CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42

CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42 from VT machining delivers precision Alloy 42 parts made to your exact drawing. Gear hobbing generates gear teeth with a rotating hob synchronized to the workpiece, with parameters tuned to Alloy 42, which is matched/low thermal expansion for sealing.

CNC Gear Hobbing Capability for Alloy 42

  • Matched/low thermal expansion
  • Glass-to-metal sealing
  • Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
  • Electronics-grade

Alloy 42 Material Data

Alloy 42 — typical properties, quoted for Kovar (ASTM F15)
Density8.36 g/cm³
Tensile strength517 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)340 MPa
Hardness140–160 HV
Melting point1450 °C
Thermal conductivity17.3 W/m·K
Thermal expansion5.1 (30–200 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity3.5%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)35%
Grades we runKovar / ASTM F15, Alloy 42, Alloy 52

Published typical values for Kovar (ASTM F15). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.

Machining Alloy 42 — what actually causes trouble

Sealing surfaces must stay clean. Parts destined for glass-to-metal seals are degreased and handled without bare hands after final machining.

Machining Alloy 42 with CNC Gear Hobbing

Alloy 42 behaves predictably under CNC Gear Hobbing once parameters are dialled in: machinability is moderate; gummy, requires sharp tooling and careful thermal control, and we tune the operation accordingly.

We hold reference parameters for this grade, so repeat orders of Alloy 42 run consistently from one batch to the next.

Achievable Tolerances for CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42

CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42 — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Accuracy classDIN 8 / AGMA 10DIN 6 / AGMA 12
Profile deviation0.020 mm0.008 mm
Lead deviation0.020 mm0.008 mm
Pitch deviation (cumulative)0.040 mm0.015 mm
Runout0.030 mm0.010 mm
Tooth surface finishRa 1.6 µmRa 0.4 µm (ground)
Module rangem0.5–m8m1–m6

Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.

CNC Gear Hobbing Tolerances & Surface Finish

Gear features are produced to a specified DIN/AGMA accuracy class, with profile and lead controlled for quiet, durable running under load.

Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.

Design Tips for CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42

We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Providing complete gear data (module, pressure angle, profile shift, quality class) lets us produce Alloy 42 gears right the first time. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

CNC Gear Hobbing Quality & Inspection

We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every Alloy 42 part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.

Why Alloy 42?

Alloy 42 is chosen when a part needs what this grade offers — it is matched/low thermal expansion for sealing. We confirm the grade and any temper or heat-treat condition with you before machining.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Finished Alloy 42 parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.

Applications of CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42

Customers order CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42 components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.

How to Order CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42

Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.

Finishing Options for Alloy 42

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Deburr / edge break0.05–0.3 mmAll parts unless the drawing says otherwise
Bead blastRa 1.6–3.2 µmUniform matt finish, hides tool marks
Laser marking—Part number, lot code, data matrix
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Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.

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What We Need to Quote CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42

  • GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
  • MaterialThe exact Alloy 42 grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
  • QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
  • TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
  • FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
  • DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.

Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.

Alloy 42 in Other Processes

Related

Send the drawing, the Alloy 42 condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What gear accuracy class can you achieve on Alloy 42?

Gear accuracy is specified to DIN/AGMA classes appropriate to the application. Profile and lead are controlled so Alloy 42 gears run accurately and quietly under load.

Can VT machining make custom Alloy 42 parts to my drawing?

Yes. Alloy 42 Alloy 42 gear cutting is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42?

Achievable tolerances for Alloy 42 gear cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. We hold tight, repeatable tolerances appropriate to the feature and material. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.

Does CNC Gear Hobbing Alloy 42 require dedicated tooling?

Most Alloy 42 gear cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.

What surface finish is achievable on Alloy 42 with CNC Gear Hobbing?

Surface finish on Alloy 42 is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.