GBCTN-100 CNC 7 Axis Hobbing Machine
The GBCTN-100 CNC 7 Axis Hobbing Machine is a high-speed horizontal hobbing solution for small-diameter precision gears up to Φ100 mm and module M3. Driven by FANUC 0i-MF Plus and a direct-drive spindle system, it delivers exceptional surface quality and repeatable accuracy for automotive, aerospace, and instrument-grade gear production.
GBCTN-100 CNC 7 Axis Hobbing Machine — High-Speed Precision for Small-Diameter Gears
The GBCTN-100 is a purpose-built CNC 7 axis hobbing machine engineered for manufacturers who demand maximum throughput and micron-level accuracy on compact gear blanks. With a maximum workpiece diameter of Φ100 mm and module capacity up to M3, this horizontal-layout machine excels in high-volume production environments. Its 7-axis simultaneous interpolation unlocks complex helix angles, radial shifts, and tangential feeds that conventional 5-axis machines cannot achieve. Backed by GBC's full CNC hobbing machine range, the GBCTN-100 represents the entry point to our advanced hobbing platform without compromising on rigidity, speed, or intelligence.
Machine Architecture & Structural Design
The GBCTN-100 adopts an inclined-bed (slant-bed) machine body design that significantly improves structural rigidity compared to traditional flat-bed configurations. The steep-angle casting geometry accelerates chip evacuation, reduces thermal deformation from cutting heat, and ensures consistent geometric accuracy across long production runs. The integrated internal cooling circuit maintains the spindle and bed temperature within a narrow band, protecting dimensional stability even during 24-hour continuous operation. Every critical guideway is hardened and precision-ground to guarantee sub-micron straightness over the machine's service life.
❖ Key Features
⚙️ High-Rigidity Inclined Bed
Slant-bed monobloc casting minimises vibration and thermal distortion, supporting sustained DIN Class 6 gear accuracy.
Direct-Drive Spindle System
High-speed direct-drive hob spindle reaching 4000 rpm (6000 rpm optional) with torques S1=22 Nm / S3=54 Nm for rapid stock removal.
️ Compact-Structure High-Stability Design
Optimised mass distribution reduces footprint to 3970 x 2760 x 2380 mm while maximising stiffness in all cutting directions.
Fast-Feed Hopper System Ready
Designed for rapid chip discharge hoppers, enabling seamless integration with automatic bar-feed and part-transfer systems.
️ FANUC 0i-MF Plus CNC
Industry-standard open-architecture CNC with nano-interpolation, look-ahead control, and full network connectivity for smart-factory integration.
7-Axis Simultaneous Interpolation
Full B/C/X/Y/Z/A/U axis synchronisation enables diagonal shifting, lead-crown hobbing, and multi-start worm cutting in a single setup.
Application Industries
Automotive Transmission
Mass production of pinions, idler gears, and shaft gears for passenger-car gearboxes where cycle time and repeatability are paramount.
⚡ Power Tools & Electric Motors
High-speed production of compact helical and spur gears for cordless drill gearheads and servo-motor reducers.
Precision Instruments
Sub-millimetre module gears for medical devices, optical instruments, and laboratory automation equipment.
✈️ Aerospace & Defence
Low-volume, high-accuracy gear sets for actuators and flight-control mechanisms where traceability is mandatory.
