Hewland Engineering has announced a multi-million pound investment in state-of-the-art spiral bevel grinding capability, which is due to be completed by Autumn 2015. In response to demands for increased efficiency in motorsport transmissions and powerplants, the new Klingelnberg Oerlikon G60 spiral bevel gear grinding machine (above) and Klingelnberg P65 gear measuring centre (bottom) will serve to set new standards in final-drive performance, durability and precision, while substantially increasing manufacturing capacity to provide clients with market-leading delivery times.
The G60 and P65 will utilize a closed-loop monitoring system to provide active feedback, ensuring every component can meet the rigorous demands of its application, regardless of intended industry.
Hewland states that delivered tolerances are ‘exceptional’; with the G60 capable of grinding forms up to 600mm in diameter to consistent DIN 4 accuracy, the machine will enable production of spiral bevel gears to suit almost any application, whilst the P65 gear measuring centre (with a capacity of 650mm) ensures that all surfaces are machined to the exacting tolerances required in the precision manufacturing sectors.
With capability to machine to exceptionally fine (Formula One-grade) tolerances post-heat-treatment, Hewland states that its new machinery will ‘deliver considerable improvements in efficiency, reduced gearbox temperatures and above all, substantially increased component life’.
The advantages also extend in to Hewland’s range of bespoke and made-to-drawing applications. New software will allow faster setup, with on-machine dressable grinding wheels negating the need for bespoke tooling. This will result in shorter lead times, improved quality, and a reduction in up-front costs.
“The expansion of our grinding capabilities ensures we continue to provide components and transmissions of the utmost quality,” explained William Hewland, chairman of Hewland Engineering. “Transmission efficiency is of paramount importance in our industry, particularly with the rapid emergence of electric vehicle technology. Hewland is already a global market leader in this field, as well as in the general motorsport sector, and this state-of-the-art machinery will herald a new era of performance for all present and future clients.”
