8-Axis Gear Hobbing Machine: Automated Solution with Flexibility
The Swiss family enterprise Affolter Group introduces its most versatile machine to date: the AF160. The 8-axis CNC gear hobbing machine handles a broad range of applications to produce different kinds of gears and worm screws with a module of up to 2mm.
The state-of-the-art digital CNC Control Pegasus is user-friendly, ensures extremely fast regulation and integrates IoT. Various automation solutions facilitate flexible manufacturing of small series or high volumes with an autonomy of 12 to 24 hours.
"The AF160 is designed for high precision manufacturers that need versatility and maximum efficiency," explains Vincent Affolter, Managing Director of Affolter Group. "With eight axes, a state-of-the-art digital CNC control, a variety of automation solutions and a maximum module of 2mm, it is ideal for manufacturers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, aircraft, gearbox, medical or robotics."
The AF160 can process parts with an outside diameter of up to 60mm and a length of 250mm. The machining length is between 110 and 180mm. The eight axes -- all of them independent -- make the AF160 the most flexible Affolter machine to date.
It can produce straight gears, helical gears, straight bevel gears, face gears, straight or helical crowned gears, worm screws, worm wheels, cylkro gears, and internal gears. Power skiving, the milling of worms and shafts, as well as chamfering is possible, too. Vincent Affolter: "The AF160 enables manufacturers to produce an impressive variety of high precision gears, worm screws and worm wheels on the same, compact machine." The footprint of the machine is only 4m². Including the loader AF72 it is a little more than 6m².
With the AF160, Affolter does not only introduce a groundbreaking new gear cutting machine. "We think of it as a solution, not a machine -- a solution that meets the needs of our customers. Thanks to the new CNC Control, various automation systems and peripherals, and the versatility of the AF160, we can offer maximum productivity for high-precision manufacturers in a very broad range of applications," emphasizes Affolter.
Automation Boosts Productivity
Depending on the application and production processes, manufacturers need automation solutions to facilitate an autonomous operation for 12 to 24 hours. Affolter provides a range of such automation solutions.
The universal multi-axes part loading and unloading system F72 was especially designed for the AF160. It features a double gripper system for parallel loading and unloading and offers different methods of feeding based on the volume, product, and application.
The AF160 can also be equipped with the deburring unit AF54, integrating the deburring process into the gear production. Different clamping systems provide for added versatility. Customizable coolant systems and chip extraction conveyors are available as well.
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