Robotics & Automation
Cycloidal and harmonic-drive gear components for industrial robot joints requiring ultra-low backlash.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max. Workpiece (OD x Module) | Φ100 mm x M3 |
| Max. Helix Angle | +65° / -90° |
| Table (C Axis) Diameter | Φ90 mm |
| Spindle Nose Taper | BT#30 |
| Max. Hob Size (OD x Length) | Φ65 mm x 100 mm x 1 |
| Max. Hob Shift Travel | 100 mm |
| Hob Spindle (B Axis) | 4000 rpm / 6000 rpm* | S1=22 Nm, S3=54 Nm |
| Table Rotation (C Axis) | 1000 rpm / 2000 rpm** | Direct-drive 60 Nm |
| Radial Feed (X Axis) | Max. 6500 mm/min | 80 mm (15-95 mm) |
| Tangential Feed (Y Axis) | Max. 3000 mm/min | 100 mm (50-150 mm) |
| Axial Feed (Z Axis) | Max. 10000 mm/min | 300 mm (80-380 mm) |
| Helix Angle Speed (A Axis) | Max. 720 deg/min | +65° / -90° |
| Servo Tailstock (U Axis) | Max. 10000 mm/min | 250 mm (130-380 mm) |
| Main Power | 30 KVA |
| Control System | FANUC 0i-MF Plus |
| Floor Space (L x W x H) | 3970 x 2760 x 2380 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5.0 ton |
* 6000 rpm optional ** 2000 rpm optional
Standard Configuration & Optional Accessories
Standard Configuration
- B/C axis direct-drive motor with backup rotary encoder
- Servo tailstock
- Mist cutting and machine-body cleaning device
- Tool pre-setter
- Post-cut spindle protection function
- Chip-scraper排屑 system
- Internal cooling device
- Mist centrifugal collector
- Hydraulic system
- Auto-lubrication device
- Pneumatic device
- Control cabinet with air conditioner
- Three-colour indicator light
Optional Accessories
- Dry-cutting function
- End-face deburring device
- Second-cut device
- X-axis laser optical positioning
- Oil-mist electrostatic collector
- Dry-cut high-efficiency collector
- Magnetic contact detection device
- Cutting fluid cooling system
- B-type new energy regenerative protection
- Fixture and chuck
- Hobbing cutters
- Gantry robot arm
- Auto loading/unloading system
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
★★★★★
Germany — Automotive Tier-1 Supplier
We integrated three GBCTN-100 units into our planetary-gear production line for dual-clutch transmission pinions. The 7-axis simultaneous control eliminated the need for post-process grinding on 70% of our batch, cutting lead time by 28%. Spindle consistency over 18 months of three-shift operation has been outstanding.
— Production Engineering Manager, automotive gearbox division
★★★★★
Japan — Precision Instrument Manufacturer
Our challenge was M0.5-M1.5 module gears for surgical robotics actuators. The GBCTN-100's direct-drive C-axis running at 2000 rpm gave us the surface finish we previously only achieved by grinding — at a fraction of the cost. Process qualification took under two weeks.
— Chief Process Engineer, medical device components division
★★★★☆
Brazil — Power Tool OEM
We chose the GBCTN-100 over European alternatives primarily on value-to-performance ratio. After six months of mass-producing helical gears for our cordless drill range, defect rates dropped below 0.3%. The FANUC controller made operator training straightforward.
— Manufacturing Director, hand-tool production plant
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the minimum module the GBCTN-100 can cut?
The GBCTN-100 is rated to M3 maximum module. In practice, with appropriately specified small-diameter hobs and the direct-drive C-axis running at 2000 rpm, customers routinely achieve clean cuts down to M0.5 on hardened steel blanks. GBC applications engineers can advise on tooling selection for sub-M1 applications.
Q2: Can the GBCTN-100 be integrated into an automated production cell?
Yes. The machine is pre-wired for optional gantry-robot and auto loading/unloading systems. The FANUC 0i-MF Plus supports DPRNT-based part counter output and Ethernet/DNC communication for MES integration. A standard quick-change fixture system makes cell changeover under 15 minutes.
Q3: What hob specifications are compatible with the BT#30 spindle nose?
The BT#30 arbor accepts bore-type hobs up to Φ65 mm OD x 100 mm length in a single-hob configuration. The maximum shift travel is 100 mm. Solid-carbide hobs on matching BT#30 arbors are also supported. GBC can supply matched hob-and-arbor sets calibrated to the spindle taper for immediate installation.
Q4: What routine maintenance does the GBCTN-100 require?
Daily: check hydraulic oil level, clean chip conveyor, inspect coolant concentration. Weekly: top up guideway lubrication, clear mist-collector filter. Monthly: verify spindle taper cleanliness and run FANUC servo drive diagnostic. Annual: precision alignment check on X/Z axes using laser interferometry. Full maintenance documentation is supplied with the machine.
Q5: What lead time and after-sales support is available for international orders?
Standard lead time is 60-90 days from order confirmation. GBC provides FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) before shipment. Commissioning support, remote FANUC diagnostics, and a 12-month parts warranty are standard. Regional service partners cover Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
Ready to Upgrade Your Gear Production Line?
The GBCTN-100 CNC 7 Axis Hobbing Machine is available for B2B procurement, OEM integration, and turnkey production-cell projects. Our engineering team is ready to assess your workpiece drawings and recommend the optimal configuration.
Explore the full GBC CNC Hobbing Machine series or return to the homepage to learn more about our complete range of gear manufacturing solutions.
The GBCTN-100 CNC 7 Axis Hobbing Machine is a high-speed horizontal hobbing solution for small-diameter precision gears up to Φ100 mm and module M3. Driven by FANUC 0i-MF Plus and a direct-drive spindle system, it delivers exceptional surface quality and repeatable accuracy for automotive, aerospace, and instrument-grade gear production.
