HMC announced its recent acquisition of the first six Meter, (240"), Hofler Form Grinder in North America, which will be installed and run off by the first quarter of 2008.The Hofler Rapid 6000 will allow HMC to finish gears internally/externally up to 240" diameter with tolerances of AGMA 15. According to the company's press release, the Hofler Rapid 6000 will facilitate HMC in its ability to manufacture large pinions of any pitch and face widths of up to 85". John Schnarr, sales manager of HMC, says the new machine will introduce capability to chart tolerances for lead, pitch, profile, and runout, on gears of 240" diameter.