KAPP NILES KX 100

$500,000 - $800,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

axes

6 (X, Y, Z linear + A workpiece rotation, B grinding worm, C dressing)

max gear outside diameter

100 mm (3.94 in)

max gear module

3 mm

max face width

100 mm (3.94 in)

max helix angle

±45 degrees

grinding process

Continuous generating grinding (worm grinding wheel)

Overview

The KAPP NILES KX 100 is a compact CNC gear profile grinding machine for small-diameter gears up to 100 mm (3.94 in) outside diameter. It targets the high-precision, small-module gear market in automotive transmissions, robotics, precision instruments, and aerospace actuators where gear quality above AGMA 12 / DIN 3 is required and production volumes justify dedicated gear grinding over alternative finishing processes.

The KX 100 uses continuous generating gear grinding with dressable CBN or corundum grinding worms, providing the combination of high material removal rate and excellent surface finish that makes generating grinding the dominant process for hardened gear finishing in automotive and precision engineering. The grinding worm approach enables much higher throughput than profile wheel grinding for gears in the 1-100 mm OD range.

Key machine features include a highly rigid polymer concrete machine bed for vibration damping, precision hydrostatic or roller guideway systems on all linear axes, and an integrated dressing spindle for continuous wheel conditioning during production. The workpiece spindle uses direct-drive motor technology for backlash-free rotation, essential for the tight pitch accuracy requirements of AGMA 12+ quality gears.

Control is via KAPP NILES' KN grind software running on a Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl CNC platform. KN grind provides intuitive gear parameter input (module, number of teeth, helix angle, pressure angle, profile modifications) and automatically calculates the grinding worm engagement kinematics. On-machine gear measurement probing is available for closed-loop quality control.

New KX 100 machines are typically priced in the $500,000-$800,000 range. Used units are rarely available and price case-by-case.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Axes	6 (X, Y, Z linear + A workpiece rotation, B grinding worm, C dressing)
Max Gear Outside Diameter	100 mm (3.94 in)
Max Gear Module	3 mm
Max Face Width	100 mm (3.94 in)
Max Helix Angle	±45 degrees
Grinding Process	Continuous generating grinding (worm grinding wheel)
Grinding Wheel Diameter	Up to 180 mm (7.09 in)
Workpiece Spindle	Direct-drive, backlash-free
Dressing	Integrated CNC dressing spindle
Machine Bed	Polymer concrete (mineral casting)
Machine Dimensions	2,800 x 2,000 x 2,200 mm (110.2 x 78.7 x 86.6 in)
CNC Control	KN grind on Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Continuous generating grinding delivers the highest throughput for small-module gears under 100 mm OD, outperforming profile grinding at equivalent quality levels
Direct-drive workpiece spindle eliminates transmission error from the spindle to the gear, critical for achieving AGMA 12-13 quality levels on precision gears
Integrated CNC dressing ensures the grinding worm profile is maintained throughout long production runs without manual wheel intervention
Polymer concrete machine bed provides superior vibration damping versus cast iron, reducing waviness in the ground gear tooth surface
KN grind software provides a parameter-based gear programming interface that reduces setup time significantly versus ISO-code manual programming
On-machine probing option enables closed-loop gear quality verification without removing parts to an external gear measuring machine

Limitations

100 mm OD gear limit restricts the machine to small-module, small-diameter gears — not applicable for automotive ring gears or large industrial gears
Price of $500,000-$800,000 requires a justified production volume to achieve acceptable cost per gear — low-volume shops should consider contract grinding
Continuous generating grinding process requires skilled setup for gear topography modifications (crowning, tip relief) that adds programming complexity
Grinding worm dressing consumes wheel material over time, and replacement grinding worms are a recurring consumable cost
Used market is thin, making secondary market acquisition difficult and parts support for older units less predictable

Best For

Automotive transmission manufacturers producing small-diameter precision gears for manual and automatic gearboxes in high volume Robotics and servo drive manufacturers grinding small-module planetary and helical gears requiring AGMA 12+ quality for low-noise, low-backlash operation Aerospace actuator and gearbox suppliers producing small-diameter gears in titanium and steel for flight-critical applications Precision instrument makers grinding small gears for measuring instruments, optical equipment drives, and medical devices Cutting tool manufacturers producing gear hob thread grinding and thread form grinding of small-diameter precision thread forms

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What gear quality levels does the KAPP NILES KX 100 achieve?

The KX 100 is capable of grinding gears to AGMA quality 12-13 (equivalent to DIN 3963 quality grades 3-4) depending on module, material, and grinding parameters. Generating grinding with a dressed CBN or corundum worm consistently delivers ground tooth flanks with Ra surface finish in the 0.2-0.4 µm range, which is the standard expectation for automotive and aerospace precision gears.

02 What is the difference between the KAPP NILES KX 100 and KX 260?

The KX 260 accommodates larger gears up to 260 mm outside diameter and larger modules, while the KX 100 is limited to 100 mm OD and module 3. Both use continuous generating grinding on the same KN grind platform. The KX 100 is optimized for small-diameter, high-precision gears in automotive and robotics; the KX 260 covers the broader range of industrial gearing up to medium-sized modules.

03 Does the KX 100 grind internal gears?

The KX 100 is configured primarily for external gear grinding using generating grinding worms. Internal gear grinding typically requires a different machine geometry and tooling (internal generating wheel or profile wheel). For internal gears, consult KAPP NILES' ZI series or discuss with their applications team whether the KX 100 can be configured for specific internal gear applications.

04 What is the KAPP NILES KX 100 price?

New KAPP NILES KX 100 machines are typically priced between $500,000 and $800,000 depending on options including on-machine probing, loading automation, and software packages. This price level reflects the machine's precision construction and the specialized nature of gear profile grinding equipment. Contact KAPP NILES or their North American representative for a project-specific quotation.