Gleason Phoenix 125GH CNC Vertical Gear Hobber 6-Axis
Max workpiece diameter 4.52″ / 125 mm
Min workpiece Diameter .25″ / 6.4 mm
Max Pitch / Module 8 NDP/ 3.2 Module
Max Axial slide travel 11.81″/ 300 mm
Max Hob Head Swivel -180 -+ 40 degrees
Max diameter Hob 4.53″ / 115 mm
Max Hob length 8.46″ / 215 mm
Max hob Shifting length 7.87″ / 200 mm
Max work head speed 1500 rpm
Max work head speed (optional) 3500 rpm
Hob Head drive rating 15 HP
Machine weight 15,000 lbs
floor space 106″ x 65″ x 122″ high
Machine is equipped with the following:
Fanuc 150-M cnc controls
180 position loader with loading station
light curtains
Chip conveyor
Mist collection
books and manuals
Sortware upgraded in 2021 on hard drive
Gleason Phoenix 125GH CNC Vertical Gear Hobber – Technical Evaluation
1. Technical Evaluation Overview
The Gleason Phoenix 125GH is a 6-axis CNC vertical gear hobbing machine designed for precision production of small to medium-sized gears. Based strictly on the provided specifications, the machine accommodates a maximum workpiece diameter of 125 mm (4.52″) and a minimum diameter of 6.4 mm (0.25″). The stated maximum pitch/module of 8 NDP / 3.2 module defines the upper limit of tooth size suitable for this platform.
Axis capabilities include a maximum axial slide travel of 300 mm (11.81″) and a hob head swivel range of −180° to +40°, supporting a wide range of gear geometries. The hobbing system allows a maximum hob diameter of 115 mm (4.53″), maximum hob length of 215 mm (8.46″), and hob shifting length up to 200 mm (7.87″). The work head speed is specified at 1,500 rpm, with an optional capability up to 3,500 rpm. The hob head drive rating is 15 HP.
The machine is equipped with FANUC 150-M CNC controls and includes automation and auxiliaries such as a 180-position loader with loading station, light curtains, chip conveyor, mist collection, and books and manuals. Software is stated to have been upgraded in 2021 and is available on the hard drive. The machine weight is 15,000 lbs, with a reported floor space of 106″ × 65″ × 122″ (H).
Several critical parameters are not provided, including spindle torque curves, axis acceleration, achievable accuracy class (DIN/ISO), guideway type, and power requirements. These must be verified.
2. What to Check Before Buying
Given the provided data and missing details, inspection should focus on:
Mechanical and axes:
Condition and repeatability of all 6 controlled axes, including backlash and synchronization.
Accuracy and rigidity of the work head, especially at higher speeds (1,500 rpm and optional 3,500 rpm).
Integrity of the hob head swivel mechanism across the full −180° to +40° range.
Hobbing system:
Condition of the hob spindle and confirmation that 115 mm diameter and 215 mm length hobs run smoothly with proper clamping.
Verification of hob shifting (200 mm) function and wear distribution.
Assessment of the 15 HP hob head drive under load.
Automation and auxiliaries:
Functional testing of the 180-position loader and loading station for reliability and cycle consistency.
Operation of chip conveyor and mist collection systems.
Verification of light curtain safety system integrity.
CNC and software:
Operational status of the FANUC 150-M control, including backups, alarm history, and I/O health.
Confirmation of the 2021 software upgrade, installed options, and compatibility with current tooling and processes.
3. Typical Industrial Applications
Based strictly on the stated capacities, the Phoenix 125GH is technically suitable for:
CNC hobbing of small to medium spur and helical gears within 125 mm diameter and module up to 3.2.
High-volume or automated production environments utilizing integrated loaders.
Applications requiring precise hob shifting and controlled axial motion for tool life management.
Specific gear accuracy grades, materials, and cycle times cannot be confirmed from the provided information.
4. Common Risks in Used Machines
Typical risks for used CNC gear hobbing machines in this category include:
Axis wear or synchronization issues, affecting lead and profile accuracy.
Hob spindle wear, impacting surface finish and tool life.
Control system age, where long-term reliability depends on maintenance and parts support rather than software updates alone.
Documentation gaps, despite manuals being present; parameter and option verification remains essential.
5. Maintenance and Service Considerations
With no service history provided, maintenance considerations are limited to general technical aspects:
Regular inspection of spindle bearings, axis drives, and lubrication systems is essential.
Loader mechanics and safety systems require routine checks to maintain uptime and compliance.
CNC parameters and machine data should be backed up prior to operation.
Any overhaul or optimization planning should be based on on-site inspection and functional testing rather than assumptions about intervals or spare part availability.
The Gleason Phoenix 125GH, as specified, is a compact, automated CNC gear hobbing platform with defined limits in workpiece size and module.
