Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
ANCA’s innovative job management and production control software improves quality and reduces cost for tool manufacturers
ANCA CNC Machines, a world leader in CNC grinding technology, announces the launch of AIMS Connect, a job management and production control software designed to benefit tool manufacturing by optimizing processes, enhancing quality, and reducing costs.
In a highly competitive industry where efficiency is key, AIMS Connect addresses the growing demand for smarter, more streamlined operations. As a smart solution to integrated manufacturing, AIMS Connect has the potential to boost productivity by 20% or more, setting a new standard for excellence in the sector.
“AIMS Connect offers a flexible and customizable solution for tool manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs,” said Steffen Kluth, ANCA Product Manager.
“Our goal is to make digital manufacturing accessible to everyone, and with AIMS Connect, we are helping our customers embark on a journey toward a fully integrated smart factory, step by step.”
Key features and benefits of AIMS Connect:
AIMS Connect is an accessible entry point into digital manufacturing, emphasizing the logical connection of machines and systems. It delivers transparent and verifiable processes, featuring a worker guidance system that informs employees about production stages and task schedules. This system frees skilled workers from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on areas where their expertise is most valuable. Each tool is meticulously described in a job order process, ensuring consistent quality through defined compensation strategies and logical frameworks.
Building on the foundation laid by AIMS Connect, ANCA’s AIMS Automate transforms tool manufacturing into a fully integrated smart factory. AIMS Automate autonomously adapts to production changes, ensuring smooth operations even during disruptions. With the mobile robot, AutoFetch, it effortlessly manages tool pallet transfers, from raw materials to finished products, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime.
To learn more about AIMS Connect, visit www.anca.com/AIMS-Connect
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
ANCA CNC Machines is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of advanced CNC grinding machines. With an illustrious history spanning over 50 years, ANCA is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions, and exceptional customer support. ANCA’s comprehensive range of products includes tool grinders, CNC grinding machines, software, and automation solutions, catering to diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing.
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood has a wide range of installation tools available regardless of the type of threaded insert being used. These include drive tools for E-Z LOK™ (Solid Wall) inserts, Knife Thread, Coil and Hex Drive.
E-Z LOK™ tools install Solid Wall inserts for metal without engaging the insert internal threads. This speeds up the installation process and eliminates the possibility of cross-threading or stripping. Furthermore, drive tools fit standard power drills and drill presses for an easy and efficient installation process. They are versatile and adaptable to various metalworking applications ranging from industrial projects to automotive repairs. Drive tools are designed for threaded insert installation in metal as well as woodworking.
Installation tools for E-Z™ Knife threaded inserts are engineered to improved accuracy, reduce effort, prevent insert damage, enhance strength of connections and increase project efficiency. It ensures that threaded inserts are installed correctly and securely. Optionally, power drive wood insert tools provide efficiency and consistency, making them ideal for high-volume projects.
The E-Z Coil™ tools can quickly fortify, or repair tapped holes in soft metal materials. Each mandrel-style insert tool and manual tang break tool offer a low-cost solution for efficiently installing the company’s premium inserts. Installation tools are available for every insert size E-Z LOK offers.
Hex drive installation tools are high-grade and ideal for softwood installation applications. These tools provide the needed control to achieve precise and snug threaded insert installations each time. Versatility is at the core of the tool collection. Threaded insert tools are constructed using top-quality materials, ensuring they are durable, dependable and ready to tackle numerous installations without faltering.
FREE SAMPLE ON REQUEST
CAD files on this product can be downloaded in over 100 file formats from the E-Z LOK website at https://www.ezlok.com/cad-downloads
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for soft wood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z LOK is a third- generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells through local, regional, and national industrial distributors.
Guill Tool, the global leader in extrusion tooling, now offers a wide variety of extrusion equipment specifically for food processing.
