THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL / THE TRADE SHOW
18.09.2025
A - Machines
Affolter Group Debuts the AF140: A New Standard in High-Precision Gear Hobbing
Compact, versatile, and ingenious: The new Affolter AF140, designed for the machining of small parts up to 40 mm and 1.0 mm module, combines the versatility of the AF100 with the footprint and simplicity of the AF90.
- Automation-ready: The AF140 is available with a robotic arm for seamless loading and unloading and is fully compatible with existing loaders. Smart connectivity enables remote service and full digital integration.
- The AF140 is ideal for the efficient manufacturing of small gears across demanding precision industries, including watchmaking, micromechanics, aerospace, automotive, micromotors, robotics, and medical technologies.
Unmatched speed: The new AF140 achieves cutter speeds up to 16,000 rpm and workpiece speeds up to 5,000 rpm, delivering outstanding precision and efficiency. (Picture: Affolter Group SA)
The Swiss Affolter Group (www.affoltergroup.ch), the world technology leader in high-precision gear hobbing solutions, proudly announces the launch of the state-of-the-art AF140. The innovative company’s newest gear hobbing centre is designed for small gears up to 40 mm in diameter and a maximum module of 1.0 mm. Positioned between and replacing the AF90 and AF100, the AF140 delivers the strengths of its predecessors while introducing next-generation automation and connectivity features.
The AF140 was developed in close collaboration with users and industry partners to meet the growing demand for simplicity, compactness, versatility, and ingenuity in gear hobbing. Designed primarily for the watchmaking sector, the machine is equally suited for precision applications in micromechanics, aerospace, automotive, micromotors, robotics, and medical technologies.
A streamlined portfolio: With the AF140 replacing the AF90 and AF100, Affolter now offers a clear two-machine product line: AF140 and AF160. (Picture: Affolter Group SA.
“With the AF140, we are offering our customers a perfect balance between performance, flexibility, and innovation,” reports Mikael Affolter, Head of Sales at Affolter Group. “Its compact footprint makes it ideal for workshops where every square centimetre matters, while its compatibility with existing loaders and the option of a robotic arm provide new levels of automation and productivity. Combined with remote service features, the AF140 represents a true step forward in precision gear hobbing.”
Speed meets precision
The AF140 reaches cutter rotation speeds of up to 16,000 rpm and workpiece rotation speeds of up to 5,000 rpm. The new and customisable robotic arm option for automatic loading and unloading significantly boosts the productivity of the AF140, enabling seamless automation and reliable 24/7 production. At the same time, the machine remains fully compatible with established loaders such as W20, W25, W31, AF45, deburring units and more. Built on the powerful Pegasus CNC platform, the AF140 provides digital integration with IO-Link sensors, simplified commissioning, and advanced remote service for real-time support and updates.
Designed for gears up to 40 mm in diameter and module 1,0 mm, the AF140 is ideal for high-precision industries. (Picture: Affolter Group SA)
With the launch of the AF140, Affolter has streamlined its product line, replacing the AF90 and AF100 with a clear and future-ready two-machine portfolio: AF140 and AF160. Mikael Affolter explains: “This simplification of our product portfolio further enhances our customer service capabilities, strengthens operational efficiency, and creates a solid foundation for growth and innovation in the coming years.”
Features of the AF140:
- Max. part diameter 40 mm
- Max. part length 125 mm
- Max. machining part 50 mm
- Max. module 1.0 mm / DP 25
- Max. hob cutter diameter (gear hobbing) 32 mm
- Tilt angle of the hobbing head (A axis) +/- 30°
- Max. rotation of the hob spindle (B axis) 16'000 rpm
- Max. rotation of the workpiece spindles (C-C’ axis) 5’000 rpm
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 850 x 1,050 x 1,810 mm
- Empty weight: 950–990 kg