The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)—September 9–14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place—is the largest manufacturing technology show and marketplace in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s right around the corner! With visitors from more than 110 countries, IMTS is where the creators, builders, sellers and drivers of manufacturing technology come to connect and be inspired. But with more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, where do you begin? Here at Gear Technology, we do our best to help you make the most of your show experience by assembling booth previews that will be worthy of your attention.

When developing the AF160, maximum versatility was the key goal of the Engineering Department of the Swiss family enterprise Affolter Group, a world technology leader in high-precision gear hobbing solutions. Vincent Affolter, Managing Director of the Affolter Group, explains: “The AF160 is designed for high precision manufacturers that need flexibility and efficiency. With its eight axes, sophisticated automation solutions, and an innovative quick-change system, the machine provides exactly that.”

Production demands continue to rise with the burgeoning electrification movement. The desire for high-precision gears and low-cost manufacturing requires versatile and affordable high-efficiency processing to serve the needs of a variety of industries. Gathered here are a few recent hobbing solutions from Affolter Group, Helios Gear Products, and Nidec Machine Tool Corporation.