Extrusion is increasingly becoming one of the primary methods of producing a variety of traditional and innovative food products, and the company’s extrusion tooling is designed to accommodate producing all of them. This includes breakfast cereals, sausages, snacks, pasta, baby food, confectionaries and pet food. Guill’s balanced flow designs control dimensional tolerances in order to increase product quality while reducing waste.
Custom made extrusion tooling and dies make it easy to efficiently and consistently manufacture a variety of food products. More precise tooling allows for considerably reduced wasted extrudate. Furthermore, Guill’s extrusion tooling enables precise temperature control, allowing food to be manufactured under both high and low temperatures.
The company has extensive experience in food, pharmaceutical and medical applications involving stainless steel. As a result, Guill is highly skilled in the machining, welding and assembly of stainless steel dies, the standard in the food industry. Furthermore, they comply with the all the necessary standards to produce equipment for this market.
For more information, please contact:
Tom Baldock, Sales Manager, Extrusion
Guill Tool & Engineering
10 Pike Street
West Warwick, RI 02893
USA
Phone: 401-465-5526
tbaldock@guill.com
Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA takes first place in the ANCA Female Machinist of the Year award
The 2024 ANCA Tool of the Year Awards, now in its seventh year, celebrated excellence in the cutting tool industry at an awards ceremony during IMTS in Chicago. This year’s event, coinciding with ANCA’s 50th anniversary, highlighted the continued creative design and manufacturing prowess that continues to wow judges in ANCA’s prestigious awards.
Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH earned the top honor in the “Made on ANCA” category with their groundbreaking tool. Their innovative design makes exceptional use of iGrind operations and advanced profile software features, such as layers, pivot editor, and 3D hook compensation. This results in outstanding accuracy, with the tool closely aligning with its intended specifications and delivering exceptional profile precision. The contest has highlighted the ability for a smaller company to gain recognition on a global stage and experience a dream come true moment.
In the Virtual Tool Category, XGE impressed the judges with a creative and technically sophisticated entry inspired by the renowned attractions of the Garden Expo Park in Xiamen, China, including the Moonlight Ring and Xinglin Pavilion. Their design integrates iGrind software with profile and end-face operations, and is brought to life by importing 3D models into CIM3D software.
This year also saw Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA honored with the Female Machinist of the Year award. Launched in 2023 to promote diversity and provide role models for women in the cutting tool industry, this award reflects ANCA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Stephanie was recognized for her exceptional problem-solving, leadership in expanding and training her team, and her ability to deliver outstanding results under pressure.
Pat Boland, ANCA Co-Founder, remarked, “For 50 years, ANCA’s software has set industry standards, enabling Tool of the Year entrants to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our technology not only meets the highest precision demands but also showcases the creativity and capability of our customers, highlighting truly innovative designs.”
Torsten Mende, Managing Director at Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH said, “This tool is used by one of our customers to create a profile in a gripper for molded parts. Previously, this contour was produced using a 3D milling process. The customer’s tolerance specification is +- 0.01mm. The program was created in ToolRoom RN32/33 and ground using RN34.1 on an FX7.”
“As a smaller company, it is a great honor to participate in this competition. We have been grinding tools on ANCA machines since 1999. The sophisticated software enables us to grind complex geometries and to monitor them during the process, giving our customers a competitive advantage. For this reason, we extend our heartfelt thanks to ANCA for the excellent symbiosis of software and machines.”
Chen Jianming, R&D Engineer at XGE expressed his gratitude for winning the Most Innovative Award, saying, “This award is a high recognition of our team’s innovative capabilities. Our design was inspired by the ‘Moonlight Ring’ and ‘Xinglin Pavilion’ of Xiamen Yuanboyuan, symbolizing the harmony of nature and humanity. The egret in the design, replaced by our company logo, represents both a tribute to our brand and a leap in tool innovation.”
“Competing with industry elites worldwide has been an honor. This recognition reflects XGE’s innovative strength in the global tool industry, and we will continue to deepen R&D efforts, driving progress alongside our global peers for a brighter future.”
