WMW-HECKERT ZFWVG 250 X 5000 Horizontal Gear Hobbing Machine – Year 1980
Manufacturer:
WMW-HECKERT
Model:
ZFWVG 250 X 5000
Year of construction:
1980
Condition:
excellent (used)
Horizontal gear hobbing and threading machine for gears, splined shafts, worm screws, threads, and pinions up to 5 meters in length, complete with 3 milling heads models APFW, APGS, APG, set of gears, various steadies, and indexing device.
WMW-HECKERT ZFWVG 250 × 5000 Horizontal Gear Hobbing Machine – Technical Evaluation (Year 1980)
1. Technical Evaluation Overview
The WMW-HECKERT ZFWVG 250 × 5000 is a horizontal gear hobbing and threading machine manufactured in 1980, configured for very long workpieces up to 5 meters in length. Based strictly on the provided information, the machine is suitable for gears, splined shafts, worm screws, threads, and pinions, indicating a versatile mechanical hobbing platform.
The machine is supplied complete with three milling heads (models APFW, APGS, APG), a set of change gears, various steady rests, and an indexing device. This accessory set suggests broad mechanical capability for different gear forms and threading operations using conventional gear trains rather than CNC interpolation. No numerical data is provided for module range, maximum workpiece diameter, hob size, spindle speeds, or installed power; these parameters must be verified.
The machine is described as used, in excellent condition. Control type is not stated; given the year, operation is expected to be mechanical/hydromechanical with change gears rather than CNC.
2. What to Check Before Buying
Given the machine’s age, long-bed configuration, and missing specifications, inspection should focus on:
Bed, alignment, and supports:
Straightness and wear of the bed ways over the full 5,000 mm length, particularly critical for lead accuracy on long shafts.
Condition and alignment of the supplied steady rests at multiple positions along the bed.
Headstock–tailstock alignment and rigidity during long cuts.
Hobbing and milling heads:
Mechanical condition of the APFW, APGS, and APG milling heads, including bearings, gear trains, and mounting interfaces.
Verification of head interchangeability and alignment repeatability.
Condition of spindle tapers/arbors and clamping mechanisms.
Indexing and gear trains:
Completeness and condition of the change gear set used for indexing and lead generation.
Backlash and wear in the indexing device, which directly affects pitch accuracy.
Smooth engagement and lubrication of all mechanical transmissions.
Drives and electrics:
Motor condition, noise, vibration, and thermal behavior under load.
Electrical system integrity consistent with a 1980-built machine (contactors, wiring, protections).
Verification of lubrication and coolant delivery along the full machining length.
3. Typical Industrial Applications
Based strictly on the stated configuration and accessories, this machine is technically suitable for:
Hobbing and threading of long shafts (up to 5 m), including splines and worms.
Production or refurbishment of gears and pinions where mechanical indexing is acceptable.
Heavy-industry applications such as power transmission, machine shafts, and large mechanical assemblies.
Specific module limits, achievable accuracy classes, and productivity rates cannot be confirmed from the provided information.
4. Common Risks in Used Machines
Typical risks for long-bed, mechanically indexed hobbing machines include:
Bed and way wear over long lengths, leading to cumulative pitch or lead error.
Indexing backlash in mechanical gear trains affecting tooth accuracy.
Accessory dependency, where missing or worn change gears limit usable ratios.
Electrical obsolescence and limited documentation typical of older machines.
5. Maintenance and Service Considerations
With no service records provided, considerations are limited to general technical points:
Regular inspection and lubrication of all gear trains, bearings, and slides are essential.
Periodic verification of indexing accuracy and lead over long work lengths is recommended.
Steady rests and supports require routine alignment checks to maintain straightness.
Any modernization or accuracy restoration should be based on on-site inspection and test cutting, not assumptions.
Final Note:
The WMW-HECKERT ZFWVG 250 × 5000 is a specialized long-bed horizontal hobbing machine with a comprehensive set of mechanical accessories, making it suitable for large and elongated components.A complete technical evaluation requires verification of module range, spindle data, indexing ratios, bed condition, and available documentation through direct inspection and trial operation.
