Affolter Technologies SA, a provider of micro gear hobbing machines for the aerospace, medical and micromechanical industries, has introduced Worm High-Speed Power Skiving technology.
"This new development will increase the productivity and efficiency of manufacturers in the automotive and aircraft industries considerably," said Managing Director Vincent Affolter. "With this Worm Power Skiving technology, we can finish a high-precision worm in about 6 seconds, about four times faster than with the previous methods. Reducing cycle time by such a large step will help any worm shaft manufacturer."
This new technology is designed to significantly help manufacturers of high volume precision worms. Speed and accuracy are the main focus for small worms with a module of 0.3 to 1. "We recently saw a big demand in the automotive industry. Such worms are used in car seats or trunks, but also in other sectors," said Affolter.
"Unlike conventional worm hobbing, where the hob turns much faster than the workpiece, the Affolter engineers inverted the process," said a company spokesperson. "The workpiece turns fast, with up to 12,000 RPM, while the new cutter (similar to a special lathe bit) turns slower and rotates into the part. This process is only possible with a machine that can reach high speeds and at the same time provide the necessary rigidity and stiffness, such as the Affolter AF100 and AF110."
The integration of high-speed spindles into the existing Affolter Gear Line machines was the first step of the process. Currently, the Affolter R&D team is focusing on an optimized machine base and peripheral support devises. The new skiving process produces an increased amount of chips, which will be addressed with a new chip disposal device. In addition, efficient and ideal coolant supply is of high importance and is addressed by the Affolter team. "It is important to keep the kinematics of the machine the same," said the spokesperson.
Rotec Tools represents Affolter in the U.S.
For more information contact:
Ivo Straessle
RoTec Tools Ltd.
Lemcar Industrial Park
100 Buckshollow Rd., Unit #3
Mahopac, NY 10541
845-621-9100
info@rotectools.com
www.rotectools.com