Involute curve using 4th axis

[cpl]

Has anyone succesfully cut involute curves using a form tool and a 4th axis?

Can it be done?

I have a VMX 24

[txcncman]

If you are using a form tool, the involute curve is built into the tool. All you need to do is index your part correctly.

[cpl]

Thanks for the reply.

Would I be correct in saying that the reason a true gear tooth cutting machine would rotate the gear is so that you can cut any tooth profile using just a short selection of cutter profiles?

[txcncman]

No idea what you are talking about rotating. If you mean the machine is rotating while the tool is engaged with the part, that is called a helical gear. If you mean the machine is rotating between cuttings, that is just to position for the next tooth. Where did you see this demonstration? Maybe that is the place to be asking your questions. I did not see the demonstration so I cannot answer for why they did what they did. The involute form cutters I have used cut the full involute form for that diametral pitch.

[AKELLEY]

Yes we do it all the time, We buy the right gear cutter for the profile and program the 4 axis to rotate to the correct Deg. and make linear passes to get to depth.
Then we liner loop the program for the number of teeth.