Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Eight machines plus the newest ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) to be featured in Booth 237406, as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary and the opening of its LA Tech Center
At IMTS 2024, ANCA CNC Machines has much to offer the market and is also celebrating several highpoints in its storied history. In addition to the introduction of an advanced, high-precision tool grinder, the MicroX ULTRA, as well as the next generation of integrated manufacturing technology, AIMS Connect, ANCA will further highlight its commitment to offering the best-in-class solutions for tool grinding production, start to finish, with the celebration of its 50th anniversary in business (1974-2024) and the recent opening of its newest Tech Center in Temecula, California to serve its fast-growing West Coast market base.
ANCA, a global leader in CNC grinding machines and automated manufacturing technologies, celebrates its 50th anniversary, displaying its latest innovations at IMTS. As a mainstay in the precision tool industry, ANCA will showcase its commitment to excellence through new products, cutting-edge technologies and exciting business events, including its popular Tool of the Year and Female Machinist of the Year awards. The anniversary showcase addresses manufacturers’ needs for highest quality and lowest cost tools, plus freeing operators from repetitive and non-value-add tasks to make room for progress and creativity.
Pat Boland, ANCA co-founder, remarks, “For 50 years, ANCA has been on a journey to change the shape of the cutting tool industry. To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we look forward to meeting with our customers and partners at IMTS. As innovation has motivated us throughout our history, new products and developments will be at the center of our celebrations. ANCA’s future is exciting, we are focused on continuing to invent and deliver groundbreaking technology to help take cutting tool production into areas not previously thought possible.”
Edmund Boland, ANCA CNC Machines General Manager, adds, “IMTS is the major global event in this milestone year for our company, so it’s thrilling to showcase our latest products and technologies for high performance cutting tools produced with optimized efficiency and cost. Building on ANCA’s heritage of producing industry-leading software, the latest release of our signature ToolRoom software, RN35, takes cycle time optimization even further, elevating productivity – it’s the future of tool production.”
“ToolRoom and AIMS really pave the way for highly productive, autonomous production. Our investment in AIMS for connected and automated processes is our commitment to solving key challenges such as labor shortages and consistent production processes with smart, future-ready solutions. Our ULTRA technology has made a splash in the market, and now enables micro tool production, regrinding and small batch production with the MicroX and FX7 ULTRA,” notes Edmund.
50 years of innovation and “thinking outside of the box”
ANCA started with a minicomputer and teletype installed at co-founder Pat Boland’s home, followed by a CNC and then the design and manufacture of machine tools with co-founder Pat McCluskey. Throughout the years, ANCA has brought significant advantages to the industry with pioneering innovations like the first touch probe, soft axes and 3D simulation.
Naturally, software and automation are key highlights of ANCA’s anniversary innovation portfolio. The latest version of ANCA’s ToolRoom software, RN35, offers:
Experts will present these and other upgrades to IMTS visitors, plus further exciting news in CIM3D simulation software.
The Future of Automation in Tool Production IS here today…AIMS
The ANCA Automated Manufacturing System (AIMS) is a highly integrated, advanced automation system that brings together machining, metrology and materials handling plus data management in a leading-edge ecosystem for a lights-out production of tools used in myriad industries.
https://machines.anca.com/Products/Integrated-Manufacturing/AIMS (includes a video demo)
ANCA’s AIMS (ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System) is the smart manufacturing solution for cutting tool production, enabling manufacturers to connect, automate and create like never before. The modular system comprises hardware and software components for automated, closed loop manufacturing. AIMS Server controls production processes and AutoComp, the intelligent compensation module maintains part quality automatically, while the new AIMS Connect function covers job management.
With AIMS Connect, recently debuted at GrindingHub in Germany, visitors can experience firsthand the power of digital production control and modular automation, now available for existing installations. The system has proven in the field that it empowers manufacturers to explore new opportunities, products and features while maximizing productivity and quality.
AIMS is growing in popularity, as it enables shops of all sizes plus huge production departments the flexibility to integrate machining, metrology and materials handling into a unified ecosystem with full data capture and management capabilities.
Machines and technology for highest quality and lowest cost tools
ANCA’s GCX machine and gear tool technology is set to redefine the production of skiving cutters with a turnkey solution package. To address the complexity of gear tool manufacturing, this offering includes features for the design of gear cutting tools, manufacturing and integrated tool measurement, as well as providing the skiving machine setup parameters.
IMTS visitors will witness live how this configuration enables short setup times, simulation and monitoring, plus quality enhancing features like the ANCA Motor Temperature Control (MTC) and integrated balancing (iBalance) for unparalleled longtime grinding profile accuracy within +/-0.0015mm. This turnkey package facilitates easy entry into the gear tools sector while ensuring top-quality results.
ULTRA Technology: the platform for highest precision and micro tool work
Revolutionary ULTRA technology combines nanometer control, servo-controlled algorithms and mechanical stiffness upgrades 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 tool manufacturing.
The MicroX ULTRA premiered at EMO 2023 and was released to the market at GrindingHub, giving micro tool manufacturers all the advantages of the ULTRA technology and ANCA’s Machine Intelligence in a unit tailored to this application. As the only micro tool grinder with nanometer control, optimized mechanical layout and axes travel, integrated tool measurement and progressive automation, this six-axis grinder is the ideal solution for volume production of tools down to 0.03mm.
Customer-centric solutions enable enhancements
Laser measuring on the EPX-SF
The new EPX-SF stream finishing machine was released to the market at GrindingHub. ANCA’s advanced edge preparation and surface finishing solution addresses productivity targets, delivers superior IP cutting tool performance and succeeds in precision-critical industries – in a design that’s ready to be integrated in automated tool manufacturing systems. With 11-axis automation and smart recipe fine-tuning, the machine is engineered by tool experts to optimize media utilization while providing precise edge control. The machine has the capability to reduce edge roughness to under 100 nm and refine edge radii to mere microns with controllable K-factor, achieving nano-smooth surfaces and micron-honed edges in record time.