ANCA Female Machinist Award winner Stephanie Chrystal said: “It is a privilege to be a part of Sandvik Coromant who is paving the way for women to be recognized for their contributions to the industry. I am honored to have been chosen out of all of the extraordinary women in this field as the Female Machinist of the year for ANCA. I hope to be an encouragement to women looking for guidance on their journey for meaningful careers. I am excited to see ANCA continue to honor women in this industry and inspire other companies with this award.”
The ANCA Tool of the Year Awards 2024 celebrate the passion, creativity, and expertise driving the cutting tool industry forward. ANCA remains dedicated to supporting innovation, excellence, and diversity, ensuring a bright future for precision tool manufacturing.
Made on ANCA
Winner: Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH
Their tool demonstrates the innovative use of iGrind operations, advanced profile software features, and achieves exceptional accuracy.
Second Place: ARCH Cutting Tools
Their “Master Mill Combo Tool” continues to lead in multifunction cutting tools with exceptional accuracy, utilizing iGrind software’s advanced profile operation features.
Third Place: Precision Tool Company
A versatile tool combining a drill, reamer, and chamfer, optimized using iGrind software for performance and functionality.
Virtual Tool Category
Winner: XGE
Their simulation, inspired by the Garden Expo Park attractions, creatively uses iGrind software and 3D modelling for a striking design.
Second Place: Zakłady Mechaniczne Kazimieruk
Their simulation of the Olympic flame represents the enduring spirit of the Olympic movement, created with extensive iGrind software use.
Third Place: SST Cutting Tools
Their “LINGAM” simulation symbolizes the Hindu God Shiva, showcasing creative use of iGrind software for profile, cross-section profile, and ripper form relief operations.
ANCA Female Machinist of the Year – 2024
Stephanie Chrystal – Sandvik Coromant, USA
ANCA Female Machinist of the Year Finalists
Roksana Grodowska – CNC Progresja Sp. z o.o., Poland
Jessica Sennott – Gorilla Mill, USA
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
ANCA is a market leading manufacturer of CNC grinding machines. It was founded in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia where the company still has its global headquarters. ANCA has offices in the UK, Germany, China, Thailand, India, Japan, Brazil, Korea and the USA as well as a comprehensive network of representatives and agents worldwide.
ANCA CNC grinders are used for manufacturing precision cutting tools and components across a diverse range of competitive industries including cutting tool manufacture, automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical.
The Scalance MUM856-1 – the first industrial 5G router from Siemens – is now available for the U.S. market. The device connects local industrial applications to public 5G and 4G (LTE) mobile wireless networks. The router can be used to remotely monitor and service plants, machines, control elements and other industrial devices via a public 5G network flexibly and with high data transmission rates. Demand for this type of solution is growing in all industries. The device also integrates into private 5G networks. The Scalance MUM856-1 supports future-oriented applications such as mobile robots in manufacturing, autonomous vehicles in logistics or augmented reality applications for service technicians. Featuring a robust IP65 housing, this Siemens router can also be used outside the control cabinet, for example, under harsh conditions in production or in outdoor facilities in the water industry.
To ensure the powerful connection of Ethernet-based subnetworks and automation devices, the Scalance MUM856-1 supports Release 16 of the 5G standard. This device offers high bandwidths of up to 1000 Mbps for the downlink and up to 500 Mbps for the uplink providing high throughput for data-intensive applications such as remote implementation of firmware updates. Thanks to IPv6 support, the device can also be implemented in modern communication networks. Best-in-class security functions are included to monitor data traffic and protect against unauthorized access in, for example, an integrated firewall as well as authentication of communication devices and encryption of data transmission via VPN.
Where there is no available 5G network, the device switches automatically to 4G networks. The first release version of this new Siemens router has support for U.S. Mobile Network operators as well as the CBRS spectrum; other versions with different licenses are currently in development. With the SINEMA Remote Connect management platform for VPN connections, users can securely access remote plants or machines easily – even if they are integrated in other networks. The software also offers easy management and auto-configuration of the devices.
