Category Archives: Press Releases

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 50^th 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.

Guill Tool, the global leader in extrusion tooling, offers its Series 1000. This series of blow molding extrusion dies, features a core diameter between 8.5″ (219.5 mm) – 10″ (254.0 mm). Model 1025 uses material blends which are ideal for medical, automotive and specialty packaging.

Series 1000 is available as single layer, co-extrusion or triple extrusion. It adapts to existing extruder layout and, in most cases, accepts existing tooling. Features include fixed center or adjustable, built-in cartridge heaters, low inventory, expandable to multi-layer, heated core pin, one-piece body/flow diverter and split feed balanced flow.

Most products should be run fixed. Users need to change only one component to become fully adjustable. The cartridge heaters offer even heat for better flow and ensure there aren’t any cold spots. Low inventory produces no burning or stagnation, resulting in quick color change. Since it’s expandable to multi-layer, the crossheads run a variety of products. Benefits of the heated core pin and one-piece body/flow diverter are better temperature control and easy cleaning/quick change over, respectively. Lastly, the split feed balanced flow achieves concentric walls at all speeds.

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

Industry 4.0 connectivity and AI-assisted guidance on ANCA’s new edge preparation machine revolutionizes edge preparation for cutting tool performance

Renowned for launching industry-first tool and cutter grinding technologies, ANCA continues its legacy of innovation with the EPX-SF, guaranteeing productivity, quality, and profitability in edge preparation. The new EPX-SF stream finishing machine was debuted at GrindingHub in Stuttgart, coinciding with the company’s 50-year anniversary.

Armando Manzano, EPX-SF Product Manager said, “More than just an edge preparation machine, the EPX-SF is a strategic business asset. Its high level of precision will help manufacturers to secure more contracts by meeting the rigorous standards of industries that demand clean and consistent cuts. Its ability to deliver flawless quality in a single pass enhances operational efficiency, eliminating the need for extensive post-processing and ultimately saving costs for businesses.”

Key highlights of the EPX-SF:

• Unmatched automation: Process up to 1,900 tools in 24 hours with lights-out operation at the push of a button.
• Resource optimization: Standardization minimizes setup and learning curves, making the process accessible to all operators.
• Machine learning capabilities: Tailored recipes enhance tool IP value, providing a significant selling point for edge preparation.

• Traceability: Every product meets quality expectations with results saved, tracked, and retrievable directly from the machine.
• Predictable precision: Achieve nano-smooth surfaces (roughness < 100 nm) and micron-honed edges with a controllable K-factor.

The EPX-SF is a future-ready solution, designed with advanced functionalities to meet the evolving needs of manufacturing. Its performance-driven design with 11 axes, delivers predictable nano-smooth surfaces and micron-honed edges within a minute per tool. The Advanced Cyclic Mode allows users to adjust angles, optimizing chip flow and effectively combatting surface burrs. It utilizes AI-assisted guidance to provide tailored recommendations, enhancing tool geometries and streamlining process efficiency. With Industry 4.0 connectivity, advanced safety features, and remote technical assistance, the EPX-SF seamlessly integrates into production lines.

Contact your local ANCA representation for more information on how the EPX-SF is redefining edge preparation, or visit https://machines.anca.com/Products/Machines/Edge-Preparation/EPX-SF

About ANCA CNC Machines

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.

With the FZU22, Zimmermann enters the lighter weight 5-axis gantry mill applications at an attractive price point

With the introduction of FZU22, Zimmermann has added a 5-axis portal milling machine for the machining of various workpiece shapes, sizes and materials. Aluminum, plastic, wood and other substrates can be processed, plus the machine is ideal for the finishing of carbon fiber reinforced and other composite materials. The overhead gantry provides precise production of models and molded parts. The standard machine includes a toolchanger for 24 tools and a CNC from Siemens or Heidenhain for full motion control and tracking. A specially developed 5-axis milling head with 15kW spindle is suitable for machining contours and tight pockets in large molds. 