The EPX-SF’s cyclic mode with pulse rotation serves as a potent defense against surface burrs and edge imperfections. With adjustable positive and negative angles, the EPX-SF spindle traverses the optimal cutting path, optimizing potential chip flow and reducing the surface roughness of the cutting workpiece. Within ANCA’s automation ecosystem, the EPX-SF seamlessly integrates into production lines, operating autonomously with robotic assistance round the clock for tool loading/unloading.
The CPX blank preparation machine is a prime example of how to include the voice of the customer in product development. Tool manufacturers around the world were asked and given their ideal solution for blanks with high material removal rates, application flexibility and integrated quality control. With features like statistical process control and top surface finishes below 0.2Ra, manufacturers can achieve high productivity at minimal cost with the CPX Linear. Some further application capability will be introduced at IMTS.
ANCA invites visitors to join us at IMTS Booth 237406 to experience firsthand the future of tool manufacturing.
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
ANCA MACHINE TOOLS
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, Mexico 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.
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The Manufacturing Leadership Council (MLC) is the digital transformation division of the National Association of Manufacturers and, as part of its mission, annually seeks world-class manufacturing companies and key individuals who contribute to the technology. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of this premier awards program.
On June 5, 2024, various companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the digital manufacturing transformation in America will be recognized and winners named throughout 9 categories. Among the finalists for the prestigious Engineering and Production Technology award is the ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS), a recently developed, fully automated grinding, gauging and materials handling system with workflow monitoring, full tracking and data management capability. It allows shops and production departments to achieve a lights-out manufacturing ecosystem in coordination with company control protocols. ANCA is an acknowledged global leader in this technology.
The ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) offers an open ecosystem that aims to connect, automate and create all steps in the production of cutting tools for a broad spectrum of industrial applications, including automotive, medical, aerospace, electronics and woodworking.
Manufacturing processes controlled by AIMS achieve higher machine utilization while maintaining consistently high tool quality. Thanks to sophisticated tool measurement and compensation strategies, scrap is reduced and costs per tool are significantly lowered. Comprehensive reporting and intelligent insights supported by machine learning provide complete visibility into all aspects of operations.
AIMS is designed as an open system and allows the integration of third-party machines and workstations, plus AGV’s for material transport.
AIMS Connect
Connects all operations that are carried out to manufacture cutting tools. The central AIMS server controls compliance with the processes that a tool passes through during its manufacture. It checks whether the various process steps are being carried out and takes action if the process is not being executed to preset standards. An information system guides employees to carry out manual process steps.
AIMS Automate
Automation of connected operations through the use of robots such as AMR for transfer or cobots for palletizing tools. A self-optimizing job scheduler ensures an ideal supply of pallets to the machines or provides individual tools for measurement.
AIMS Create
Create individual and customized workflow for the tool, based on linked operations. Workflows and processes can be described and stored with ISA-95 compliant recipes. Job orders are transferred to production via the link to recipes and the creation of work requests. Work cells, work units and assets are managed just as easily as grinding programs and grinding wheels. AIMS Create provides the cockpit for creating processes. Thanks to the state-of-the-art web application, this can be done on almost all smart devices and computers.
ANCA president for North America, Russell Riddiford, comments, “ANCA is very proud to be in the running for this award from the MLC. We support the digital transformation effort in both our machine building and motion control operations, as we seek to provide our customers the machines and software needed to move their companies in this exciting new direction, within industries of all kinds.”
The 2024 MLC Awards feature nine categories to recognize company achievements in AI and Machine Learning; Collaborative Ecosystems; Digital Network Connectivity; Digital Supply Chains; Engineering and Production Technology (the category in which AIMS is a finalist); Enterprise Integration and Technology; Operational Excellence; Sustainability and Circular Economy; plus Transformational Business Cultures. Additionally, individuals are entered into the Transformation Leadership and Next-Generation Leadership categories. The finalists represent a cross-section of industries, comprising global multi-nationals and start-up companies. The awards are judged by distinguished individuals from across many industrial sectors.
ANCA is based in Melbourne, Australia with its North American headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, where it operates a full tech center, including machines and training for its customers.
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.
Continue reading
ANCA, a leading innovator in precision grinding solutions, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Technology Center in Korea. ANCA has offered local sales and service to customers across diverse industries for more than 30 years in the Korean market and opening the new facility is a significant milestone for the company as it expands its presence in the Asian market.
Jake Farragher, General Manager of ANCA Asia, says, “ANCA’s newest technology center is a commitment to our customers in Korea. This investment in our global infrastructure enables our team to deliver premium sales and service support to this important and growing market. We understand the importance of offering customers local support and at our new facility we can showcase the capability of our flexible grinding machines, world-leading software, and market-first automation solutions.”
“Thanks to our long-standing partnership with SH International in Korea, we have a legacy of innovation with our customers in the market, and our local team at our new ANCA office is poised to facilitate our customers’ success into the future.”
“We are excited for our new center to serve as a hub for grinding excellence, innovation and collaboration, confirming our position as a global leader in the tool and cutter grinding industry and medical tools industry.”
For 50 years ANCA has committed to providing cutting-edge grinding solutions worldwide, and ANCA Korea, located near Seoul, is equipped with the latest technologies, such as ANCA’s ULTRA technology with nanometer resolution control.
The demonstration facility provides the ULTRA experience with ANCA’s MX and FX ULTRA machines, as well as automation solutions with ANCA’s Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS). The facility additionally includes support and training services.
The grand opening event was attended by key stakeholders and customers, industry partners, and local dignitaries.
