In-house Software Development by Gear Hobbing Company Boosts Customers’ Flexibility
The gear hobbing machines and solutions of the Swiss family enterprise Affolter Group (www.affoltergroup.ch) are designed for ultimate precision, productivity and versatility. “Maximizing flexibility is in our DNA. A core advantage for our customers is our in-house software development expertise – our specialists provide tailored and efficient solutions, making our customers more productive”, underlines Mikaël Affolter, Head of Sales of the Affolter Group.
While many other machine manufacturers outsource software development, resulting in long and costly development cycles, the in-house experts at Affolter react to each and every customer request individually and promptly. Mikaël Affolter: “We develop new options and configurate the AF160 based on each customer’s needs.” Such hobbing options include skiving by sensor detection, integrating the deburring process, part orientation, part presence control, and much more. “Instead of preconfiguring every detail, we offer an open system that can be tailored to the needs of every customer. We fine-tune the software and the machines to make our customers more productive”, explains Mikaël Affolter. The hardware is provided by the long-term partner Beckhoff Automation, one of the world’s leading specialists for automation and PC-based control technology.
User-friendly and intuitive
Working on the AF160 is easy, productive, and fun: The 19-inch HMI touchscreen is convenient and user-friendly. All processes and machine actions are communicated in plain language, easy to understand. The state-of-the-art digital CNC Control Pegasus ensures extremely fast regulation and integrates IoT. Data can be shared on the cloud, streamlining after-sales service support and preventive maintenance, and therefore minimizing downtimes. Software updates can be managed remotely.
The machine itself is a flexibility wonder: With its eight axes, sophisticated automation solutions, and an innovative quick-change system, it makes precision manufacturers more productive and efficient. Operators can switch from one configuration to the next in only 30 minutes. Three main gear cutting configurations can be chosen. The versatility is uncontested: The AF160 can not only manufacture highest-precision spur, helical, bevel, crowned and face gears, it can also be used for worm milling, power skiving of internal gears as well as the production of ace gears.
Visit Affolter at IMTS Chicago
Get a first-hand look at the innovative AF160 and talk to the experts of Affolter and their US representative Rotec Tools at the International Manufacturing Technology Show IMTS in Chicago from September 9-14. The Affolter booth will be in North Building, Level 3, Booth 237223.
AF160 Technical Characteristics
- 8 axis CNC
- module 2.00 m / 12.7 DP
- cutting length 110-180 mm / 4.33-7.08 in.
- part diameter 60 mm max for module 2. B and C-C’ center distance = 68mm*
- Spindle rotation B 9’000 rpm
- Spindle rotation C-C’ 9’000 rpm
- Dimensions LxWxH 1’500×2’010×2’650mm
- Weight 2’700 kg / 5.952 lb
*With a center distance of 68mm, the AF160 can basically achieve a module 1 on a Ø100mm workpiece with a hob Ø24mm.
