GBCTN-150 CNC 6 Axis Hobbing Machine
The GBCTN-150 CNC 6 Axis Hobbing Machine is a vertical-column precision gear hobbing centre accommodating workpieces up to Φ150 mm and module M4. Equipped with a high-torque permanent-magnet synchronous direct-drive spindle and thermally compensated bed, it delivers DIN Class 5-6 gears for automotive, agricultural machinery, and gearbox manufacturing.
GBCTN-150 CNC 6 Axis Hobbing Machine — Vertical Precision for Mid-Range Gear Production
The GBCTN-150 is a vertical-configuration CNC 6 axis gear hobbing machine designed for manufacturers processing medium-sized gear blanks up to Φ150 mm diameter and M4 module. Its permanent-magnet synchronous direct-drive main spindle produces S1=115 Nm continuous torque — sufficient for full-depth cuts in alloy steel, stainless, and aluminium blanks without the thermal drift associated with belt-driven alternatives. The thermally stable bed geometry and proactive thermal-deformation compensation technology keep geometric errors within +/-2 um across an 8-hour shift. Whether you produce helical gears for agricultural gearboxes or spur gears for construction-equipment final drives, the GBCTN-150 delivers consistent quality. Browse the complete GBC hobbing machine line to compare all available models.
Bed Architecture & Thermal Management
The GBCTN-150 employs a reliable high-rigidity machine bed casting with an optimised rib structure that raises natural frequency above the primary cutting-force excitation band. Four precision-ground linear guideways on the Z column eliminate cross-talk between radial and axial cutting forces. The proactive thermal-deformation compensation system continuously monitors spindle bearing temperature and adjusts axis offsets in real time, preventing the dimensional drift that plagues uncompensated machines during warm-up cycles. A stainless-steel mirror-polished chip-evacuation trough ensures wet and dry chips reach the conveyor without accumulation.
❖ Key Features
️ Reliable High-Rigidity Machine Bed
Optimised ribbed casting withstands heavy interrupted cuts; hardened and ground guideway surfaces maintain precision over decades of use.
️ Proactive Thermal Deformation Compensation
Real-time temperature monitoring combined with software-based axis correction keeps dimensional errors under +/-2 um through full-shift operation.
⚡ High-Torque PMSM Direct-Drive Spindle
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor delivers S1=115 Nm / S3=143 Nm with zero gear-transmission losses, enabling 2500 rpm hob speed.
High-Speed Direct-Drive Rotary Table
Direct-drive C-axis table at Φ150 mm reaches 600 rpm with 600 Nm torque for smooth, backlash-free workpiece synchronisation.
X-Axis Linear-Guide Clamping (Optional)
Pneumatic clamping of the hob-head X-slide during cutting reduces vibration amplitude at the cutting edge — critical for fine-pitch gears.
Mirror Stainless Chip Trough
Polished stainless inner skin prevents chip adhesion and reduces coolant contamination — keeps chip conveyor running uninterrupted through long cycles.
Target Application Fields
Agricultural Machinery
Tractor PTO gears, combine-harvester final-drive pinions, and sprocket-shaft gears that must survive shock loading in field conditions.
⚙️ Industrial Gearbox Manufacturing
Helical and spur gear sets for worm-stage input gears, planetary ring gears, and parallel-shaft reducers up to Φ150 mm.
Commercial Vehicle Drivetrain
Bus and truck axle gears, transfer-case components, and differential side gears where torque density and fatigue life are critical.
️ Construction Equipment
Swing-drive ring gears, travel-motor output gears, and hydraulic motor-coupling gears for excavators and cranes.