Celebrating 50 Years and Innovating the Future with ULTRA Technology
Pat Boland, ANCA Co-founder said: “50 years ago, Pat McCluskey and I did not anticipate ANCA to be what it is today. We embarked on a business journey that felt in hindsight like stepping onto a treadmill, with our customers driving the speed. Yet we have not only kept pace with the market, we’ve surged ahead, introducing cutting-edge innovations. I am proud of the technology we are still releasing, such as the ULTRA and GCX packages and the many innovations that underpin these product releases.”
Edmund Boland, General Manager of ANCA CNC Machines and son of Pat Boland, highlighted ANCA’s agility as a privately owned company, enabling swift decisions to support ANCA’s people and customers.
“ANCA has always endeavored to stay ahead of the curve, anticipating market trends, and delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to thrive,” Edmund said. “With 50 years of innovation behind us, our product and technology portfolios are perfectly positioned to meet the challenges of the future.”
ANCA’s 50th anniversary marks a half century of the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to pushing the boundaries of precision grinding technology. The ULTRA machine range, with its nanometer technology, allows customers to produce the best tools in the market through superior accuracy, quality and surface finish.
The ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) is a groundbreaking advancement in grinding technology. AIMS connects, automates and creates all processes required to manufacture a cutting tool, ensuring maximum accuracy and consistency while minimizing downtime – enabling end-to-end digitally connected and automated production systems for cutting tools.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Sepideh Zandieh
Acting Group Communications Manager
sepideh.zandieh@anca.com
Phone: 0439 316 131
About ANCA:
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.
Continue reading
Truly optimizing medical machining often requires specialized cutters, and there’s no better model for designing and grinding them than ARCH Cutting Tools, headquartered in Warren, Michigan, USA.
Take the task of machining a polyethylene tibial insert. As ARCH Cutting Tools’s northeastern regional director of operations, Jim Gray, spelled out, this has almost always been done with a single, flat blade mounted in a holder so as to maximize the shear angle. But, said Gray, this design often produces lines on the surface, or an “orange peel” effect, due to burning, as it doesn’t cut the polyethylene as cleanly as desired. A straight flute design also impacts the part with a lot of force on each rotation.
Gray’s team instead used their knowledge and ANCA’s programming software to create a unique 1½” (38.1 mm) diameter 3-flute carbide helical cutter with high shear and multiple radii along the profile. They grind it on an ANCA MX7 machine, using a dozen wheels to create a mirror finish and a cutting edge “sharper than a razor blade,” as Gray described it. “You need a very sharp edge to cut the plastic perfectly cleanly. Even a diamond grain that goes through cutting edge, leaving a tiny chip, will show up in the insert. We inspect these tools under a microscope to confirm the edge is crisp and clean.” Gray added that their helical design also distributes the cutting forces, in contrast to a straight flute. In sum, the ARCH Cutting Tools solution delivers an outstanding part finish, higher throughput, and longer tool life.
Replicating perfection
Gray also pointed out that in addition to the tool design assistance derived from ANCA’s programming software, which includes full 3D simulation, the ToolDraft feature enables detailed documentation for process control. “Instead of relying on 2D drawings on the shop floor,” Gray expounded, “ToolDraft gives us the ability lay out every aspect of the tool and the required grinding wheels. One page covers the gullet shape, with the roughing wheel, the finishing wheels, and any information related to fluting. The next page covers profiling, again with all the wheel shapes and data, and the required clearance angles, land width, and other tool geometries. And so forth for the end face. We also add notes to each drawing to provide detail on what’s pertinent to this tool…what really makes it work.
“We love what ToolDraft does for us. Because if all you put out on the floor is a 2D drawing with an outside diameter or shape of the tool, the operator can say ‘This tool is good. It’s to print,’ when in reality, the body’s thin and the rake is not right. There are so many things that go into why we designed a tool a certain way, that if we don’t get complete information to the operator, everyone can have a different opinion about what constitutes a correct copy. We’ve promised our customers that no matter what person and what machine grinds their tool, they’ll get the same tool every time. And the only way we can keep that promise is with the documentation we’ve created with ToolDraft.”
Gray added that although it’s possible to grind such tools with a ball screw driven machine, it’s much easier to produce them with ANCA’s newer linear motor technology. “Linear motors have definitely changed our world when it comes to finishes and transitioning for profile cutters,” he explained. “They make it easier to grind the profile, especially with a tool like a condyle cutter, because multiple radiuses go up and over the edge. If you’re grinding in just one direction, a ball screw machine is fine. But if you go up and over and you need to produce multiple radiuses in the front and multiple radiuses in the back, that little backlash or wear in the ball screws will force you to fight until you get it all settled and tweaked in. Whereas with a linear motor machine, it’s just true from the start.”
Not all ball nose end mills are equal
Moving on to hip stems, Gray said machining up and over these parts requires ball nose end mills in which the radius and its transition to the OD must be perfect. The end face gashing must also meet exactly at the center. “Any mismatch in the center of the ball nose will put a line in the hip stem, and that’s not acceptable.” Any error in the radius will create geometrical distortion in the part profile, he added. “We scan that whole radius to ensure it’s correct.”
Hip stems have generally been made of titanium and cobalt chromium, Gray explained. These materials are challenging enough, but Gray said the new 3D printed titanium alloys from leading medical suppliers are even more difficult to machine. They’re porous, to facilitate integration with the patient’s bone, which essentially guarantees an interrupted cut. The material is also highly abrasive. Thus, minimizing tool changes and increasing manufacturing speed to achieve an acceptable level of efficiency requires an engineered solution from the likes of ARCH Cutting Tools.
