AFFOLTER GROUP gear-hobbing machines, designed for precision, productivity, and versatility, will be on display at IMTS 2024, in booth 237223.
“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,” explained Mikaël Affolter, head of Sales for the Swiss machinery developer. While many 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.
“We develop new options and configure the AF160 based on each customer’s needs,” Mr. Affolter continued. The 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,” he explained. The hardware is provided by Beckhoff Automation, a specialist in automation and PC-based control technology.
Working on the AF160 is easy, and productive, the developer reported: 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 is flexible too: With 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 AF160 can not only manufacture high-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.
Learn more at www.affoltergroup.ch