Description
EP-500: Maximum-Capacity 6-Axis Vertical Hobbing for Large Wind Turbine, Heavy Marine, and Mining Industry Gears
The EP-500 CNC 6-Axis Vertical Hobbing Machine is the largest and most powerful machine in the EP CNC hobbing range — engineered for workpieces up to Phi 500mm diameter and module M14, with a direct-drive C-axis rotary table delivering 2000Nm torque on a Phi 450mm clamping surface. This is the machine for manufacturers who produce large planet gears and ring gear segments for multi-megawatt wind turbine main gearboxes, main drive pinions for steel mill and cement mill reducers, large marine propulsion gears, and heavy mining equipment drive gear sets where workpiece weight, cutting force, and structural rigidity requirements exceed what medium-format hobbing machines can reliably deliver.
EP-500 — Large-Capacity 6-Axis Vertical CNC Hobbing Machine
The EP-500 features 40 KVA total power, a machine weight of 14.0 tons reflecting the heavy-duty cast structure required for M14 gear cutting loads, and an axial travel of 365mm covering the full face widths of large industrial gears without workpiece repositioning. The hob shift travel of 240mm — the largest in the EP range — supports aggressive hob shift strategies that extend tool life on the long, demanding cuts of large-module production.
The EP-500 is the final step in a continuous EP-series range that allows manufacturers to select the exact capacity they need without over-specifying. Explore the full CNC Hobbing Machine range from EP-100 to EP-500 or contact our engineers at the application enquiry page for a capacity and configuration assessment matched to your largest gear production requirements.
Key Engineering Features
14-Ton Heavy-Duty Machine Structure
The EP-500’s 14-ton casting provides the structural mass and rigidity to absorb the dynamic cutting forces of M14 gear production in high-alloy steels. The heavy-duty column, reinforced guideway sections, and oversized linear axes maintain the positional accuracy needed for large gear DIN requirements even at maximum cutting depths.
2000Nm Direct-Drive Rotary Table
C-axis direct-drive table rated at 2000Nm on a Phi 450mm clamping surface — the highest torque and largest table diameter in the EP range. This provides the workpiece holding force required for Phi 500mm gear blanks in high-alloy materials without table deflection or slip under the lateral forces of M14 cutting.
BT#50 High-Torque Hob Spindle
The B-axis hob spindle accepts BT#50 taper hobs, with maximum hob size of Phi 200mm OD x 240mm body length and 240mm hob shift travel. The larger hob body capacity accommodates the premium-grade M14 hobs needed for large-module production, and the extended shift travel supports productive radial and tangential shift strategies to maximise hob life.
365mm Axial Travel — Full Face Width Coverage
The 365mm axial travel (400mm to 765mm from table) covers the face widths of the largest standard industrial and wind turbine gears without workpiece repositioning — enabling single-setup hobbing on components that would require multiple setups on smaller machines.
FANUC 0i-MF Plus — 40 KVA System
FANUC 0i-MF Plus control provides full six-axis electronic gearbox synchronisation, advanced thermal compensation, and parametric programming across the complete ±45° helix angle range. The 40 KVA total system power supports the sustained heavy cutting loads of M14 production cycles.
±45° Full Helix Range at Maximum Capacity
The A-axis electronic gearbox maintains ±45° helical gear capability even at the EP-500’s maximum Phi 500mm / M14 capacity — no mechanical change gear limitations at any module or helix combination within the machine’s working envelope.
EP-500 Machine Configuration
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Phi 500mm |
| Max Module | M14 |
| Max Helix Angle | ±45° (35° / -45°) |
| C-Axis Table Diameter | Phi 450mm |
| Spindle Nose Taper | BT#50 |
| Max Hob Size (OD x L) | Phi 200mm x 240mm |
| Max Hob Shift Travel | 240mm |
| Hob Spindle Speed (B-axis) | Max 500rpm | S1=52.5Nm, S3=118Nm |
| Table Speed (C-axis) | Max 100rpm | Direct drive 2000Nm |
| Radial Feed (X-axis) | Max 5000mm/min | Travel 310mm (90–400mm) |
| Tangential Feed (Y-axis) | Max 1500mm/min | Travel 240mm (0–240mm) |
| Axial Feed (Z-axis) | Max 3800mm/min | Travel 365mm (400–765mm) |
| Helix Angle (A-axis) | Max 200 deg/min | Range +35° / -45° |
| Hydraulic Tailstock (U-axis) | Max 5000mm/min | Travel 380mm (250–630mm) |
| CNC System | FANUC 0i-MF Plus |
| Total Power | 40 KVA |
| Machine Footprint (L x W x H) | 4500 x 3700 x 3050mm (incl. external layout) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 14.0 ton |
EP-500 System Layout
Standard Configuration & Optional Accessories
Standard Equipment
- B/C axis direct-drive motors with rotation encoders
- 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
- Enhanced hydraulic tailstock
- 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
- BT#50 hob arbor and hob tools
- Rotary mechanical arm
- Automatic loading/unloading system
- X-axis guideway strong clamping system
Industry Applications
Wind Turbine Main Gearboxes
Large planet gears, sun gears, and output shaft gears for multi-megawatt wind turbine main gearboxes at M8 to M14. The EP-500’s 2000Nm table torque and 14-ton structure handle the large gear blanks and extended cutting cycles of 3MW to 8MW turbine gear production.
