Description
EP-100: High-Speed 7-Axis Horizontal Hobbing for Small-Module Precision Gears
The EP-100 CNC 7-Axis Horizontal Hobbing Machine is engineered for manufacturers who demand maximum productivity and repeatable precision on small-diameter gears — module M3 and below, workpiece diameter up to Phi 100mm. Its seven-axis horizontal architecture combines a high-torque direct-drive B-axis hob spindle and a C-axis direct-drive rotary table, eliminating the backlash and transmission losses of gear-driven alternatives. The result is a gear hobbing platform that delivers consistent DIN-class accuracy at cycle rates that reduce per-part cost across high-volume automotive EV drivetrain, precision instrument, and power tool gear production lines.
EP-100 — 7-Axis Horizontal CNC Hobbing Machine
As the most compact machine in the EP CNC hobbing range, the EP-100 occupies a floor footprint of just 3970 x 2760mm while delivering FANUC 0i-MF Plus five-axis synchronous control, full dry-cutting capability (optional), and an integrated hopper-type chip conveyor for continuous unmanned operation. Whether producing spur gears, helical gears, or precision splines in high-carbon alloy steel or hardened materials, the EP-100 delivers the throughput and documented accuracy that Tier-1 automotive and precision instrument supply chains require.
Explore the full CNC Hobbing Machine range or contact our application team via the enquiry page for a recommendation matched to your gear geometry and production volume.
Key Engineering Features
High-Rigidity Inclined-Bed Design
The inclined bed structure improves chip evacuation by gravity, reduces coolant contamination of guideways, and maintains thermal symmetry across extended cutting cycles. Combined with the integrated hopper chip conveyor, the EP-100 is designed for long-run unmanned operation without manual chip-clearing intervention.
Direct-Drive B-Axis Hob Spindle
The B-axis hob spindle uses a high-torque direct-drive motor delivering S1=22Nm and S3=54Nm rated torque at standard 4000rpm (6000rpm optional). Eliminating the gearbox eliminates backlash — critical for edge quality and profile accuracy in fine-pitch gear production.
C-Axis Direct-Drive Rotary Table
The C-axis table uses a direct-drive motor with 90mm diameter clamping surface, rated to 60Nm at up to 1000rpm (2000rpm optional). Rotation encoder feedback provides closed-loop control delivering the indexing accuracy and B/C synchronisation that defines the output gear DIN quality class.
FANUC 0i-MF Plus CNC Control
Equipped with FANUC 0i-MF Plus as standard — providing five-axis electronic gearbox synchronisation, thermal compensation, and parametric programming for flexible small-gear production. No physical change gears required for helix angle variation.
7-Axis Architecture — Full Helix Coverage
Seven controlled axes (B, C, X, Y, Z, A, U) provide full electronic gearbox synchronisation. The A-axis supports helix angles from +65° to -90° covering the full range of automotive and industrial gear geometries without machine reconfiguration.
Integrated Chip Management
Standard oil-mist centrifugal collector ensures industrial air quality compliance during wet cutting. The optional dry cutting package adds a high-efficiency dry chip collector for carbide hob applications where coolant thermal shock reduces tool life.
EP-100 Axis Configuration Diagram
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Phi 100mm |
| Max Module | M3 |
| Max Helix Angle | +65° / -90° |
| C-Axis Table Diameter | Phi 90mm |
| Spindle Nose Taper | BT#30 |
| Max Hob Size (OD x L) | Phi 65mm x 100mm (Phi 100mm optional) |
| Max Hob Shift Travel | 100mm |
| Hob Spindle Speed (B-axis) | 4000rpm (6000rpm optional) | S1=22Nm, S3=54Nm |
| Table Speed (C-axis) | 1000rpm (2000rpm optional) | Direct drive 60Nm |
| Radial Feed (X-axis) | Max 6500mm/min | Travel 80mm (15–95mm) |
| Tangential Feed (Y-axis) | Max 3000mm/min | Travel 100mm (50–150mm) |
| Axial Feed (Z-axis) | Max 10000mm/min | Travel 300mm (80–380mm) |
| Helix Angle (A-axis) | Max 720 deg/min | Range +65° / -90° |
| Hydraulic Tailstock (U-axis) | Max 10000mm/min | Travel 250mm (130–380mm) |
| CNC System | FANUC 0i-MF Plus |
| Total Power | 30 KVA |
| Machine Footprint (L x W x H) | 3970 x 2760 x 2380mm (incl. external layout) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 5.0 ton |
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
- X-axis optical encoder closed-loop positioning
- 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
- Truss-type robot arm
- Automatic loading/unloading system
EP-100 Full System Layout
Industry Applications
Automotive & EV Drivetrains
High-volume spur and helical gears for EV reduction units, manual gearboxes, and differential assemblies. The EP-100’s cycle speed and direct-drive accuracy support Tier-1 supplier quality requirements at competitive per-part cost.
