CNC Gear Hobbing Copper

VT machining provides CNC Gear Hobbing Copper for customers who need accurate, repeatable Copper components. Because Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.

CNC Gear Hobbing Copper at VT machining
CNC Gear Hobbing Copper — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Gear Hobbing Capability for Copper

  • Spur & helical gears
  • Module range support
  • Pre-grind accuracy
  • High productivity

Copper Material Data

Copper — typical properties, quoted for C11000 ETP
Density8.94 g/cm³
Tensile strength220–350 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)70–330 MPa
Hardness40–100 HV
Melting point1083 °C
Thermal conductivity391 W/m·K
Thermal expansion17.0 ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity101%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)20%
Grades we runC10100 OFE, C10200 OF, C11000 ETP, C14500 tellurium copper

Published typical values for C11000 ETP. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.

Machining Copper — what actually causes trouble

It smears rather than cuts. Razor-sharp uncoated tooling and high rake; if the print allows it, C14500 tellurium copper machines four times better at ~90% IACS.

How CNC Gear Hobbing Copper Works

Tooth profiles are generated in the Copper blank by a synchronised cutter, then refined to the required accuracy class. Module, pressure angle and helix are programmed from your gear data.

Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.

Achievable Tolerances for CNC Gear Hobbing Copper

CNC Gear Hobbing Copper — 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.

Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Finished Copper 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.

Design Tips for CNC Gear Hobbing Copper

We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Providing complete gear data (module, pressure angle, profile shift, quality class) lets us produce Copper 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 Copper part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.

Working with Copper

As a material, Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.

We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.

Applications of CNC Gear Hobbing Copper

Customers order CNC Gear Hobbing Copper 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 Copper

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.

Parts We Have Run in Copper

Three representative CNC Gear Hobbing Copper jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.

Internal ring gear

Material
Copper
Size
m2.5, z72, ID 190 mm
Key callouts
DIN 8, pitch deviation 0.03 mm
Batch
150 pcs

Shaped rather than hobbed — an internal gear leaves no room for a hob to run out.

Worm and wheel set

Material
Copper
Size
m3, single start
Key callouts
Backlash 0.05–0.10 mm as a matched pair
Batch
120 sets

Supplied as matched sets and marked, because mixing pairs loses the backlash spec.

Splined shaft

Material
Copper
Size
DIN 5480, 26 × 1.5
Key callouts
Fit class H7/g6, runout 0.02 mm
Batch
800 pcs

Spline hobbed with the journals ground afterwards on the same centres.

Finishing Options for Copper

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Tin plate3–15 µmSolderable, prevents oxidation
Silver plate2–10 µmLowest contact resistance for RF and power
Nickel underplate2–5 µmDiffusion barrier under tin or gold
Gold flash0.05–1 µmContact surfaces, over nickel
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 markingPart number, lot code, data matrix
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No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.

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.

Open the 3D + 2D Builder

What We Need to Quote CNC Gear Hobbing Copper

  • 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 Copper 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.

Other Metals for CNC Gear Hobbing

Other Processes for Copper

Send the drawing, the Copper grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.

Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What surface finish is achievable on Copper with CNC Gear Hobbing?

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

What material thickness or size range suits CNC Gear Hobbing Copper?

We machine Copper across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.

Why is Copper a good choice for CNC Gear Hobbing?

Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes it well suited to CNC Gear Hobbing. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Copper gear cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.

What is CNC Gear Hobbing Copper and how is it done?

CNC Gear Hobbing Copper refers to gear hobbing generates gear teeth with a rotating hob synchronized to the workpiece. Applied to Copper — excellent electrical and thermal conductivity — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.

Does CNC Gear Hobbing Copper require dedicated tooling?

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