Successful use of prototypes for private 5G networks
Along with connectivity to public networks, Scalance MUM856-1 also supports integration into private 5G campus networks. Siemens is testing this use case in its own Automotive Showroom and Test Center in a prototype of a standalone 5G test network, which is based on Siemens components. The 5G infrastructure used here comprises a 5G core, a distributed unit and several radio units. Siemens has also built another prototype of a private 5G infrastructure in its plants in Amberg and Karlsruhe, Germany. In these systems, Siemens is relying exclusively on its own independently developed products and solutions, which will be available in the U.S. market in the future. Today, Siemens has private 5G systems running in a customer digital experience center known as MxD in Chicago.
Background info
In today’s industrial landscape in addition to the need for local wireless connectivity, there is an increasing demand for secure remote access to machines and plants. In these cases, communication is usually over long distances. Public mobile networks can be used to access devices that are located at a considerable distance.
Service technicians can connect to the machines they need to service via the mobile network while traveling, making public 5G networks an important element of remote access and remote servicing solutions. The public networks can be used to provide users with very high bandwidths in urban areas with small radio cells and high frequencies.
In rural areas, radio cells need to cover a large area, which is why lower frequencies are used. Particularly at the edges of radio cells such as LTE, there are often significant losses in terms of both the bandwidth and stability of the communication connection. “For companies requiring reliable service in remote areas, such as in water stations or electric power sub-stations, there is a need for solutions with stable bandwidth transmission for remote servicing or video transmission,” explains Joel Green, Business Development Manager for Wireless and Remote Networks at Siemens Digital Industries. “With innovative 5G communications technologies, considerably more bandwidth with greater reliability is available at the edges of radio cells, while the average data rate for users within a radio cell increases.”
Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is an innovation leader in automation and digitalization. Closely collaborating with partners and customers, DI drives the digital transformation in the process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise portfolio, DI provides companies of all sizes with an end-to-end set of products, solutions and services to integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Optimized for the specific needs of each industry, DI’s unique portfolio supports customers to achieve greater productivity and flexibility. DI is constantly adding innovations to its portfolio to integrate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries has its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and has around 75,000 employees internationally.
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of power generation and distribution, intelligent infrastructure for buildings and distributed energy systems, and automation and digitalization in the process and manufacturing industries. Through the separately managed company Siemens Mobility, a leading supplier of smart mobility solutions for rail and road transport, Siemens is shaping Siemens USA reported revenue of $23.7 billion, including $5.0 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
ANCA’s legacy of innovation is shaping the future of technology for lower cost, higher quality cutting tool production
ANCA at IMTS not only celebrated five decades of innovation but 35 years of successful operations in the USA and exhibiting the first machine ever bought in the U.S., a refurbished TG4, was a nostalgic nod to ANCA’s technological journey. Against ANCA’s latest solutions, this was a striking visual display of the company’s journey – from early innovation to being a future-ready leader in the tool and cutter grinding industry.
The North American debut of the EPX-SF, ANCA’s advanced stream finishing machine, became the centerpiece of attention. The EPX-SF’s technology offers consistent micro-cutting-edge preparation, controllable nano-smooth surface finishing, and seamless automation and it sparked widespread interest. Its unmatched ability to increase tool life, precision, workpiece quality and cost-effectiveness redefined expectations for the future of tool finishing.
Producing the highest performance cutting tools for lower cost with ANCA technology
ANCA CNC Machines General Manager, Edmund Boland said: “Given the competitive world that we are living in and the global market that we are challenged with…it is important that we allow our customers to get the best value out of our machines. So, our focus on lowest cost tools is critical and we have a number of technologies for this, AIMS being one of them.”
The manufacturing industry is embracing smarter, more connected solutions and seeking solutions partners. Revealed to the market in the Americas for the first time was AIMS Connect which is the production control of the ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) and enables the integration of different machines, offering full control over all processes and workflows. AIMS Connect’s smart job management and production control solves common challenges to increase productivity, reduce errors, and tackle labor challenges while increasing machine utilization and reducing the cost per tool.