Steel Mill & Cement Mill Drives
Main drive pinions and bull gears for rolling mill reducers, cement mill main drives, and large industrial reducer output stages at M10 to M14. The EP-500’s structural rigidity at maximum module is the defining criterion for these demanding, sustained cutting applications.
Marine Propulsion Gears
Main propeller shaft gears, intermediate shaft drive gears, and thruster drive components in high-strength marine alloys at M8 to M12. The large table diameter and high table torque support the heavy gear blanks and interrupted cut conditions of marine gear production.
Mining & Drilling Equipment
Main hoist drive gears, rotary table drive components, and large gearbox output stages for mining haul trucks, drilling rigs, and mineral processing equipment at M8 to M14 in high-strength alloy steels.
EP-500 Axis Drive Configuration
Related Products
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
Germany — Wind Turbine Gearbox Manufacturer — Head of Manufacturing Engineering
“We use the EP-500 for M12 planet gears for our 6MW offshore turbine gearbox programme — Phi 420mm blanks in 18CrNiMo7-6, face width 340mm. The 2000Nm table torque eliminated the table deflection we experienced on the machine we replaced. The 240mm hob shift travel lets us programme an aggressive shift strategy that has increased average hob life by 40% on this application. Production DIN 6 accuracy achieved from the first setup.”
Application: M12 planet gears, 6MW offshore turbine | Blank: Phi 420mm | Hob life improvement: 40%
China — Steel Industry Equipment Manufacturer — Plant Director
“Our M14 main drive pinions for rolling mill reducers are the most demanding application we run. The EP-500 is the only hobbing machine in our equipment that handles M14 consistently — the structural rigidity at this module means we get the lead accuracy we need on 400mm face width parts. Previously we were post-machining to correct lead error from an older machine. The EP-500 eliminated that secondary operation entirely.”
Application: M14 rolling mill main drive pinions | Face width: 400mm | Eliminated: Secondary lead correction
Norway — Marine Equipment Manufacturer — Technical Manager
“We produce M10 propeller shaft intermediate gears in duplex stainless steel at Phi 460mm. The combination of the Phi 450mm table clamping surface and the 2000Nm table torque was the reason we selected the EP-500 over the alternatives. Duplex stainless is a challenging material for hobbing — high cutting forces, work hardening tendency — but the EP-500’s structure absorbs it without the vibration we experienced on less rigid machines.”
Application: M10 marine intermediate gears in duplex stainless | Diameter: Phi 460mm | Challenge: Duplex work hardening
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum capacity of the EP-500?
The EP-500 handles workpieces up to Phi 500mm OD and module M14, with a BT#50 hob spindle accepting hobs up to Phi 200mm OD x 240mm body length. The C-axis direct-drive table has a Phi 450mm clamping diameter rated at 2000Nm — the highest torque in the EP range.
Why does the EP-500 have a lower hob spindle speed than the EP-200 and EP-350?
At module M14, cutting speeds are determined by the material and hob diameter — not by maximising spindle rpm. The EP-500’s B-axis is optimised for the high torque output required at large module (up to BT#50 hob arbor loads) rather than high spindle speed. Maximum 500rpm is appropriate for M14 production in alloy steel with standard carbide or HSS hobs.
What is the hob shift travel on the EP-500 and why is it significant?
The EP-500 has 240mm hob shift travel — the largest in the EP range. At M14, each hobbing pass consumes a longer section of hob tooth than at smaller modules. Aggressive tangential and radial shift strategies are essential for managing hob wear and maintaining consistent tooth surface finish across long production runs. The 240mm travel gives the maximum flexibility in shift strategy programming.
Can the EP-500 produce gears across the full EP-200 and EP-350 range as well?
Yes. The EP-500’s working range extends down through the capacity ranges of the EP-200 and EP-350. However, for manufacturers whose production is primarily in the M3-M8 range, the EP-200 or EP-350 are better matched — the EP-500’s heavy structure and lower maximum spindle speed are optimised for M8-M14 production.
What are the installation and site requirements for the EP-500?
The EP-500 requires a floor footprint of 4500 x 3700mm with height clearance of 3050mm, 40 KVA 3-phase AC power supply, and a reinforced concrete foundation for the 14.0 ton machine weight. A pit or recessed foundation area is typically required for the U-axis tailstock travel range. Contact our engineering team via the enquiry page for a complete site preparation package including foundation drawing and utility layout.
Discuss the EP-500 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.