Precision Instruments & Robotics
Fine-pitch gears for servo actuators, harmonic drives, medical robotic joints, and optical instrument mechanisms benefit from the EP-100’s sub-micron B/C axis synchronisation control.
Power Tools & Consumer Gear Products
Electric power tool transmission gears, small gearboxes, and consumer appliance drives — where high throughput on compact workpieces must be balanced against consistent profile accuracy.
Aerospace Actuation Components
Small-module precision gears for flight control actuators and engine accessory drives. The +65° to -90° helix angle range and BT#30 spindle support the gear geometries required by aerospace OEM specifications.
Related Products
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
Germany — Automotive Tier-1 Supplier — Production Engineering Manager
“We integrated the EP-100 into our EV reduction gear cell eighteen months ago, running M2 helical gears in 20MnCr5. The B-axis direct drive eliminated the index error we were seeing on our previous machine, and we achieved DIN 6 accuracy from the first production batch. Cycle time improvement was 35%. The FANUC electronic gearbox made changeover between our six gear variants a parameter change, not a physical setup.”
Application: M2 helical gears for EV reduction | Material: 20MnCr5 | Volume: 180,000 pcs/year
Japan — Precision Robotics Manufacturer — Process Engineering Director
“Our servo actuator gears require M1.5 spur gears at DIN 5 class with very tight tooth thickness tolerances. We selected the EP-100 specifically for the C-axis direct-drive table — the synchronisation accuracy between B and C axes is what makes sub-micron tooth spacing achievable. After twelve months in production, dimensional Cpk on tooth thickness is consistently above 1.67.”
Application: M1.5 spur gears for servo actuators | Material: SCM420H | Accuracy: DIN 5
USA — Power Tool Manufacturing — Manufacturing Engineer
“We produce M2.5 transmission gears for professional-grade power tools at 250,000 pieces per year. The EP-100’s hopper chip conveyor and automatic lubrication were decisive — our line runs two shifts with minimal operator intervention. The dry cutting package reduced our tooling cost per part by eliminating coolant-related hob degradation.”
Application: M2.5 transmission gears | Configuration: Dry cutting | Volume: 250,000 pcs/year
EP-100 in Production
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum module and workpiece diameter the EP-100 can machine?
The EP-100 has a maximum workpiece diameter of Phi 100mm and maximum module M3. The C-axis direct-drive table has a clamping diameter of Phi 90mm. For larger workpieces up to M4 and Phi 150mm, the EP-150 vertical configuration is recommended.
Does the EP-100 support dry cutting without coolant?
Yes. Dry cutting is an optional configuration on the EP-100. The standard machine includes an oil-mist centrifugal collector for wet cutting. The dry cutting package adds a high-efficiency dry chip collector suited to carbide hob applications where coolant thermal shock reduces tool life.
What CNC control system does the EP-100 use?
The EP-100 runs FANUC 0i-MF Plus as standard, providing five-axis electronic gearbox synchronisation, thermal compensation, and parametric programming for flexible gear variant changeover without physical change gears.
What hob types are compatible with the EP-100?
The EP-100 accepts hobs with a BT#30 spindle nose taper. Standard maximum hob OD is Phi 65mm with body length 100mm and 100mm hob shift travel. An optional configuration supports hob OD up to Phi 100mm. Both HSS and solid carbide hobs are compatible.
What site preparation does the EP-100 require?
The EP-100 requires a floor footprint of 3970 x 2760mm with height clearance of 2380mm, 30 KVA 3-phase AC power supply, and a reinforced concrete foundation for the 5.0 ton machine weight. Compressed air is required for pneumatic functions. Contact our application team via the enquiry page for a foundation drawing.
Discuss the EP-100 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.