Fast turn-around for custom tools and regrinds
In another example of ARCH Cutting Tools coming to the rescue, a customer suddenly ran out of an imported, replaceable head, keyseat cutter during production. ARCH Cutting Tools delivered a custom engineered, solid carbide version, with coating, in under 48 hours. In another case, ARCH Cutting Tools created a multi-step counterbore that combined 6 different operations in one tool for machining titanium and superalloys. Both examples again point to the power of combining experienced grinding professionals with ANCA’s software and machines to produce high quality medical devices that improve a person’s life.
Regrinding is yet another such area. Not only does ARCH Cutting Tools reliably return used tools to new condition, Gray said there are numerous cases in which they’ve actually improved upon the original tool. “One of our bigger medical customers was buying a faceted drill from one of the world leaders in cutting tools,” recalled Gray. “The drill was being used on titanium, and we put a roll point on it and made some other changes to the geometry that made the reground drill run better than the new tools.”
In this context, Gray praised ANCA’s integrated laser to automatically check for and correct errors in tool runout, and ANCA’s probing capability. In addition to probing coolant holes to ensure proper tool orientation for a regrind, Gray said ANCA makes it easy to probe the entire point profile to enable K-land grinding, a notoriously fiendish task. “You adjust how many points you want along that edge,” Gray expounded. “And if you’re manufacturing the tool, you can probe the profile once and store that data. From then on you don’t have to re-probe to produce a good K-land, until wheel wear becomes a factor.”
Wheel wear would cause the K-land to vary, Gray added, but he again pointed to the ease of re-probing the profile to make adjustments, plus the existence of wheel probes on their ANCA machines. “The wheel probe is absolutely awesome, because it takes human error out and it’s really accurate,” said Gray. The older method uses a measuring bar, and Gray recounted that operators all too often forgot which orientation they should use and destroyed an expensive wheel.
The science of productivity
As Gray put it, ARCH Cutting Tools has to be fast to be competitive, and that requires a process that’s “down to a science.” Things like matching different wheel specifications to the diverse tool materials they have to grind, proper coolant placement, and adaptable tool support. In the latter category, Gary praised ANCA’s P-axis traveling steadyrest and said that for some challenging applications they use an Arobotech, which grips the tool at 3 points and adjusts to changes in diameter as the P-axis moves below the grinding wheel, providing support. “These are all things that give us an edge to be able to do these instruments,” Gray concluded. “They virtually eliminate runout and allow us to run faster.”
But Gray reserves his highest praise for ANCA’s simulation software, calling it “the greatest tool…We used to go to the machine blind. We’d end up scrapping blanks to figure out these complex tools right at the machine. With ANCA’s software, you create complex tools before going to the machine and you’re close to perfect when you run your first part.”
From creative tool design, to efficient machine setup and operation, to tight quality control, ARCH Cutting Tools consistently exemplifies what it takes to meet the challenges of machining medical components.
Images
Condyle Cutter.jpg
ARCH Cutting Tools produces a unique 3-flute carbide helical cutter that delivers unequaled part finish, higher throughput, and longer tool life in machining a polyethylene tibial insert
Ball Nose End Mills.jpg
These ball nose end mills (for machining hip stems) feature a perfect transition from the ball radius to the OD, and an end face gash that meets exactly at the center
Key Cutter.jpg
ARCH Cutting Tools delivered this custom engineered, solid carbide keyseat cutter, with coating, in under 48 hours
Multi-Step Counterbore.jpg
ARCH Cutting Tools created this multi-step counterbore to combine 6 different operations in one tool for machining titanium and superalloys
Carbide Trepan Cutter.jpg
This complex trepan cutter was created to meet an urgent need for cutting non-ferrous material used in respiratory equipment. The tool features a very fine finish and leaves no marks on the part. Gray reported that “the customer was ecstatic”
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.
Continue readingPartnering with ANCA gave a boost of confidence to the Bengaluru-based company, which extensively uses ANCA machines to make precision cutting tools, prepare blanks, and regrind tools
From a conventional machine operator to the founder of a company that manufactures high-precision cutting tools that employs over 30 people. Sounds like an unbelievable success story? Well, this perfectly describes the journey of Kumar A., a passionate cutting toolmaker from Bengaluru, India. Kumar’s cutting tool manufacturing company, SST Cutting Tools, relies on high-end grinding machines from ANCA to manufacture customized tools for aerospace, defense, and automotive applications. Here’s how it all began…
Journey of growth with ANCA
Kumar started SST Cutting Tools in the middle of the global recession in 2008 with a single tool and cutter grinding machine. The company now has four ANCA machines and many delighted customers.
“I started with one conventional machine and used to regrind tools. My work was received well in the industry and soon I added more conventional machines and operators, but we were not able to speed up the process and procure orders that needed high precision. That’s when I thought of investing in a CNC grinding machine,” says Kumar.
“I had absolutely no idea about CNC grinding machines, as I had never operated one before. All I knew was that I wanted the best one. I evaluated several global brands and found ANCA to be best suited for my application. More than anything, I needed a user-friendly machine, as none of the team members, including me, had any experience with CNC grinding machines,” adds Kumar.
Enhanced output, efficiency, accuracy
SST Cutting Tools added an ANCA FX3 with linear scale technology, which can produce tools with an accuracy of three microns. “We were amazed by the machine’s output and speed. Our efficiency and accuracy went up. This provided a boost to our much-needed confidence and now we’re out in the market looking for precision cutting tools requirements,” says Kumar.
As orders increased, the company grew. A plot of land was purchased and construction of its factory began in 2016. “We were small players, but I always maintained one thing – never compromise on technology. Moving to the new factory in 2017, we added a Zoller tool inspection machine, which could measure any kind of tool profiles with the accuracy of one micron,” he explains.
