
- Automatic lubrication system
- Pneumatic device
- Control cabinet with air conditioning
- Three-colour indicator tower light
Optional Accessories
- Dry cutting function
- Deburring and chamfering device
- Secondary tool-setting device
- Hydraulic tailstock (enhanced)
- Oil-mist electrostatic collector
- High-efficiency dry chip collector
- Magnetic proximity sensing device
- Cutting liquid cooling system
- B-type motor protection module
- Fixture and chuck
- Hob cutting tools
- Rotary mechanical arm
- Automatic loading/unloading system
- X-axis guideway strong clamping system
Industry Applications
Industrial Gearbox Production
Sun gears, planet gears, and output shaft pinions for precision industrial gearboxes in M3 to M6. The EP-200’s 900Nm table torque handles the cutting forces of alloy steel M6 gears without table deflection that would compromise tooth lead accuracy.
Construction & Mining Equipment
Drive pinions for excavator swing drives, loader final drives, and mining equipment transmissions. Larger module requirements, heavier blanks, and interrupted cut conditions are the core design criteria addressed by the EP-200’s heavy-duty structure.
Wind Turbine Auxiliary Gears
Auxiliary drive gears for wind turbine yaw, pitch, and cooling system drives at M4 to M6. The extended axial travel accommodates the face width common in wind turbine auxiliary gear applications without workpiece repositioning.
Marine & Offshore Components
Deck machinery gear sets, winch drives, and marine propulsion auxiliary components in high-alloy and duplex stainless materials. The EP-200’s spindle design handles the elevated cutting forces of corrosion-resistant alloys at M6.
EP-200 Platform Axis Detail
Related Products
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
Germany — Industrial Gearbox Manufacturer — Process Development Engineer
“We run the EP-200 on M5 planet gears for a two-stage industrial gearbox in 42CrMo4. The table torque is what we needed — our previous machine had table micro-slip on the interrupted entry cut on our spoked blanks, which showed as a periodic tooth spacing error. The EP-200 eliminated that completely. We are now producing DIN 7 gears consistently across both shifts with no in-process gauging intervention.”
Application: M5 planet gears in 42CrMo4 | Problem solved: Table slip on interrupted cuts
Australia — Mining Equipment Component Manufacturer — Manufacturing Manager
“Our application is M6 drive pinions for mining conveyor reducers — large blanks, heavy interrupted cuts, 42CrMoV steel. We needed a machine that could handle the cutting force without compromising lead accuracy. The EP-200’s heavy-duty structure delivered from the first setup. We also appreciated the 240mm axial travel which covers our full face width range without repositioning.”
Application: M6 mining conveyor pinions | Material: 42CrMoV | Axial travel used: Full 240mm
Netherlands — Wind Energy Component Supplier — Engineering Director
“We produce M4 to M6 auxiliary gears for wind turbine yaw and pitch drives. The EP-200 handles our full module range on a single machine with electronic gearbox changeover. Lead times for our customers shortened by three weeks because we eliminated the batch queue between two separate machines we previously needed for this module range.”
Application: M4–M6 wind turbine auxiliary gears | Improvement: 3-week lead time reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
What module and workpiece size range does the EP-200 cover?
The EP-200 handles workpieces up to Phi 200mm OD and module M6. The direct-drive C-axis table has a 200mm clamping diameter rated at 900Nm. For workpieces up to Phi 350mm and M8, the EP-350 is the next step in the range.
What is the maximum hob size the EP-200 accepts?
The EP-200 accepts hobs up to Phi 150mm OD x 220mm body length with a BT#40 spindle nose taper and 180mm hob shift travel. This accommodates standard gear hobs for production across the full M3 to M6 module range without custom tooling.
How does the EP-200 compare to the EP-350 in terms of capacity and application?
The EP-200 handles Phi 200mm x M6 at 9.5 ton machine weight; the EP-350 handles Phi 350mm x M8 at 10.0 ton. The EP-200 is optimised for industrial gearbox and construction equipment gears; the EP-350 extends into large wind turbine planet gears and heavy industrial applications. Both share the same platform architecture and FANUC 0i-MF Plus control.
Does the EP-200 support automation integration?
Yes. Standard I/O and M-code interface supports robot loading arm integration. Optional rotary mechanical arm and full automatic loading/unloading system are available for unmanned production cell configuration.
What power supply and foundation does the EP-200 require?
The EP-200 requires 35 KVA 3-phase AC power and a reinforced concrete foundation for the 9.5 ton machine weight. Floor footprint is 3950 x 3450mm with height clearance of 2750mm. Foundation drawings and site preparation specifications are available on request via the contact page.
Discuss the EP-200 with Our Application Engineers
Share your gear drawings, module range, required accuracy class, and annual production volume. Our engineers will provide a configuration recommendation matched to your application — no obligation. We support manufacturers in 50+ countries throughout the machine lifecycle.
