Reishauer RZ 160

$600,000 - $900,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

Max Workpiece ⌀

160 mm (6.3 in)

grinding type

Continuous Generating Gear Grinding

max module

3.5 mm

min module

0.3 mm

max face width

55 mm (2.17 in)

gear types

External spur and helical gears

Overview

The Reishauer RZ 160 is the compact member of Reishauer's continuous generating gear grinding family, optimized for high-speed production grinding of small external spur and helical gears up to 160 mm outside diameter. Where the RZ 260 covers the full range of automotive transmission gears, the RZ 160 is specifically tuned for the smaller end of the gear size spectrum — planetary gears, pinions, starter motor gears, power tool gears, and the small reduction gears used in electric vehicle auxiliary drives. The machine's smaller footprint and faster loading times make it the right choice when maximum throughput on small gears is the priority.

The RZ 160 uses the same continuous generating grinding process that Reishauer has refined over seven decades. A threaded grinding wheel meshes with the gear workpiece at precisely synchronized speeds, grinding all teeth simultaneously rather than indexing tooth by tooth. On small gears in the 30-80 mm OD range, cycle times including load/unload run 8-20 seconds — significantly faster than the already-quick RZ 260. This speed advantage comes from the machine's optimized kinematics for small parts: shorter axis strokes, lighter workpiece spindle inertia, and faster loading mechanisms that minimize non-grinding time.

The grinding spindle delivers 22 kW of continuous power at speeds up to 8,000 RPM, driving grinding wheels that are sized appropriately for the smaller gear range. The workpiece spindle reaches speeds up to 8,000 RPM with direct-drive motors and high-resolution encoders for arc-second synchronization accuracy. The integrated diamond roller dressing system maintains wheel profile automatically during production runs. Gear quality consistently reaches DIN 3962 Class 4-5 (AGMA Q12-13), meeting the noise and smoothness requirements for automotive and e-mobility applications.

Reishauer controls the RZ 160 with their proprietary industrial PC-based control system and gear grinding software. The machine supports integrated ring loaders or robotic loading for automated production. At roughly $600,000-$900,000 new, the RZ 160 is positioned below the RZ 260 in price while offering superior throughput on gears within its size range. It competes with the Kapp Niles KNe 2P, Gleason 160GX, and Samputensili GT 200 in the small gear production grinding segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Grinding Type	Continuous Generating Gear Grinding
Max Workpiece Diameter	160 mm (6.3 in)
Max Module	3.5 mm
Min Module	0.3 mm
Max Face Width	55 mm (2.17 in)
Gear Types	External spur and helical gears
Workpiece Spindle Speed	Up to 8,000 RPM
Grinding Spindle Speed	Up to 8,000 RPM
Grinding Spindle Power	22 kW (30 hp) continuous
Dressing System	Integrated diamond roller dressing
Number Of Axes	6 CNC axes
CNC Control	Reishauer proprietary (industrial PC-based)
Loading	Integrated ring loader or robotic loading
Cycle Time Typical	8 - 20 seconds (small gears 30-80 mm OD)
Quality Achievable	DIN 3962 Class 4-5 / AGMA Q12-13
Machine Weight	7,500 kg (16,535 lb)
Machine Dimensions	2,800 x 2,400 x 2,600 mm (110 x 94.5 x 102 in)

Specifications sourced from reishauer.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Optimized kinematics for small gears deliver 8-20 second cycle times, making it one of the fastest production gear grinders in the sub-160 mm class
Continuous generating process provides fundamental speed advantages over profile grinding for production volumes
High spindle speeds (8,000 RPM both sides) enable aggressive grinding parameters on small-module gears without sacrificing quality
Compact footprint relative to the RZ 260 saves floor space in gear production cells where space is at a premium
Same Reishauer process expertise and control platform as the larger RZ models, ensuring consistent quality methodology across gear sizes
Module range from 0.3 to 3.5 mm covers the full spectrum of small gears used in automotive, e-mobility, and industrial applications

Limitations

160 mm maximum workpiece diameter limits the machine to small gears — medium and large gears require the RZ 260 or RZ 400
$600K-$900K investment requires very high production volumes to justify, typically 200,000+ gears per year
Continuous generating grinding is limited to external spur and helical gears; internal gears require different equipment
Threaded grinding wheels and diamond dressing rolls for small-module gears require precise specification and are costly consumables
Specialized gear grinding process knowledge is essential — the machine is not suitable for shops without gear grinding expertise

Best For

Automotive manufacturers grinding small planetary gears, pinions, and starter gears at very high production volumes E-mobility drivetrain producers grinding small reduction gears for electric vehicle auxiliary systems and e-axle assemblies Power tool and small motor manufacturers needing high-volume production grinding of small spur and helical gears Gear production facilities where floor space optimization is critical and small gear volumes justify a dedicated compact grinder High-volume producers of industrial gears in module 0.3-3.5 range needing DIN Class 4-5 quality at maximum throughput Any application requiring cycle times under 20 seconds on external gears below 160 mm diameter

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Reishauer RZ 160 cost?

New RZ 160 machines typically price between $600,000 and $900,000 depending on configuration and automation options. Tooling, grinding wheels, and dressing rolls add approximately $50,000-$100,000 to the initial investment.

02 What is the difference between the RZ 160 and RZ 260?

The RZ 160 handles gears up to 160 mm OD and module 3.5, while the RZ 260 covers gears up to 260 mm OD and module 5. The RZ 160 has higher spindle speeds (8,000 RPM vs. 5,500/6,000 RPM) and faster cycle times on small gears. The RZ 260 handles a broader range of gear sizes.

03 What production volume justifies an RZ 160?

Generally, shops grinding 200,000+ small gears per year see strong ROI on the RZ 160. The 8-20 second cycle times and unattended production capability make the per-part economics very favorable at these volumes. Lower volumes may be better served by profile grinding alternatives.

04 Can the RZ 160 grind fine-pitch gears?

Yes. The machine handles modules as small as 0.3 mm, covering fine-pitch gears used in precision instruments, small actuators, and miniature drive systems. The high spindle speeds and precision synchronization are particularly advantageous for fine-pitch gear grinding.

05 How quiet are gears ground on the RZ 160?

The RZ 160 consistently achieves DIN 3962 Class 4-5 (AGMA Q12-13) quality, which produces very quiet-running gears. This quality level meets the stringent NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) requirements for automotive transmissions and electric vehicle drivetrains.