The company started taking precision cutting tool orders, with many happy customers. “We received several repeat orders and a lot of new inquiries. We needed to enhance our efficiency further by reducing the setup time. I discussed this challenge with the ANCA team, and they suggested the ANCA FX5 fully automatic linear machine. I saw the demo, observed all the features, and opted for it in March 2018. It was the perfect match for my requirements. The machine is equipped with a 2-wheel changer that helps us reduce the number of setups,” informs Kumar. SST added one more advanced version of the ANCA FX5 in 2019. It is fully automatic and provides high accuracy and an in-process measuring camera.
It’s all about meeting requirements
One of the most important and challenging activities for cutting tool manufacturers is to prepare precision blanks with close tolerances. The right blank can define the overall cutting tool. “With time, customers have also become very demanding. They want a cost-effective and accurate product on time. However, in 2021, the volume of orders we had in our current setup needed an upgrade, especially for the preparation of blanks. I wanted to reduce the blank preparation time with 100% accuracy and decided to opt for the ANCA 4 Axes CPX blank preparation machine,” says Kumar.
The CPX Linear is capable of achieving a surface finish better than 0.2Ra with a run out of less than two microns. “With the addition of a CPX Linear, we can make tools in a few hours, thereby meeting urgent requirements,” he adds.
Focus on quality, accuracy for applications
Talking about his vision, Kumar says, “I want to be a world-class manufacturer of cutting tools and provide services to the customer’s speculated time with zero defects and a high degree of accuracy.”
The company specializes in customized cutting tools such as drills with sizes ranging from Ø1 to Ø25 with the L/D ratio of Ø X 12; endmills with sizes ranging from 0.8mm to 25mm and 2flutes to 12flutes; and reamers and holemills, with sizes ranging from 1mm to 25mm, within the tolerance of 0.002 mm. Additionally, the company works with threading tools, boring tools, ID and OD grooving tools, pico bars, and angle grooving tools.
Kumar comes from a very humble background. At the age when most children enjoy their school days, he worked part-time to make ends meet. At the age of 18, Kumar started working as a machine operator in one of the job shops in Bengaluru, the IT and manufacturing hub of India. Motivated to learn more, he took up a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in the evenings.
“I wanted to learn the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, the functionality of the latest machines, and various advantages of grinding applications. I used to work for 10-12 hours during the day and attend classes in the evening,” he recalls.
SST Cutting Tools’ drive and versatility is also highlighted in their multiple #ANCATooloftheYear entries, showcasing their skill and creativity with ANCA software as well as an enthusiastic commitment to the community of cutting tool manufacturers.
Proudly highlighting one of his projects, Kumar says, “When COVID cases were at their peak, we did our small bit by helping the Indian government make ventilator parts quickly with the help of our ANCA machines. Since the project was related to medical equipment, the accuracy and surface finish needed were high and the turnaround time was short. We acted quickly, gathered all our technical staff and halted all our other projects. I am glad we were able to play a small role in the fight against Corona.”
More growth ahead at home and abroad
After close to 15 years of operations and many happy customers in India, the company is now eyeing exports, and expanding their infrastructure to accommodate more machines. “We are looking forward to adding more ANCA machines in the coming days,” says Kumar.
He adds, “We have big plans for the future. However, it is worth looking back at the journey and remembering all that has worked in our favor. Choosing ANCA was one of the best decisions in my career. ANCA has not only enhanced the efficiency and productivity of SST Cutting Tools, it has also given our confidence the much-needed boost.”
“The ANCA team is well-versed with the technical know-how and their service is nothing short of excellent. Whenever we faced any technical hurdles, the team would quickly respond. We never had to face any major delays in our projects thanks to their prompt support. In fact, there have been instances of executives from ANCA flying down to Bengaluru from Australia only to help us better understand the machine’s features. I am looking forward to working with ANCA; they are our growth partner and not just a vendor,” concludes Kumar.
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 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.
Partnering with ANCA gave a boost of confidence to the Bengaluru-based company, which extensively uses ANCA machines to make precision cutting tools, prepare blanks, and regrind tools
From a conventional machine operator to the founder of a company that manufactures high-precision cutting tools that employs over 30 people. Sounds like an unbelievable success story? Well, this perfectly describes the journey of Kumar A., a passionate cutting toolmaker from Bengaluru, India. Kumar’s cutting tool manufacturing company, SST Cutting Tools, relies on high-end grinding machines from ANCA to manufacture customized tools for aerospace, defense, and automotive applications. Here’s how it all began…
Journey of growth with ANCA
Kumar started SST Cutting Tools in the middle of the global recession in 2008 with a single tool and cutter grinding machine. The company now has four ANCA machines and many delighted customers.
“I started with one conventional machine and used to regrind tools. My work was received well in the industry and soon I added more conventional machines and operators, but we were not able to speed up the process and procure orders that needed high precision. That’s when I thought of investing in a CNC grinding machine,” says Kumar.
“I had absolutely no idea about CNC grinding machines, as I had never operated one before. All I knew was that I wanted the best one. I evaluated several global brands and found ANCA to be best suited for my application. More than anything, I needed a user-friendly machine, as none of the team members, including me, had any experience with CNC grinding machines,” adds Kumar.
Enhanced output, efficiency, accuracy
SST Cutting Tools added an ANCA FX3 with linear scale technology, which can produce tools with an accuracy of three microns. “We were amazed by the machine’s output and speed. Our efficiency and accuracy went up. This provided a boost to our much-needed confidence and now we’re out in the market looking for precision cutting tools requirements,” says Kumar.
As orders increased, the company grew. A plot of land was purchased and construction of its factory began in 2016. “We were small players, but I always maintained one thing – never compromise on technology. Moving to the new factory in 2017, we added a Zoller tool inspection machine, which could measure any kind of tool profiles with the accuracy of one micron,” he explains.
