8461.40.10.30 - Gear hobbers

This HTS category, 8461.40.10.30, specifically covers gear hobbers. Gear hobbers are a type of machine tool designed for the efficient cutting of gears. They operate by using a rotating cutter, known as a hob, which has teeth shaped like the teeth of the gear to be produced. As the hob rotates, it feeds into the workpiece (the gear blank) and progressively cuts the gear teeth. This process is highly effective for mass production of gears with precise tooth profiles.

It is important to distinguish gear hobbers from their sibling category, 8461.40.10.40, which covers gear shapers. While both are gear cutting machines, gear shapers employ a reciprocating cutting tool that moves up and down to generate gear teeth through a shaping action. Gear hobbers, in contrast, utilize a continuous rotary cutting motion with a hob. Another sibling, 8461.40.10.60, covers other gear cutting, grinding, or finishing machines that do not fall under the specific classifications of hobbers or shapers.

As a leaf node, this category does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, the focus remains on the precise definition and application of gear hobbers within the broader scope of gear cutting machinery. Classification under this code is determined by the machine's primary function and design, specifically its use of a hob for generating gear teeth through a rotary process.