First machine of the FZU22 type being used for aerospace composite cutting.

As Zimmermann Inc. President Cornelius Kiesel observes, “With this new machine, being introduced in our booth at IMTS to the North American market, Zimmermann enters a new arena, that is, the lighter weight machining applications for large structures at an economical price. Our recent acquisition of a company in Germany allows us to partner with a reliable source for this type of machine, enhanced by the unique features which have made Zimmermann a standard in the aerospace and large mold market segments.”

The FZU22 boasts a substantial working range, from 71”-98” in the X-axis, 118”-138” in the Y-axis and 49” in the Z-axis. A feed rate of 2756 ipm in the X- and Y-axes is standard while the acceleration on the machine is max. 118-197 in/sec². With a compact footprint of 11’ x 15’, the machine fits in the corner of any shop. ISO 230-2 accuracy is provided. A choice of milling heads is offered on the machine to suit a variety of applications.

Optional equipment is offered on the FZU22, including touch probe, tool measuring system, work area cover, tool changer, chip conveyor, mist/dust extraction system, minimum quantity lubrication and a vacuum system.

The machine to be displayed at IMTS also features an ultrasonic system for cutting aerospace insulation.

About the company

Zimmermann is based in Germany and is a leading global high-tech supplier of portal milling machines. These are characterized by huge workspaces, substantial machining dynamics and cutting performance. The company, founded in 1933 by Friedrich Zimmermann, now has over 200 employees worldwide. With its product range, our innovative company has one goal above all: to offer the right solution for our customers and thus be able to guarantee high economic efficiency. “Quality made in Germany and supported locally” is our motto. The company’s special machines are used worldwide in the automotive, aerospace, moldmaking, transportation, off-highway and mechanical engineering sectors. The company has its North American headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, near Detroit, where it operates a full tech center, offering engineering assistance, commissioning, parts and retrofit services, as well as multiple machines for demonstration purposes. Zimmermann Inc. is headed by President Cornelius Kiesel. This year, Zimmermann Inc. is celebrating 20 years in business.

For more information, please contact:

ZIMMERMANN INC.
30587 Century Drive
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone:  248-956-8511
www.zimmermann-inc.com
Ms. Lena Kiesel, Marketing Manager
lena@zimmermann-inc.com

E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood now offers E-Z Hex™ (Hex Drive) inserts along with drive thread insert kits.

Generically referred to as Type D (flanged) or Type E (flush) insert nuts, E-Z Hex™ inserts provide sturdy machine threads in soft woods. These hex drives are an ideal solution for any application where assembly or disassembly could lead to thread erosion or stripping. This threaded insert for wood features broad external threads that provide superior holding power in materials like pine, composition board, MDF and plywood.  E-Z Hex™ internal thread sizes range from #8 to ⅜-16, plus M6 and M8. Die-cast from a durable zinc alloy, these threaded inserts install quickly with an Allen wrench or optional drive tool.

E-Z Hex™ inserts are a cost-effective solution for reinforcing threads in soft woods. Inch or metric threads are available in Flanged and Flush (Type D/Type E) Hex drive designs, along with multiple length options. The hexagonal drive design ensures efficient torque transfer, eliminating slippage and providing a secure connection. Furthermore, the self-tapping feature creates threads directly in the softwood, eliminating the need for pre-drilling.

Threaded inserts for wood are used in ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, drawer pulls, display cases, crating and anywhere threaded inserts are installed in softwood.

E-Z Hex™ threaded insert kits offer the parts needed to provide solid reinforcement to threaded holes in softwood materials.  Depending on project requirements and available tools, the company offers   standard hex drive threaded insert installation kits with the drive tool, drill bit and specific size inserts in both flanged and flush designs. Another option is threaded insert assortment kits that provide a variety of different insert sizes without the drive tool and drill bits.

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.