Grinding machine with multi-spindle grinding head

A method of grinding a plurality of surfaces on one or more cutting blades of a gear cutting tool, said method comprising:

• providing a multi-axis grinding machine having a tool head comprising a plurality of tool spindles with each tool spindle being rotatable about a respective tool axis;
• said plurality of tool spindles comprises at least a first tool spindle rotatable about a first tool axis, a second tool spindle rotatable about a second tool axis and a third tool spindle being rotatable about a third tool axis, said first, second and third tool axes being parallel to one another;
• said first, second and third tool spindles being arranged on said tool head whereby one of said first, second and third tool spindles faces a first direction and the other two of said first, second and third tool spindles face a second direction with said first and second directions being 180 degrees apart;
• providing at least one grinding wheel on each of said first, second and third tool spindles;
• positioning the at least one grinding wheel on one of said first, second or third tool spindle proximate to said workpiece;
• moving said workpiece and said tool head relative to one another to grind a first surface on said one or more cutting blades;
• positioning the at least one grinding wheel on another of said first, second or third tool spindle proximate to said workpiece;
• moving said workpiece and said tool head relative to one another to grind a second surface on said one or more cutting blades;
• positioning the at least one grinding wheel on the remaining one of said first, second or third tool spindle proximate to said workpiece;
• moving said workpiece and said tool head relative to one another to grind a third surface on said one or more cutting blades;
• whereby grinding of said first, second and third surfaces is accomplished in a single machine set-up with no exchange of grinding wheels or tool spindles.