Posted by BillS on May 14, 2009 at 09:52:48:
In Reply to: Re: Unitool Anyone? posted by BillS on April 28, 2009 at 09:16:15:
Here is what I've learned about Unitool so far -
There are 6 tools in Gleason's Unitool method, and Unitool summaries work for 106 and 116 machines (and it has been reported for No. 16 as well).
All cutters are 20 deg PA, but PA of gear set can be setup from 17.5 to 22.5 deg.
The Unitool Formate method cuts spiral and hypoid sets (i.e. pinion offset above or below center). Since the gear is cut Formate (no generation) the Formate method is limited to 3:1 ratios or higher.
Both gear and pinion are two-step cuts. Tooth thickness is controlled by a Set-Over amount. One side is cut, then toothed clutch in index gear set is advanced by set-over amount.
The Unitool Generation method uses the same 6 cutters and allows 1:1 ratios and higher, but is limited to spiral and zerol sets without offset.
What I'm seeing so far is that Unitool is intended for job shops and small quantities. Seems like 6 tools can do a wide variety of jobs.
Like all manual Gleason systems, Unitool is an "old" method. But from what has been reported, Gleason still sells Unitool tooling.
Roughing setups are optionally calculated for both Generating and Formate summaries. While small lots use the same finishing setups for roughing, larger quantities can take advantage of roughing cutters. Roughing cutters designated "20d-0" are straight sided and are likely cheaper than Unitool cutters.
I wonder if roughing cutters are standard cutters commonly used on 106 and 116 machines?
I'm curious if there is anyone using Unitool on their 106 or 116 machines?
I've almost finished a complete Unitool program to generate Spiral and Hypoid summaries. If anyone is interested, just let me know.