Affolter / Affolter Group — Precision CNC Gear Hobbing Machines & Centers
Global supply of high-precision CNC gear hobbing machines and cutting centers from Affolter / Affolter Group (Malleray, Switzerland). Modular AF140 and AF160 platforms engineered for micro-gears in robotics, watchmaking, and medical devices from SpareX.
Affolter AF140 CNC Gear Hobbing Machines
The ultra-compact Affolter AF140 gear hobbing center features 8 CNC Pegasus axes tailored for micro-gears. It machines gear teeth up to module 1.0 mm and workpiece diameter of 40 mm with 50 mm cutting length. The cutting spindle runs up to 16,000 rpm with automatic cutter tilt.
- Precision gear hobbing capability up to maximum module 1.0 mm (25.4 DP)
- High-speed cutting spindle operating at rotational speeds up to 16,000 rpm
- Maximum workpiece diameter of 40 mm with 50 mm cutting stroke length
- Replacement collets, cutter arbors, drive belts, and spindle bearings
Affolter AF160 Universal CNC Gear Cutting Centers
The versatile Affolter AF160 CNC gear cutting center is built for serial manufacturing of gears up to module 2.0 mm. It features dual direct-drive torque motor spindles operating up to 9,000 rpm and a 9,000 rpm cutter spindle. Cutter tilt from -50° to +50° enables worm cutting and power skiving.
- Gear cutting capability up to maximum module 2.0 mm (12.7 DP) and 60 mm diameter
- Dual direct-drive torque motor work spindles rotating at speeds up to 9,000 rpm
- Cutting length from 110 to 180 mm with tool head inclination from -50° to +50°
- Direct-drive torque motors, linear guideways, ball screws, and rotary encoders
Legacy Gear Hobbing Machines AF90, AF100 and AF110
Earlier machine generations AF90, AF100, and AF110 proved themselves in precision instruments and watchmaking gears. The platforms featured multi-axis numerical control and high-speed spindles for micro-gears. Spares, replacement assemblies, and tooling remain supported across all fleets.
- Historical gear hobbing machine series AF90, AF100, and AF110
- Multi-axis numerical coordination for fine-pitch watch pinions
- Replacement spindle bearings, guideways, and cutter arbors
- Drive retrofits, precision spindle repairs, and tooling packages
Affolter Pegasus CNC System & Production Automation
The Affolter Pegasus CNC control platform is engineered on an industrial PC with the Beckhoff TwinCAT kernel. The intuitive APD dialog interface allows programming without ISO code. Integration with AF72 part loaders and AF54 deburring units enables autonomous production.
- Industrial PC platform powered by real-time Beckhoff TwinCAT automation software
- Touchscreen programming in natural language using the proprietary APD interface
- Universal AF72 linear automated part loaders for autonomous manufacturing cells
- EtherCAT bus couplers, digital I/O slice modules, communication cables, and power units
Automation: AF72 Part Loaders & AF54 Deburring Units
Universal AF72 linear part loaders deliver uninterrupted workpiece loading directly into Affolter gear hobbing centers. The integrated AF54 deburring attachment removes cutting burrs during the primary machining cycle, eliminating secondary handling across precision manufacturing cells.
- Universal automated linear part loaders from the dedicated AF72 line
- Integrated mechanical AF54 deburring units operating within machine cycles
- Interchangeable guide prisms, workpiece grippers, and pneumatic cylinders
- Increased machining cell autonomy with minimized part changeover cycle times
Affolter Spare Parts & Spindle Assemblies
To sustain micron precision across AF140 and AF160 machines, factory cutting spindles, W20 and W25 collet chucks, hob arbors, and drive belts are supplied. Available spares also include servo drives, Beckhoff EtherCAT I/O modules, and filter elements verified against machine serial plates.
- Factory-assembled precision cutter spindles and high-frequency motors
- Standard W20 and W25 precision collets, reduction sleeves, and hob cutter arbors
- Drive belt kits, precision ball screws, and preloaded linear profile guideways
- Electronic CNC modules, digital servo drives, proximity limit switches, and filter packs
Affolter Precision CNC Gear Hobbing Centers AF140 and AF160
Swiss manufacturer Affolter Group SA engineers ultra-compact 8-axis CNC gear hobbing centers AF140 and AF160 powered by in-house Pegasus numerical control. The machines specialize in generating external and internal gear teeth for robotics, watchmaking, aerospace, and medical micro-drives.
The AF140 accommodates workpieces up to 40 mm in diameter and module 1.0 mm with spindle speeds reaching 16,000 rpm.
The heavy-duty AF160 features dual direct-drive torque motor spindles operating up to 9,000 rpm, machining parts up to 60 mm diameter and module 2.0 mm with worm cutting and power skiving capability.
Equipment Engineering Selection and Autonomous Loading Systems
Selecting the appropriate Affolter gear hobbing platform depends on part dimensions, gear module requirements, material hardness, and target production volume. Systems are paired with AF72 universal automated linear loaders and AF54 deburring units for high-throughput unmanned operation.
SpareX provides comprehensive application engineering, W20 and W25 tooling selection, cutting cycle calculations, and direct equipment procurement from Switzerland backed by international multimodal logistics.
Affolter / Affolter Group and model names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the equipment for which we source parts. SpareX is not an official dealer, distributor or representative of Affolter / Affolter Group and is not affiliated with the trademark owner. Origin, documents and warranty are stated for each item in the quotation.
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Documents and sources
- Affolter AF140 gear hobbing machine — technical specifications and 8 Pegasus CNC axes
- Affolter AF160 gear cutting machine — direct-drive torque motor spindles and module 2.0
- Affolter CNC Pegasus control solution — industrial PC and Beckhoff TwinCAT integration
- Affolter customer services — preventive maintenance, spindle diagnostics and training
- Official Affolter Group SA website — headquarters in Valbirse Malleray Switzerland
