Affolter presents gear hobbing center

Affolter Technologies SA (www.affoltergroup.ch), the technology and world market leader in micro gear hobbing centers for the watchmaking and micromechanical industries, presents its most recent innovation. “The AF110 GEAR sets a new benchmark in regards to flexibility, high precision and stiffness. It is tailored to the needs of all micro motor industries, such as automotive, aircraft, dental and medical equipment, and watchmaking”, states Marc-Alain Affolter, Managing Director of the Swiss family enterprise. The AF110 complements the existing GEAR product line towards the realization of larger parts with diameters of up to 40mm and a module of up to 1.0mm.
 
In 2010, the Affolter R&D team in Switzerland started to design the AF110. The result is the most robust and flexible gear hobbing center to date: “Compared to the AF100, we doubled the clamping force to 1000 newton. Torque and stiffness of the spindles were increased, the Y-axis is more robust and there is only one clamping axis moving, optimizing the overall rigidity and minimizing vibrations”, explains Mr. Affolter. The AF110 is very compact, using the same base and volume as the AF100. With the introduction of this innovative gear hobbing center, Affolter – founded in 1919 – reinforces its position as worldwide technology leader.

Flexibility a plus: worm milling
The Affolter experts are currently developing the add-on “Unit 90”: After a quick changeover, the AF110 will be able to perform worm milling operations. Marc-Alain Affolter: “We will introduce this optional feature in the second part of 2014. The AF110 will be the most flexible machine for gear cutting and worm milling on the market.”

Short cycle times: optimizing productivity
The Affolter engineers aimed to reduce cycle times to make the machine as productive as possible. The AF110 is equipped with the user-friendly, internally developed CNC Leste control, making communication with the micro gear hobbing center easy and quick. The compact design and the improved rigidity are other key features that guarantee short cycle times and highest efficiency.

In the spotlight: Affolter at EASTPO
Affolter will showcase its products at EASTPO in Shanghai (14-17 July). At EASTPO will feature the AF110. In mainland China, Affolter founded the daughter company Affolter China in 2013. Affolter China is located in Shanghai (www.affolterchina.cn). In Taiwan, the company cooperates with the distributor Corremax (www.corremax-taiwan.com.tw).

 
 The AF110 GEAR in numbers
 Max. workpiece diameter: 40mm
 Max. machining length: 90mm
 Module max.: 1.0mm
 Max. spindle rotation speed: 12.000rpm
 Number of axes: 12 CNC 
 Dimensions: 960x1210x1815