Affolter Technologies SA presents its most recent innovation. "The GEAR AF110 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 40 mm and a module of up to 1.0 mm. In 2010, the Affolter R&D team in Switzerland started to design the AF110. "Compared to the AF100, we doubled the clamping force to 1,000 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 Affolter. The AF110 is very compact, using the same base and volume as the AF100. 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. Affolter explains, "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. The distributor of Affolter Technologies SA in the United States, Canada and Mexico is Parker Industries Inc., based in Bohemia, New York.