ANCA celebrates anniversary and debuts new technology at IMTS

At IMTS 2024, ANCA CNC Machines celebrates its anniversary and showcases new and improved technologies, including the new MicroX ULTRA precision tool grinder and next-generation AIMS Connect integrated manufacturing technology.

ANCA is also celebrating its 50th anniversary (1974-2024) and the recent opening of its newest Technology Center in Temecula, California to serve its rapidly growing market base on the West Coast.

Pat Boland, co-founder of ANCA, said: “For 50 years, ANCA has been on a path to reshape the cutting tool industry. To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we look forward to meeting our customers and partners at IMTS. Because innovation has motivated us throughout our history, new products and developments will be at the heart of our celebrations. The future of ANCA is exciting, and we are focused on continuing to develop and deliver breakthrough technologies that will help take cutting tool manufacturing into areas that were not previously thought possible. “

Edmund Boland, CEO of ANCA CNC Machines, added: “IMTS is the most important global event in what will be a landmark year for our company, so it is exciting to showcase our latest products and technologies in high-performance cutting tools produced at optimized performance and costs. Building on ANCA’s legacy of creating industry-leading software, the latest version of our proprietary ToolRoom software, RN35, goes even further in cycle time optimization, improving productivity – the future of tool manufacturing.

“ToolRoom and AIMS are truly paving the way for highly productive, autonomous manufacturing. Our investment in AIMS for connected and automated processes is our commitment to solving key challenges such as labor shortages and consistent manufacturing processes with intelligent, future-proof solutions. Our ULTRA technology has gained traction in the market and now enables micro tooling, regrinding and small batch production with MicroX and FX7 ULTRA,” said Edmund.

50 years of innovation

ANCA started by installing a minicomputer and teletype in co-founder Pat Boland’s home, then installed a CNC, and then designed and manufactured machine tools with co-founder Pat McCluskey. Over the years, ANCA has delivered significant benefits to the industry with pioneering innovations such as the first touch probe, soft axes and 3D simulation.

Of course, software and automation are the highlights of ANCA’s anniversary innovation portfolio. ANCA’s latest ToolRoom software release, RN35, offers:

• Average productivity increase of up to 20% thanks to advanced features and functions, optimizing feed rate, improving cycle time and surface finish, while extending wheel life.
• New solutions, including integration of material removal rate calculations, enabling manufacturers to automatically set parameters to ensure consistent removal rates and reduce operating time.
• Statistical process control (SPC) software for statistical analysis and evaluation of the characteristics of manufactured parts improves production processes.
• Profile grooves further improve the popular flute with a robust feature of the patented ANCA software.

Experts will present these and other improvements to IMTS visitors, as well as further exciting developments in the CIM3D simulation software.

ANCA Automated Manufacturing System (AIMS) is a highly integrated, advanced automation system that combines machining, metrology and material handling, and data management in a state-of-the-art ecosystem to seamlessly produce tools used in countless industries.

ANCA’s AIMS (ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System) is an intelligent manufacturing solution for cutting tool manufacturing, enabling manufacturers to connect, automate and create like never before. The modular system includes hardware and software components for closed-loop automated production. The AIMS server controls production processes and AutoComp, the intelligent compensation module automatically maintains part quality, and the new AIMS Connect feature enables job management.

Thanks to AIMS Connect, which recently debuted on GrindingHub in Germany, visitors can experience first-hand the power of digital production control and modular automation now available for existing installations. The system has proven in practice that it enables manufacturers to discover new possibilities, products and features while maximizing productivity and quality.
AIMS is gaining popularity because it gives shops of all sizes and large manufacturing departments the flexibility to integrate machining, metrology and material handling into a unified ecosystem with full data collection and management capabilities.

Machines and technologies ensuring the highest quality and lowest tool costs

ANCA’s GCX machine and gear technology will redefine skinning cutter production with a turnkey solution package. To address the complexity of gear tool manufacturing, this offering includes gear machining tool design, manufacturing and integrated tool measurement functions, as well as providing skiving machine configuration parameters.

IMTS visitors will witness live how this setup enables short setup times, simulation and monitoring, as well as quality-enhancing features such as ANCA Motor Temperature Control (MTC) and Integrated Balancing (iBalance), ensuring unmatched long-term grinding profile accuracy within + /- 0.0015mm. This turnkey package makes it easy to enter the gear tool industry while ensuring the highest quality results.

Ultra technology

ULTRA technology combines nanometer control, servo-controlled algorithms and improvements in mechanical stiffness to achieve unprecedented accuracy. The FX7 ULTRA and MicroX ULTRA demonstrate ANCA’s commitment to precision, enabling continuous batch production down to 0.03mm and setting new standards in toolmaking. MicroX ULTRA premiered at EMO 2023 and launched on GrindingHub, providing micro toolmakers with all the benefits of ULTRA technology and ANCA machine intelligence in a unit tailored to this application. As the only micro tool grinder with nanometer control, optimized mechanical system and axis travel, integrated tool measurement and progressive automation, this six-axis grinder is the ideal solution for mass production of tools up to 0.03 mm thick.

Laser

The new EPX-SF jet finishing machine has been launched on GrindingHub. ANCA’s advanced edge preparation and surface finishing solution meets productivity goals, delivers superior IP cutting tool performance, and performs well in industries where precision counts – in a design that’s ready to integrate with automated toolmaking systems. With 11-axis automation and intelligent recipe tuning, the machine is designed by tooling experts to optimize media utilization while ensuring precise edge control. The machine has the ability to reduce edge roughness to less than 100 nm and refine edge radii to just microns with a controlled K-factor, achieving nano-smooth surfaces and micron-ground edges in record time.

EPX-SF cycling mode with pulse rotation provides strong protection against surface burrs and edge imperfections. Thanks to adjustable positive and negative angles, the EPX-SF spindle follows an optimal cutting path, optimizing potential chip flow and reducing the surface roughness of the workpiece. In the ANCA automation ecosystem, EPX-SF integrates seamlessly with production lines, operating autonomously with robot assistance 24/7 to load/unload tools.

The CPX semi-finished product preparation machine is a perfect example of how to include the voice of the customer in product development. Tool manufacturers around the world were surveyed and presented with ideal semi-finished solutions with high material removal rates, application flexibility and integrated quality control. With features such as statistical process control and a top surface finish of less than 0.2Ra, manufacturers can achieve high productivity at minimal cost with CPX Linear. Further application possibilities will be presented at the IMTS conference.