Abstract: A free-form bevel gear machine has the potentialities to produce the point-contact tooth surfaces of better performance more effectively than a conventional cradle one. A point-contact tooth surface manufacturing technology based on the generating theory of the free-form machine is introduced. The basic equations and the formulae in detail for the three-axis generating of the tooth surfaces are presented. The generating motions are expressed as the functions of the work gear rotary angle, which is taken as a motion parameter. The methods to determine the motion functions and the other machine setting parameters are explained. And lastly an example is given to demonstrate the technology and the methods.

Key words: Active control, Free-form bevel gear machine, Hypoid gear, Manufacturing technology, Point-contact tooth surface, Spiral bevel gear