8461.40.10.40 - Gear shapers

This HTS subheading, 8461.40.10.40, specifically classifies "Gear shapers." Gear shapers are machine tools designed for producing gears by generating the gear teeth through a reciprocating cutting action. They typically employ a rotating cutter that moves vertically, creating the tooth profile as it reciprocates against the workpiece. The primary function is the precise shaping of gear teeth to achieve specific profiles and tolerances.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, 8461.40.10.30, which covers "Gear hobbers." While both are used for gear production, gear hobbers utilize a rotating hob cutter that continuously generates the gear teeth as it rotates and moves axially across the workpiece. Gear shapers, in contrast, use a shaping cutter with a reciprocating motion. The "Other" categories at this level would encompass gear cutting machines not specifically identified as gear hobbers or gear shapers.

As 8461.40.10.40 is a leaf node, it does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the focus for classification within this heading is on accurately identifying machines that perform the shaping of gears through a reciprocating cutting action, differentiating them from other gear manufacturing machinery based on their specific operational mechanics.