Along with ANCA’s emerging technologies for reducing set up times of machines, software solutions to analyze the production output of machines, and how to optimize this to bring down the overall cost of production – smarter ways to produce quality tools for lower cost are meeting the industry demands for data-driven decision making, cost reduction and efficiency. ANCA is also formulating solutions for reducing the air consumption of machines which not only has a significant impact on machine running costs but also contributes to more sustainable manufacturing processes.
ANCA’s latest range of ULTRA machines are engineered with nanometer feedback resolution to dramatically improve surface finish and accuracy of cutting tools. With software developments, such as the new features of ToolRoom RN35 enabling complex geometries, customers have the flexibility to design high performance, higher accuracy and, if needed, custom cutting tools with specific applications. High performance tools produced with ANCA ULTRA technology deliver batch consistency from tool number one to one thousand.
A celebration of industry
ANCA’s 50 years in the grinding industry is thanks to the partnerships and loyal customers that have accompanied its journey. The 50th anniversary milestone was celebrated with partners, customers, and industry at a gala dinner during IMTS.
IMTS also provided the stage for the announcement of the winners of the ANCA Tool of the Year and Female Machinist awards which are consistently supported by industry and partners. The 2024 winners Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH (Made on ANCA) and XGE (Virtual Tool) once again demonstrated the possibilities of creative design, precision and craftmanship with today’s technologies. Witnessing Krämer, a smaller company take out a competition at a global level was a dream come true for taking precision to the world stage.
Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA was awarded the ANCA Female Machinist of the Year for her exceptional problem-solving, leadership in expanding and training her team, and her ability to deliver outstanding results under pressure.
Industry collaboration is pushing innovation further and offering unique solutions to customer challenges. ANCA’s new partnership with Tetralytix introduces sophisticated digital interface solutions that reduce tool design and development time with Toolyzer. This partnership empowers manufacturers with the most advanced and powerful software tools available.
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
ANCA is a market leading manufacturer of CNC grinding machines. It was founded in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia where the company still has its global headquarters. ANCA has offices in the UK, Germany, China, Thailand, India, Japan, Brazil, Korea and the USA as well as a comprehensive network of representatives and agents worldwide.
ANCA CNC grinders are used for manufacturing precision cutting tools and components across a diverse range of competitive industries including cutting tool manufacture, automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical.
Guill Tool, the global leader in extrusion tooling, recently announced their expansion in the European market with the creation of Guill Tool Europe. They will offer a full line of Guill products, as well as sales and engineering support throughout Europe. Padric Lunn will continue to represent Guill in the UK.
From concept design to engineering, manufacturing and supporting client processes, Guill has more than 60 years of experience in regular extrusion, multi-layered applications, jacketing, multi lumen, rubber, silicone and much more. The company maintains the highest quality standards regardless of application.
Padraic Lunn Enterprises Ltd offers a full range of extrusion machinery and consultancy for all extrusion processes with a strong emphasis on tubing, wire, pipe and profile applications. The firm represents extrusion equipment companies in the UK, Ireland and other parts of Europe.
With local sales representatives in each country, Guill looks forward to establishing a strong presence on the European continent.
For more information, please contact:
Tom Baldock, Sales Manager, Extrusion
Guill Tool & Engineering
10 Pike Street
West Warwick, RI 02893
USA
Phone: 401-465-5526
tbaldock@guill.com
For more information in Europe, except in the UK, please contact:
Gerjan ter Wal, Sales Manager, Europe
Guill Tool & Engineering Europe
Phone: +31 548 659083
Gerjan.terwal@guill.eu
Introducing sophisticated digital interface solutions that reduce development time and cost
ANCA, a market leader in CNC grinding machines who is this year celebrating 50 years of innovation, and Tetralytix, a developer of simulation software for superior metal cutting technology, are pleased to announce their strategic collaboration in the field of virtual design for cutting tools.
