Machine Comparison
Reishauer RZ 160 vs Reishauer RZ 260
Reishauer vs Reishauer · CNC Gear Cutting
Summary
The Reishauer RZ 160 and Reishauer RZ 260 are both from Reishauer's cnc gear cutting lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Reishauer ecosystem. The Reishauer RZ 260 shows specification advantages in 6 categories, though the Reishauer RZ 160 may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a cnc gear cutting.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Reishauer RZ 160 | Reishauer RZ 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Reishauer proprietary (industrial PC-based) | Reishauer proprietary (industrial PC-based) |
| Grinding Type | Continuous Generating Gear Grinding | Continuous Generating Gear Grinding |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 260 mm (10.2 in) ▲ |
| Max Module | 3.5 mm | 5 mm ▲ |
| Min Module | 0.3 mm | 0.5 mm ▲ |
| Max Face Width | 55 mm (2.17 in) | 80 mm (3.15 in) ▲ |
| Gear Types | External spur and helical gears | External spur and helical gears |
| Workpiece Spindle Speed | Up to 8,000 RPM ▲ | Up to 6,000 RPM |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | Up to 8,000 RPM ▲ | Up to 5,500 RPM |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 22 kW (30 hp) continuous | 35 kW (47 hp) continuous ▲ |
| Dressing System | Integrated diamond roller dressing | Integrated diamond roller dressing |
| Number Of Axes | 6 CNC axes | 6 CNC axes |
| Loading | Integrated ring loader or robotic loading | Integrated ring loader or robotic loading |
| Cycle Time Typical | 8 - 20 seconds (small gears 30-80 mm OD) | 15 - 30 seconds (automotive gears 80-120 mm OD) ▲ |
| Price Range | $600,000 - $900,000 ▲ | $800,000 - $1,200,000 |
Advantages
Reishauer RZ 160
- Superior workpiece spindle speed at Up to 8,000 RPM vs Up to 6,000 RPM
- Superior grinding spindle speed at Up to 8,000 RPM vs Up to 5,500 RPM
- More competitive pricing at $600,000 - $900,000 compared to $800,000 - $1,200,000
Reishauer RZ 260
- Superior max workpiece diameter at 260 mm (10.2 in) vs 160 mm (6.3 in)
- Superior max module at 5 mm vs 3.5 mm
- Superior min module at 0.5 mm vs 0.3 mm
- Superior max face width at 80 mm (3.15 in) vs 55 mm (2.17 in)
- Superior grinding spindle power at 35 kW (47 hp) continuous vs 22 kW (30 hp) continuous
Verdict
The Reishauer RZ 260 edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in max workpiece diameter and max module. However, the Reishauer RZ 160 remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.