AM Manufacturing Module
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AM Manufacturing Module Perfection in the high performance connecting rod machining segment

Machine concept Process quality Machine data

ALFING – Machine building in perfection since 1938 Alfing headquarters Founded in 1938 the Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH stands for more than 75 years of experience in developing, designing and manufacturing transfer lines, dial machines, machining centers and fracture splitting systems. We develop customized solutions for any machining process – if it is a single machine or a high-efficient manufacturing line. Particularly in the field of connecting rod machining Alfing is one of the leading engineering companies: Every second connecting rod worldwide is manufactured on an Alfing...

AM manufacturing module – the perfect solution for 500,000 up to 1.3 million connecting rods per year With an impressive manufacturing capacity and flexibility, the AM offers the best results and conditions for the machining of connecting rods. This is why the manufacturing module is an essential factor of success for a production segment from 500,000 to 1,300,000 connecting rods per year. Product line expansion and factor of success with the AM in the higher volume segment Flexibility Alfing Multi-spindle machining center Alfing Manufacturing module Dial Transfer Alfing Special purpose...

Machine concept AM – a successful concept in its 5th generation The AM is the result of a co-operation with the German machine manufacturer ELHA. The basis is an established base machine of which today more than 300 are installed. With many years of expertise, ALFING adapted and further developed this machine type especially for the machining of connecting rods. Therefore, the AM manufacturing module offers sophisticated technology for all purposes. Structure/design features The core of the machine has a solid and closed frame made of cast iron with strengthening rib structure. The...

Milestones of the base machine First ELHA FM3 was introduced at the EMO show 2nd generation of the machines with extended cross stroke Used for steel machining and enhancing of linear guides Strengthening of structural parts Joint hydrostatic More than 300 guiding of C- and machines installed Z-axis. 5 times higher stiffness and higher dampening at the same time The unique features of the AM Hydrostatic round quill The core piece of the AM is its hydrostatic round quill. It is characterized by its high rigidity and combines the feed motion in the Z-axis with the rotatory motion in the...

Machine concept Factors of success of the AM manufacturing module Maximum efficiency The fast switchover between the different steps of machining as well as fast acceleration and high feed rates are the basis for an excellent production output. Flexibility You are planning to change your production to a different connecting rod type? AM provides you the necessary flexibility. A new fixture and new tools are often sufficient to change over to a different connecting rod type. Alfing’s comprehensive process know-how will help you! Even replacing or adding a spindle is easily possible. Safe...

Time-saving installation and relocating The AM is a single unit with integrated controls which can easily be placed using a crane. PICK and PLACE – when installing or relocating the whole machine only has to be hooked once. The integrated controls reduce the installation time and effort. Optimized chip disposal The tools are on the side and the top of the machining area allowing a free drop of chips at any time. Chips from the machining area cannot get into the hermetically sealed machine component area. Favorable thermal characteristic Due to the AM’s favorable thermal characteristic, the...

Connecting rod machining without tool change A spindle row dedicated to each process step – this is the main principle of the AM. Tool change is not necessary, tool changing times do not apply. The advantages of this concept: high efficiency and low energy consumption. Bolt hole Rear side counterboring Ideal process layout With the individual process layout, Alfing’s longtime experience in machining connecting rods becomes apparent. That way the machine’s full potential comes into play. All machining steps in one setup With the AM, spindles can be arranged at both sides as well as on the...

Process quality High performance precision Production analysis reveal the enormous capability of the AM. The level of process quality can be measured and proved by three main criteria. Quill rigidity The AM is designed to machine connecting rods mostly with retracted Z-axis. Only for machining the second bolt hole the quill has to be extracted by the amount of the center distance. This consistent working condition together with the wear-free hydrostatic guiding of the quill guarantees highest precision. Center distance Roundness At fine machining a 3 microns roundness of the pin bore can be...

Loading and automation Whether manually or automated: flexible and versatile loading. The AM can be loaded from the front, right or left side. For front loading a robot is used. For side loading a shuttle is used which moves to the machining area through an additional opening. Both systems can be loaded manually or automated. An automation can be realized without machine modifications. Loading from front Fixture plate on 2-axes articulated arm • Best accessibility for retooling • Manual loading of fixture plate • Automated loading through robot or gantry Loading from right or left side...

Machine data

Service Alfing subsidiaries Europe Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH Auguste-Kessler-Straße 20 73433 Aalen, Germany Tel.: +49 7361 501-6340 Fax: +49 7361 501-6533 info@aks.alfing.de www.alfing.de China Alfing Machine Tools (Taicang) Co., Ltd. No. 143 West Yanshan Rd. Chengqu Industry Park Chengxiang Town, Taicang, Jiangsu Province, 215400, P. R. China Tel.: +86 512 8160 0139 Fax: +86 512 8160 0135 USA Alfing Corporation 44160 Plymouth Oaks Blvd. Plymouth, Michigan 48170, USA Tel.: +1 734 414 5884 Fax: +1 734 414 5899 ac@alfing-corp.com www.alfing.com Japan CKB Corporation 4F, Yamada...