This partnership leverages the combined expertise of both companies to offer unique capabilities for the development of superior precision cutting tools and enhancing metal cutting technology.
The collaboration integrates ANCA’s expertise in virtual modelling of tool geometries and industry-revolutionizing CIM3D tool verification software with Tetralytix’s expertise in technological analysis through Toolyzer, a simulation tool for designing and optimizing cutting tools. An interface between CIM3D and Toolyzer will enable cutting tools to be developed faster and more cost-effectively, providing significant benefits to tool manufacturers.
“ANCA welcomes this partnership as it signals our commitment to empowering our customers with the most advanced and powerful software tools available. By working together, we’re ensuring that cutting tool manufacturers have everything they need to innovate, optimize, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Martin U. Ripple CEO at ANCA.
Dr.-Ing. Arne Mücke, Managing Director, Tetralytix, added, “The partnership with ANCA is a significant step towards creating added value and competitive advantages for our customers. The cooperation will make the benefits of digital cutting tool development visible in an unprecedented way.”
“ANCA understands the constant challenges for tool designers for achieving longer tool life and the demands to cut newer materials. With this partnership, our customers can seamlessly design a tool and access cutting analyses even before the first test cut. When ANCA first introduced CIM3D, customers couldn’t believe the sophistication of the solution and this is now the next revolutionary step in reducing tool development time and cost,” said Santosh Plakkat, Product Manager, ANCA.
This strategic cooperation is a significant step forward for the development of cutting tools, offering considerable cost advantages for both standard and special tools. The reduction in time-consuming, manual work to prepare digital tool models for simulation also significantly shortens development times.
Untapping development potential to optimize tool design
Testing multiple tool prototypes is time-consuming and cost-intensive, ANCA and Tetralytix recognize that the time has come to leverage this potential with the help of a continuous interface from tool modelling to simulation.
The tool is designed using ANCA’s iGrind software and can then be used seamlessly in Toolyzer for analysis.
Within a brief time, performance conclusions can be drawn, and recommendations for improving the tool geometry can be derived. This enables users to determine whether a tool prototype meets the requirements even before it is produced for the first time.
About ANCA
ANCA is a market-leading manufacturer of CNC grinding machines. The company was founded in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia, where it still has its global headquarters. ANCA CNC grinding machines are used for the manufacture of precision cutting tools and components in a wide range of demanding industries including cutting tool manufacturers, power generation, woodworking, automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical.
About Tetralytix
Tetralytix is a leading provider of simulation solutions for the machining industry. Tetralytix develops practical software solutions based on in-depth knowledge of production engineering and computer science as well as practical experience in machining. With Toolyzer, users can optimize both cutting tools and entire machining processes quickly and easily. In addition to complicated multi-axis processes, special processes and procedures such as gear skiving and gear hobbing are also supported.
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, offers E-Z Fin™ brass threaded inserts for wood.
Also known as Finserts, these threaded inserts provide robust, metal threads in softwood materials. They are capable of distributing stress over a greater surface area, which allows for permanent fastening that minimizes the possibility of thread erosion. Simply press the inserts into place and the OD fins grip the wall of the hole and lock in place. To accommodate for varying material thicknesses, E-Z Fin™ inserts are available in single, double or triple fin designs. Internal threads sizes range from #6 to 5/16.
Features include easy and fast press-in installation, design that reduces splitting and splintering and they can be applied to composition board, MDF and pine. Additionally, when using Finserts it is possible to tighten and loosen threads an unlimited number of times. If normal wood screws were tightened and loosened, the hole would be enlarged and lessen the grip.
FREE SAMPLE ON REQUEST
CAD files on this product can be downloaded in over 100 file formats from the E-Z LOK website at https://www.ezlok.com/cad-downloads
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in and ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for soft wood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z LOK is a third-generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells through local, regional, and national industrial distributors.
