Gear hobber offers three configurations

When developing the AF160, maximum versatility was the key goal of the engineering department at the Swiss family enterprise Affolter Group, a specialist in high-precision gear-hobbing solutions. As a result, three gear-hobbing configurations are available.

With the optional quick-change system, machine operators can switch from one configuration to the next in only 30 minutes. In configuration I, both the C axis and the C’ prime axis are equipped with driven spindles. This set-up leads to increased cutting quality, more torque and higher rigidity. In addition, the set-up offers an A axis of±50° swing, making it ideal for the production of spur, helical, bevel, crowned and face gears.

With a tailstock on the C axis and a spindle on C’ prime axis (configuration II), the operator gets more flexibility. The A axis can move from -50° to +115°, making worm milling possible. This configuration is also suitable for all gear types mentioned above. In configuration III, the C axis remains empty and the C’ prime axis features a driven spindle. As a result, users can undertake thepower skiving of internal gears and the production of face gears.

TheAF72 part loader features a double gripper system for parallel loading and unloading, and a telescopic arm. Customers can select different configurations depending on the volume, product and application. It is possible to equipthe AF72 with up to five feeding rails, enabling users to preload more parts and let the machine work autonomously for more than 24 hours.

The AF160 is configurable for any application. Hobbing options include skiving by sensor detection, and integrating a deburring process into gear production with the addition of the AF54 deburring unit.
For further information www.affoltergroup.ch

Machining centre choice made pure and simple

Mills CNC has supplied Pure Innovate Manufacturing, a project management and engineering solutions provider, with a new high-performance machining centre.The machine, a DN Solutions DNM 5700 is now in-situat the company’s new and spacious ‘Innovation’ facility in Wallingford, just a few days after relocating its operations there. It is the first machine tool acquired by the company in its four-year history.

The DNM 5700 acquired by Pure Innovate is a three-axis vertical machining centre equipped with FANUC iPlus control and 15” touchscreen iHMI. Further features include an 18.5kW/12,000rpm directly-coupled spindle, 30-position ATC, large worktable and fast rapids. Mills CNC supplied the machine with through-spindle-coolant capability and a Renishaw tool and workpiece probing system to increase machining flexibility and improve process efficiencies.

Pure Innovate is the brainchild of managing director, Carl Joy, who says: “Having our own dedicated machining resource at the Innovation facility improves our flexibility and responsiveness.We’re can produce prototypes [including any iterations] quickly and efficiently – and means we’re not only able to deliver high-quality, fast turnaround machined prototypes, but also the processes developed and used to machine them.”

He continues: “To increase the scope and scale of our Innovation facility in the future, we are actively looking at investing in new technologies, like simultaneous five-axis machines, and developing our in-house capabilities further through processes such as additive manufacturing and composite machining.Nothing is off the table.”

Joy took the decision to invest in a DN Solutions DNM 5700 for a number of reasons.

“Pound for pound, the DNM 5700 is the ideal machine for us,” he states. “The machine is fast, flexible and accurate. It will enable us to machine high-precision prototypes and pre-production parts quickly.”
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Ceratizit buys Changzhou CW Toolmaker

CB-Ceratizit, a joint venture company of Ceratizit, part of the Plansee Group, has acquired 70% of all shares of Changzhou CW Toolmaker Inc. The privately owned company based in Changzhou, China, specialises in the design, production and sales of tungsten-carbide cutting tools for industries that include electronics, aerospace, rail, and mould and die.The acquisition is an important part of CB-Ceratizit’s growth strategy in Asia

Andreas Fritz, Ceratizit’spresident of the Asia-Pacificregional unit, says: “The expansion of the Ceratizit portfolio to include machining solutions for electronic components in the 3C sector (computers, communications and consumer electronics) is crucial for our success. By being able to draw on the high-quality production technologies and extensive manufacturing capacities of both CW and Ceratizit, we offer our customers significant added value throughout the full value chain.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com

Major upgrade to large 30-taper machine

Brother, the Japanese 30-taper machining centre manufacturer, has had a machine in its portfolio with a 1 m Xaxis for nearly a decade. The third iteration of this model sees the specification uprated in several key areas to boost capacity and versatility. Sole sales and service agent in Britain and Ireland is Whitehouse Machine Tools.

Now called Speedio W1000Xd2, the machine is the largest on the market in the 30-taper category. The extension of Z axis travel from 300 to 380 mm, together with a new option of a 250 mm column extension, means that users may place a much larger component under the spindle. If rotated in a trunnion, the swing diameter increases to 540 mm, and if fixtured directly on the table, maximum weight is 500 kg.

A benefit of having 1000 mm travel in the X axis is that users can machine either long components, or else a pair of smaller parts side by side. In the latter case, if they are undergoing Op 10 and Op 20, one comes off completely machined every time the doors open. Alternatively, machine shops may place multiple small parts under the spindle for many hours of uninterrupted production.Typical applications include battery control boxes, chassis components or instrument panels for electric vehicles. Other target markets are the semiconductor and mould making sectors.

Users processing tool steels will benefit from the introduction of a 10,000 rpm/26.2 kW/92 Nm high-torque spindle option in place of the standard 12,000 rpm offering. Another option is a 16,000 rpm face-and-taper contact spindle. Through-coolant at 30 bar is standard,while70 bar is available on request.
For further information www.wmtcnc.com

Trumpf posts record revenue

In its centennial year, the Trumpf Group has generated considerable revenue growth. Based on preliminary calculations, revenue in the fiscal year 2022/23 (balance sheet date 30 June 2023) came in at €5.4bn (fiscal year 2021/22: €4.2bn).In the domestic market of Germany, revenue rose sharply by more than 30% to some €770m (previous year: €589m). In the US, Trumpf continued its strong growth of the previous year, posting revenue of some €900m (2021/22: €649m). The strongest Asian market was China with revenue of some €600m (previous year: €575m).
For further information www.trumpf.com