️ Wind Energy
Pitch-drive and yaw-drive gear blanks for utility-scale turbines where DIN 5 accuracy and surface integrity are specified.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max. Workpiece (OD x Module) | Φ150 mm x M4 |
| Max. Helix Angle | +45° |
| Table (C Axis) Diameter | Φ150 mm |
| Spindle Nose Taper | BT#40 |
| Max. Hob Size (OD x Length) | Φ120 mm x 200 mm |
| Max. Hob Shift Travel | 180 mm |
| Hob Spindle (B Axis) | 2500 rpm | S1=115 Nm, S3=143 Nm |
| Table Rotation (C Axis) | 600 rpm | Direct-drive 600 Nm |
| Radial Feed (X Axis) | Max. 12000 mm/min | 180 mm (15-195 mm) |
| Tangential Feed (Y Axis) | Max. 4000 mm/min | 180 mm (0-180 mm) |
| Axial Feed (Z Axis) | Max. 12000 mm/min | 235 mm (1650-4000 mm) |
| Helix Angle Speed (A Axis) | Max. 720 deg/min | +/-45° |
| Hyd. Tailstock (U Axis) | Max. 6000 mm/min | 250 mm (130-380 mm) |
| Main Power | 30 KVA |
| Control System | FANUC 0i-MF Plus |
| Floor Space (L x W x H) | 3600 x 3200 x 2480 mm |
| Machine Weight | 8.0 ton |
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 system
- Internal cooling device
- Mist centrifugal collector
- Hydraulic system
- Auto-lubrication device
- Pneumatic device
- Control cabinet with air conditioner
- Three-colour indicator light
- Mirror stainless chip-trough design
Optional Accessories
- Dry-cutting function
- End-face deburring device
- Second-cut device
- 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
- Rotary robot arm
- Auto loading/unloading system
- X-axis linear-guide force-clamping system
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
★★★★★
India — Agricultural Gearbox Manufacturer
We replaced two older conventional hobbing machines with a single GBCTN-150. Our production of Φ120 mm tractor PTO input gears increased by 40% while reducing scrap from 4.2% to 0.8%. The thermal compensation feature alone justified the investment — our night-shift measurements now match day-shift without any operator adjustment.
— Plant Manager, agricultural machinery components
★★★★★
Poland — Industrial Gearbox OEM
We produce helical gear pairs for parallel-shaft reducers exported to the EU construction sector. The GBCTN-150's PMSM spindle sustains 2500 rpm without thermal runaway, enabling feed rates 35% higher than our previous machine. DIN Class 6 capability confirmed by Klingelnberg CMM measurement.
— Quality Director, industrial gearbox manufacturing
★★★★☆
South Africa — Mining Equipment Supplier
Our workshop machines large-module travel gears for underground LHD vehicles. The GBCTN-150 handles M4 cuts in case-hardened 20CrMnTi with exceptional stability. Remote FANUC diagnostics helped us resolve a parameter issue without a service visit — significant given our remote location.
— Workshop Superintendent, mining equipment MRO division
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What materials can the GBCTN-150 hob?
The GBCTN-150 is qualified for alloy steels (20CrMnTi, 42CrMo), stainless steels, cast iron, aluminium alloys, and engineering plastics. Dry-cutting (optional) extends hob life on aluminium by up to 60%. Hard hobbing of pre-hardened stock up to 45 HRC is achievable with solid-carbide hobs.
Q2: How does the thermal deformation compensation work?
Embedded temperature sensors at the spindle bearing, column, and bed report to the FANUC controller every 2 seconds. A pre-calibrated thermal model calculates expected axis displacement and applies real-time offset corrections without halting the cutting cycle, maintaining stability within +/-2 um from cold-start through full-load operation.
Q3: Is the GBCTN-150 suitable for spline hobbing?
Yes. The machine fully supports involute spline, serration, and square-spline hobbing. The FANUC 0i-MF Plus stores dedicated spline-hobbing cycles as standard macros, and the +/-45 deg A-axis helix range covers virtually all commercial spline specifications.
Q4: What changeover time should I expect between different gear families?
With the optional quick-change fixture system and the on-machine tool pre-setter, experienced operators achieve full hob + fixture changeover in under 20 minutes. The pre-setter captures hob geometry offsets automatically and writes them to the tool-length register, eliminating manual measurement and trial cuts.
Q5: What installation requirements should we prepare for?
The GBCTN-150 requires a levelled foundation pad (300 mm reinforced concrete recommended), 30 KVA three-phase power supply, compressed air at 0.5-0.7 MPa, and a coolant drain point. Floor space including chip conveyor is 3600 x 3200 mm. GBC provides a full foundation drawing and pre-installation checklist with every order.
Partner with GBC for Your Gear Manufacturing Expansion
The GBCTN-150 is available for direct procurement, OEM line supply, and turnkey production-cell configuration. Submit your workpiece drawings for a free process feasibility study and cycle-time estimate.
Discover more capacity options in the GBC CNC Hobbing Machine catalogue or visit our homepage for the full product portfolio.
The GBCTN-150 CNC 6 Axis Hobbing Machine is a vertical-column precision gear hobbing centre accommodating workpieces up to Φ150 mm and module M4. Equipped with a high-torque permanent-magnet synchronous direct-drive spindle and thermally compensated bed, it delivers DIN Class 5-6 gears for automotive, agricultural machinery, and gearbox manufacturing.