Jake Farragher, ANCA’s general manager for Asia, observes that dental drill manufacturing has taken off in the region. “Almost all of it is for export, including destinations far beyond Asia,” he explained.
ENG-K is a shining example. Established in Korea in 2014, they partnered with dental implant OEMs and began producing dental drills on CNC lathes. They soon added their first grinding machine, an ANCA FX7 Linear, in the second half of 2015. Since then, they’ve installed 14 more ANCA FX5 Linear machines to satisfy an annual growth rate of 30%. In fact, president Dae-Seong Kwak credits ANCA’s ability to deliver machines quickly as a key factor in their success.
ENG-K actively participates with their client’s research and development of new instruments, thereby “satisfying the customer’s needs as much as possible by reflecting the function and structure in the production,” as Kwak puts it. ANCA also plays a role, he adds. “During the product development of our specialty tools and the R&D of our deburring tools and circular surgical tools, ANCA helped us a lot to improve our processes and quality. ANCA Korea supported our development of small diameter ball nose end mills, and we developed surgical cutting tools together with the help of ANCA’s headquarters in Australia.”
Multi-faceted automation
Profitably meeting customer demand for products like dental drills requires automation. Dental drills use a standard 2.35 mm shank size, explained Farragher, but the material is soft, so auto-loading risks marking the tool. “We integrated a pressure-reducing valve to grip dental drills a little softer than normal, and that opened up the market in grinding these products.” Kwak reported that ANCA’s drill loading system made them more efficient by increasing productivity and significantly reducing operator fatigue. “ANCA’s robot loader can be set up for more than 500 products in one batch,” enabling 24 hour “lights out” manufacturing, he added.
But truly automating production takes more than simply robot-loading the grinder. For example, Kwak points to ANCA’s internal wheel dressing feature. It adds to the overall cycle time, but “has the advantage of maintaining tool specifications” over a long production run, without the need for human intervention or an external wheel dresser.
Kwak also lauds ANCA’s automatic runout compensation. This system uses the standard Renishaw probe to check the tool blank in 3 planes, digitizes the actual centerline of the tool, and then compensates the entire kinematic to grind relative to that center, rather than the centerline of the work head. The resulting grind is nearly flawless, so no wonder Kwak says it’s been “very helpful” in the mass production of micro end mills.
Fast, secure setups
Kwak says ENG-K uses “both automatic and manual modes to produce customized products. ANCA machines have the advantage in either approach, because the operability of both automatic and manual modes is convenient and safe.” He credits ANCA’s latest software release with producing a high-quality tool radius and profile, making them “more competitive in the market.” And he applauds ANCA’s automatic warm-up routine, which he says has resulted in much less variability in grinding parameters. “Size deviations are smaller, so the defect rate is reduced and process reliability is assured.”
ANCA’s iBalance function has also proven to be another key setup feature. This option spins the wheel set at operating speeds and identifies any imbalance. If needed, the software tells the operator where to place threaded weights in the clamping nut in order to eliminate the imbalance. The process takes just 5 to 6 minutes per wheel set. Kwak reports that “iBalance is helpful in producing tight tolerance implant drills. Wheel life has also been increased by using this option.”
Kwak also praised the inspection panel in the software, saying it reduced measuring time during mass production and increased production volume. “It’s really good to be able to do in-process quality checks through the setup without the main door open. It has advantages for temperature changes and production.”
And in a final nod to their enduring partnership, Kwak enthused that “ANCA’s team in Korea has always managed to minimize production disruptions with friendly explanations and quick action. We’re very thankful.”
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
ANCA is a market leading manufacturer of CNC grinding machines. It was founded in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia where the company still has its global headquarters. ANCA has offices in the UK, Germany, China, Thailand, India, Japan, Brazil, Korea and the USA as well as a comprehensive network of representatives and agents worldwide.
ANCA CNC grinders are used for manufacturing precision cutting tools and components across a diverse range of competitive industries including cutting tool manufacture, automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical.