The company started taking precision cutting tool orders, with many happy customers. “We received several repeat orders and a lot of new inquiries. We needed to enhance our efficiency further by reducing the setup time. I discussed this challenge with the ANCA team, and they suggested the ANCA FX5 fully automatic linear machine. I saw the demo, observed all the features, and opted for it in March 2018. It was the perfect match for my requirements. The machine is equipped with a 2-wheel changer that helps us reduce the number of setups,” informs Kumar. SST added one more advanced version of the ANCA FX5 in 2019. It is fully automatic and provides high accuracy and an in-process measuring camera.
It’s all about meeting requirements
One of the most important and challenging activities for cutting tool manufacturers is to prepare precision blanks with close tolerances. The right blank can define the overall cutting tool. “With time, customers have also become very demanding. They want a cost-effective and accurate product on time. However, in 2021, the volume of orders we had in our current setup needed an upgrade, especially for the preparation of blanks. I wanted to reduce the blank preparation time with 100% accuracy and decided to opt for the ANCA 4 Axes CPX blank preparation machine,” says Kumar.
The CPX Linear is capable of achieving a surface finish better than 0.2Ra with a run out of less than two microns. “With the addition of a CPX Linear, we can make tools in a few hours, thereby meeting urgent requirements,” he adds.
Focus on quality, accuracy for applications
Talking about his vision, Kumar says, “I want to be a world-class manufacturer of cutting tools and provide services to the customer’s speculated time with zero defects and a high degree of accuracy.”
The company specializes in customized cutting tools such as drills with sizes ranging from Ø1 to Ø25 with the L/D ratio of Ø X 12; endmills with sizes ranging from 0.8mm to 25mm and 2flutes to 12flutes; and reamers and holemills, with sizes ranging from 1mm to 25mm, within the tolerance of 0.002 mm. Additionally, the company works with threading tools, boring tools, ID and OD grooving tools, pico bars, and angle grooving tools.
Kumar comes from a very humble background. At the age when most children enjoy their school days, he worked part-time to make ends meet. At the age of 18, Kumar started working as a machine operator in one of the job shops in Bengaluru, the IT and manufacturing hub of India. Motivated to learn more, he took up a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in the evenings.
“I wanted to learn the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, the functionality of the latest machines, and various advantages of grinding applications. I used to work for 10-12 hours during the day and attend classes in the evening,” he recalls.
SST Cutting Tools’ drive and versatility is also highlighted in their multiple #ANCATooloftheYear entries, showcasing their skill and creativity with ANCA software as well as an enthusiastic commitment to the community of cutting tool manufacturers.
Proudly highlighting one of his projects, Kumar says, “When COVID cases were at their peak, we did our small bit by helping the Indian government make ventilator parts quickly with the help of our ANCA machines. Since the project was related to medical equipment, the accuracy and surface finish needed were high and the turnaround time was short. We acted quickly, gathered all our technical staff and halted all our other projects. I am glad we were able to play a small role in the fight against Corona.”
More growth ahead at home and abroad
After close to 15 years of operations and many happy customers in India, the company is now eyeing exports, and expanding their infrastructure to accommodate more machines. “We are looking forward to adding more ANCA machines in the coming days,” says Kumar.
He adds, “We have big plans for the future. However, it is worth looking back at the journey and remembering all that has worked in our favor. Choosing ANCA was one of the best decisions in my career. ANCA has not only enhanced the efficiency and productivity of SST Cutting Tools, it has also given our confidence the much-needed boost.”
“The ANCA team is well-versed with the technical know-how and their service is nothing short of excellent. Whenever we faced any technical hurdles, the team would quickly respond. We never had to face any major delays in our projects thanks to their prompt support. In fact, there have been instances of executives from ANCA flying down to Bengaluru from Australia only to help us better understand the machine’s features. I am looking forward to working with ANCA; they are our growth partner and not just a vendor,” concludes Kumar.
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 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.
Using MX7 Linear, the Canadian company helps automotive company make tools within spec and regrinds 1,100-1,500 tools each year
Founded in 1987 by Clorindo Mattei, Clortech Precision Cutting Tools is a family business with wife Carmela handling bookkeeping, while son Patrick is the vice-president of production and sisters Emilia and Mena are the managing director and quality assurance director respectively. The company is a Montreal manufacturer of custom precision tools that sells to various industries including aerospace, recreational vehicles, rail and automotive. Products include shafts, gauges, broaches, bushings, extra-long reamers, special diameter formed end mills, special contouring tools.
In the ‘80s and ‘90s, business was made up entirely of aerospace customers. However, events like 9/11 and the global financial crisis, showed how temperamental that sector could be and prompted diversification beyond it. With its high-performance holemaking tools, including drills and special end mills, Clortech expanded into the automotive industry. It also provides drills for rail and tie installers, as well as tools (reaming, milling and holemaking) to help the Canadian Armed Forces in the maintenance and overhaul of tanks and other military equipment. Besides MRO tooling services, they also offer regrinding and reconditioning services to old tools and kit inventory services. Their 360° Approach is aimed at companies that don’t have the necessary resources or workforce to make their own tools, while the AOG 911 service produces or modifies aircraft tools with the shortest lead times.
Currently, the job shop is equipped with CNC lathes, milling machines, cylindrical grinders, tool and cutter grinders and six 8-axis NC ANCA grinding machines (two TG7 Plus grinders, two TX7 machines and two TX7 Linear machines).
While Clortech uses all of its ANCA machines, Patrick Mattei pointed out that more complex/ higher volume parts are manufactured on the ANCA MX7 Linear due to its speed, precision and software which is more detailed than older machines. The machines are used to make round tools such as: endmills, drills and reamers. Most are solid carbide, while some have carbide tips. All tools are manufactured to customer specifications.
