System and method for automated machining of toothed members

A method for machining from a workpiece a toothed member with a desired tooth pattern, the method comprising:

• machining the workpiece to a predetermined partial depth using a cutting tool to provide a semi-finished tooth pattern created according to a geometry of the cutting tool, the predetermined partial depth less than a full depth of the desired tooth pattern;
• comparing computed parameters of the semi-finished tooth pattern based on dimensions of the semi-finished tooth pattern to nominal parameters of the semi-finished tooth pattern and determining whether the computed parameters are within a predetermined tolerance of the nominal dimensions for the semi-finished tooth pattern at the predetermined partial depth;
• modifying the geometry of the cutting tool to correct deviations of the computed parameters from the tolerance when the computed parameters are not within the predetermined tolerance of the nominal dimensions, and machining the workpiece with the modified cutting tool to bring the dimensions of the semi-finished tooth pattern within the tolerance for the semi-finished tooth pattern at the predetermined partial depth;
• and
• machining the workpiece to the full depth to provide the desired tooth pattern when the dimensions of the semi-finished tooth pattern are within the tolerance for the semi-finished tooth pattern at the predetermined partial depth.