Abstract:
The prediction of gear hobbing precision and the optimization of manufacturing parameters. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, deep learning algorithms, and optimization methods, this research aims to address the challenges faced in traditional gear manufacturing processes, enhancing production efficiency, precision, cost control, and intelligence levels.

Keywords: gear hobbing, precision prediction, processing parameter optimization, machine learning, deep learning
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
Gear hobbing is a crucial manufacturing process in the production of gears, significantly impacting the overall performance and reliability of gear systems. With the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing technologies, the demand for high-precision and efficient gear hobbing processes has increased significantly.
1.2 Research Background
The advancement of technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, knowledge modeling, high-speed communication, intelligent sensors, and big data analysis has paved the way for the intelligence transformation of gear hobbing machines. Intelligent functions of hobbing machines include networking, CNC intelligent programming, online monitoring, energy-saving emission reduction optimization, intelligent tool/fixture adaptation, precision prediction and control during processing, intelligent decision-making for process parameters, multi-machine remote operation and maintenance platforms, intelligent fault diagnosis, production task monitoring and scheduling, among others.
1.3 Research Status at Home and Abroad
1.3.1 Current Status of Intelligent Gear Hobbing Technology Applications
The intelligentization of gear hobbing machines has become an inevitable trend, driven by breakthroughs and maturations in various technologies. Intelligent features enhance production flexibility, efficiency, and precision.
| Intelligent Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Networking & Interconnectivity | Enables remote monitoring and control of hobbing machines. |
| CNC Intelligent Programming | Automates the programming of hobbing machines for different gear designs. |
| Online Monitoring Technology | Continuously monitors the processing state to detect and correct deviations in real-time. |
| Energy-Saving Optimization | Reduces energy consumption by optimizing process parameters. |
| Tool/Fixture Intelligent Adaptation | Automatically selects and adapts tools and fixtures based on processing requirements. |
1.3.2 Research Status of Importance and Correlation Analysis in Gear Hobbing
Importance and correlation analysis methods are crucial for identifying key process parameters that significantly impact gear precision.
1.3.3 Research Status of Pre-prediction Methods for Gear Hobbing Precision
Pre-prediction methods utilize historical data and machine learning algorithms to estimate the precision of gears before processing. However, these methods often face challenges in generalization and accuracy.
1.3.4 Research Status of Gear Hobbing Process Parameter Optimization Methods
Process parameter optimization methods aim to maximize precision, efficiency, and minimize costs. Traditional methods rely on trial-and-error or empirical formulas, which are time-consuming and may not yield optimal results.
1.3.5 Research Status of In-process Prediction Methods for Gear Hobbing Precision
In-process prediction methods use real-time data collected during processing to estimate gear precision. These methods require robust sensors and advanced data analysis algorithms.
1.4 Main Research Contents
This dissertation addresses the following research questions:
- How to analyze the correlation and importance of process parameters and precision indicators in gear hobbing?
- How to develop pre-prediction models for gear hobbing precision based on manufacturing parameters?
- How to estimate gear hobbing precision in real-time using vibration signals?
- How to optimize gear hobbing process parameters considering precision, cost, and efficiency?
1.5 Source and Significance of the Research
1.5.1 Source of the Research
The research is motivated by the increasing demand for high-precision gears in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.
1.5.2 Research Significance
This research contributes to improving production efficiency, precision, cost control, and intelligence levels in gear manufacturing workshops, promoting the further implementation of intelligent manufacturing and driving innovative breakthroughs in China’s high-end equipment manufacturing industry.
2. Correlation and Importance Analysis of Gear Hobbing Process Parameters and Precision Indicators
2.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the research background of gear hobbing technology and reviews the current research status in key areas such as intelligent gear hobbing technology, importance and correlation analysis methods, precision prediction methods, and process parameter optimization methods.
2.2 Method Description
To analyze the correlation and importance of process parameters and precision indicators, this study proposes a series of methods based on rough set theory, decision tree algorithms, and regression analysis.
Table 2.1: Types of Gear Manufacturing Parameters
| Type | Description | Example Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Design Parameters | Specific parameters of the gear to be processed | Gear diameter (D), Module (M), Number of teeth (Z), etc. |
| Process Parameters | Variables that may affect gear precision, efficiency, and cost | Hobbing speed, Feed rate, Cutting depth, etc. |
| Environmental Parameters | External factors that may impact the processing process | Temperature, Humidity, Vibration levels, etc. |
2.3 Correlation and Importance Analysis
Using the proposed methods, this chapter analyzes the correlation and importance of various parameters and precision indicators, identifying key factors that significantly influence gear precision.
3. Pre-prediction Method for Gear Hobbing Precision Based on Manufacturing Parameters
3.1 Overview
Addressing the challenge of pre-quantitative analysis of processing errors in current precision research, this section proposes a framework for predicting gear hobbing precision based on manufacturing parameters.
3.2 Prediction Models
Two prediction models are proposed:
- Adaptive Variational Inference Gaussian Mixture Regression (A VIGMR): This model uses an adaptive parameter generator to generate suitable hyperparameters for Gaussian Mixture Regression (GMR).
- Correlation Analysis Random Forest Regression (CARF): This model leverages random forest regression combined with correlation analysis to predict gear processing errors.
Table 3.1: Comparison of Prediction Models
| Model | Description | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| A VIGMR | Adaptive generation of GMR hyperparameters based on input data characteristics. | High prediction accuracy and generalization ability. |
| CARF | Utilizes random forest regression combined with correlation analysis. | Robust to outliers and can handle non-linear relationships. |
3.3 Experimental Validation
Experiments are conducted using a seven-axis high-speed gear hobbing machine to validate the proposed prediction models. Results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the models in predicting gear processing errors.
4. In-process Precision Estimation Method for Gear Hobbing Based on Real-time Information
4.1 Overview
In-process precision estimation is crucial for monitoring and controlling gear hobbing processes in real-time. This section proposes an integrated deep online prediction method (EQOPM-GH) for this purpose.
4.2 EQOPM-GH Method
The EQOPM-GH method includes a Multi-layer Fusion Residual Network (MFResNet) and a series of regularization methods to enhance prediction robustness and generalization.
4.3 Small Sample Data Scenario
For small sample data scenarios, an Attention-based and Domain-Adversarial Transfer Learning model (A2ResNet-aCoral) is proposed. This model incorporates sample-spatial attention, dynamic channel attention, a domain adversarial layer, and a similarity adaptive aCoral loss function.
Table 4.1: Comparison of In-process Precision Estimation Methods
| Method | Description | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| EQOPM-GH | Utilizes MFResNet and regularization methods for robust and generalized predictions. | Effective for large sample data scenarios. |
| A2ResNet-aCoral | Incorporates attention mechanisms and domain-adversarial transfer learning for small sample data scenarios. | Enhances feature extraction efficiency and accuracy, improves transfer precision. |
4.4 Experimental Validation
Experiments are conducted to validate the proposed in-process precision estimation methods. Results show that the methods can effectively monitor and predict gear processing precision in real-time, filling the research gap in this area.