Discussing what features stand out on the MX7 Linear, Patrick mentioned the Toolroom software, which allows them to simulate a tool before making it. This greatly reduces scrap. The program’s integrated 3D graphics make on-machine programming easy, as grinding simulation is performed after any parameter change providing instant feedback. When they are satisfied with the geometry, operators take that program and put it on the machine to run it. “The simulation software and offline programming is a very strong feature allowing the machine to run while [operators] work on other programs for different parts that they will be running later. The versatility with lots of axes allow them to make the most intricate type parts.” The importance of the software is further evidenced by the fact that raw materials are very expensive and hard to come by so the ability to run a 3D model of the tool beforehand makes a big difference. Most of the company’s tools are designed from A to Z, offering a turnkey solution. The 3D model can be taken to the customer, and they can simulate the cutting conditions in their machine tool. Thus, Clortech can give the customer something before the actual part is delivered.
Recently, Clortech helped a customer in the automotive industry who was making dovetail type cutters. These cutters require an extremely high degree of precision, and the company couldn’t maintain the tight tolerances. Clortech received the parts and reground them using the MX7. When completed, not only where the tools done within specification but the “product was better than what the customer was making themselves.”
Before they started using ANCA, Patrick mentioned they were doing a lot of work on conventional machines. Challenges they encountered included capacity and precision. The machines ran continuously but couldn’t match the speed and efficiency of a CNC grinder. Another challenge was having enough people to work the machines. With the integrated automation on ANCA machines, one operator can run more than one machine at once, making the company more profitable and efficient. Additionally, Clortech used to regrind 500-1,000 tools conventionally each year. With CNC machines, they are regrinding 1,100-1,500 each year. This is an efficiency improvement of 1000%. Although the set-up time on a CNC machine is longer, the output efficiency outweighs the time it takes.
The company’s first ANCA machine, a TG7 Plus Grinder, was purchased in 1997 after meeting Russell Riddiford at a trade show. At the time, Clortech was looking to purchase a machine and they chose ANCA because of its software features. Patrick believes ANCA machines symbolize efficiency and reliability, as the first one he purchased is still running smoothly.
Patrick considers ANCA “part of the family” and enjoys speaking to the same people who know the company and his needs. He can call ANCA and there is always someone he can talk to regarding software issues, and everything is always resolved in a timely manner. He added that “… if we want to do something on the machine that hasn’t been done before, ANCA can even develop software for the product. They are always solution focused and working to figure out how to resolve any issue.”
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager, Americas-ANCA
M: +1 248 497 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 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.
One important strategy in remaining competitive in your business today is ensuring you have the tools to adapt to your shifting markets; having the flexibility to adopt new technologies and reap the benefits that they offer. Punch manufacturers around the world know this fact and are seeing the benefits of using ANCA TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear for their production needs.
To begin with, TX7 Linear or TXcell Linear needs to be kitted up with the right tools and accessories to do the job. ANCA has developed several accessories and options that explicitly meet the needs of the punch grinding application.
These accessories are necessary for any good punch grinding machine. So, what makes punch grinding on ANCA TX7 Linear so different? Starting with the basics, TX7 Linear is a 5-axis grinding machine, compared to the 3-axis grinder more traditionally used for punch manufacture. Having these extra degrees of freedom on your grinding machine translates to greater freedom in what applications you can put through it.
In the case of punch manufacture, a traditional punch grinding machine would have been capable of grinding only the outside form of the punch with a single wheel. The TX7 Linear now offers you so much more. Punches will typically have a series of separate machine operations that need to be performed to complete the tool.
So, what operations on the tool require all the additional investment and effort? After OD grinding a punch may require a roof-top or whisper shear on the punch. Additionally, a tool index mark or feature may also need to be included near the shank of the tool. Typical punches include a single radius dressed into the grinding wheel to create a gentle transition between punch section of the tool and its shank, but in some cases, additional reinforcement radii are added. Finally, there is the inclusion of ejector holes in the end face of the punch that requires not grinding but drilling operations. With two-wheel packs available on the 5-axis TX7 Linear, undertaking several of these operations in a single set-up is now possible. But take the next step to a TXcell, with its offering of nine up to 24-wheel packs, and all these operations can now be done in a single set-up, something that was never possible on a standard punch grinding machine.
The TXcell robot used for changing wheel packs is also used for automated loading of tools, which means you can keep it running for those unattended shifts. Having more than one wheel pack on the machine brings other benefits too. By using different roughing and finishing wheels, grinding operations can now be optimized for stock removal or fine surface finish. The TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear are also ideally suited to the use of CBN grinding wheels. Using a much smaller wheel diameter (up to 200 mm (8”). on TX7 Linear and 300 mm (12”) on TXcell Linear), CBN not only delivers superior grinding feed rates compared to conventional abrasives, but also requires less frequent wheel dressing. Both properties ultimately save you time and money.
Many of our customers manufacturing punch tools can demand the highest possible accuracy in terms of dimensional tolerances and surface finish quality. The TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear machines can meets these demands easily to grind punches within 2-3 microns with a surface finish of less than 0.1 Ra (Roughness Average).
Keyhole punches – a key benefit of ANCA’s premium TX machines
One important strategy in remaining competitive in your business today is ensuring you have the tools to adapt to your shifting markets; having the flexibility to adopt new technologies and reap the benefits that they offer. Punch manufacturers around the world know this fact and are seeing the benefits of using ANCA TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear for their production needs.
To begin with, TX7 Linear or TXcell Linear needs to be kitted up with the right tools and accessories to do the job. ANCA has developed several accessories and options that explicitly meet the needs of the punch grinding application.
