Tiny Controls · Own design
TNC-G03 : Gear Hobbing Machine Controller
Three-axis gear hobbing machine controller synchronizing blank rotation and hob feed to the main hobbing spindle, with a 32-bit ARM processor and encoder-based spindle speed reading.
Overview
The TNC-G03 is a three-axis controller purpose-built for gear hobbing machines, synchronizing two stepper or servo motors — one for blank rotation, one for vertical hob or blank movement — to the main hobbing spindle.
A 32-bit ARM controller reads the hob spindle's speed through two high-speed opto-isolated encoder inputs, and keeps blank rotation and hob feed synchronized to it as the spindle runs — gear hobbing depends on that ratio holding exactly, since the tooth form comes from the relationship between spindle and blank rotation, not from either axis alone. Motor outputs are differential, for noise immunity on a machine sharing a panel with the spindle drive.
Four general-purpose opto-isolated inputs and four open-collector outputs (for hob spindle motor switching, coolant or flood control) cover the machine I/O the cycle needs. Manual jogging with a handwheel and a 20×4 alphanumeric display with menu-driven setup round out the panel.
Designed and built by Tiny Controls in India.
Specifications
| Motors | 3 stepper or servo |
|---|---|
| Opto-isolated inputs | 4 general purpose |
| High-speed opto-isolated inputs | 2 encoder reading |
| Display | 20 × 4 alphanumeric LCD |
| Processor | 32 bit ARM |
| Open collector outputs | 4 |
Questions
Why does gear hobbing need a dedicated controller instead of a regular 3-axis one?
Because the tooth form comes from the relationship between spindle and blank rotation, not from either axis alone — that ratio has to hold exactly as the spindle runs, which is what this controller is built to keep synchronized.
How does it actually track the hob spindle's speed?
Through two high-speed opto-isolated encoder inputs feeding a 32-bit ARM controller, which keeps blank rotation and hob feed locked to the spindle as it runs.
Why differential motor outputs specifically, rather than single-ended?
Noise immunity — this shares a panel with the spindle drive, and differential signaling holds up better in that environment.
Can I jog the axes manually for setup?
Yes — manual jogging with a handwheel, and a 20×4 alphanumeric display with menu-driven setup.
Is this a Tiny Controls design?
Yes — designed and built by Tiny Controls in India.