These accessories are necessary for any good punch grinding machine. So, what makes punch grinding on ANCA TX7 Linear so different? Starting with the basics, TX7 Linear is a 5-axis grinding machine, compared to the 3-axis grinder more traditionally used for punch manufacture. Having these extra degrees of freedom on your grinding machine translates to greater freedom in what applications you can put through it.
In the case of punch manufacture, a traditional punch grinding machine would have been capable of grinding only the outside form of the punch with a single wheel. The TX7 Linear now offers you so much more. Punches will typically have a series of separate machine operations that need to be performed to complete the tool.
So, what operations on the tool require all the additional investment and effort? After OD grinding a punch may require a roof-top or whisper shear on the punch. Additionally, a tool index mark or feature may also need to be included near the shank of the tool. Typical punches include a single radius dressed into the grinding wheel to create a gentle transition between punch section of the tool and its shank, but in some cases, additional reinforcement radii are added. Finally, there is the inclusion of ejector holes in the end face of the punch that requires not grinding but drilling operations. With two-wheel packs available on the 5-axis TX7 Linear, undertaking several of these operations in a single set-up is now possible. But take the next step to a TXcell, with its offering of nine up to 24-wheel packs, and all these operations can now be done in a single set-up, something that was never possible on a standard punch grinding machine.
The TXcell robot used for changing wheel packs is also used for automated loading of tools, which means you can keep it running for those unattended shifts. Having more than one wheel pack on the machine brings other benefits too. By using different roughing and finishing wheels, grinding operations can now be optimized for stock removal or fine surface finish. The TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear are also ideally suited to the use of CBN grinding wheels. Using a much smaller wheel diameter (up to 200 mm (8”). on TX7 Linear and 300 mm (12”) on TXcell Linear), CBN not only delivers superior grinding feed rates compared to conventional abrasives, but also requires less frequent wheel dressing. Both properties ultimately save you time and money.
Many of our customers manufacturing punch tools can demand the highest possible accuracy in terms of dimensional tolerances and surface finish quality. The TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear machines can meets these demands easily to grind punches within 2-3 microns with a surface finish of less than 0.1 Ra (Roughness Average).
Keyhole punches – a key benefit of ANCA’s premium TX machines
The TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear have one final trump card to offer the punch grinding application: keyhole punches. These punches typically feature much more complicated OD profiles including concave forms and require a fundamentally different approach to grinding them. Small diameter wheels with form profiles and run at high RPM; the TX Linear machines handle this with ease. Dedicated keyhole punch software allows you to control every detail of the keyhole punch geometry and grinding process. This means the possible punch applications on TX7 machines have been opened to an entirely new segment of the punch-grinding market, giving you more opportunities to be making money from your investment. In fact, if business in the punch-grinding industry turns down to such a point the machine has spare time available, then re-tooling your machine to ANCA’s bread and butter application of drill or endmill manufacture is a simple exercise. ANCA’s TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear offer you a complete step forward in enhanced punch production flexibility and automation. Diversity like this not only opens new markets and business opportunities, but also delivers future commercial security.
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 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 2022 Tool of the Year entry showcases the capabilities and complexity that ARCH and ANCA can achieve together.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, ARCH Cutting Tools provides an experienced team of application specialists and custom tooling designers, who provide customers with a line of standard cutting tools and custom tooling.
Throughout the years, ARCH Cutting Tools has supplied custom tools to various industries including aerospace and defense, power generation, transportation and automotive. They also provide custom solutions to clients of their sister division, ARCH Medical Solutions.
They have participated in several ANCA Tool of the Year competitions, winning in 2020 with their complex, multi-functional tool, and placing as the first runner up in both 2022 and 2023. They demonstrated excellent use of multiple Toolroom iGrind software operations with several complex profiles. This started a trend towards multi-functional and complex designs for Tool of the Year winners onward. Turkish company TURCAR won with a similar concept for its tool in 2021, a multi-functional tool with axial and radial cutting features to machine five independent operations in one cycle. The Mexican winner in 2022, SJ Tools, created a cutting tool that combined multiple features into a single tool where all features were finished with a very accurate surface finish.
The idea behind the 2022 entry was to combine multiple tools into one and show what ARCH Cutting Tools could do for customers and what an ANCA tool grinder could produce. The creation of this tool played on the aspect of teamwork and brought in players from multiple ARCH facilities. One of these was Charles Montgomery, CNC Programmer at ARCH Cutting Tools Mentor, Ohio location. Montgomery’s design was chosen as the Tool of the Year entry. The tool was then sent to the Latrobe, Pennsylvania location. Jim Gray, the Regional Director of Operations, programmed it, made the ToolDraft print and manufactured it on an ANCA MX7 grinder.
Commenting on why ARCH entered the competition initially and why they continue to do so, Montgomery, said, “We enter the contest because it gives us the opportunity to be creative and push ANCA [machines] outside their everyday use. Being part of ANCA Tool of the Year annually helps us to continue to improve and showcase our capabilities.” Jim Gray added that the company is excited to continue its partnership with ANCA as it garners more exposure of ARCH through the co-op marketing.
Discussing the impact of their previous win, Montgomery said it brought a positive attitude to the workplace and showed that there is more to tool grinding than solely making tools for customers. Gray mentioned that, as a result, ARCH has become well-known worldwide.
Montgomery described the tool process starting with the tip of the tool as a three-flute right-hand helix endmill with chip breakers, to help stop the tool from creating long chips. Next, it moves into a three-flute form radius cutter for form milling, then transitions into a threadmill. This can be used to create internal and external threads of different sizes. A concave spin grind was added to create relief for chip flow and ejections. Lastly, the back portion changes to a left-hand helix right hand cut reamer to change the forces down into the part to keep it stable in the fixture. Known as the “Fiver,” due to its multiple functions, Gray said that “ARCH Cutting Tools is a solution driven specialty tool company that provides solutions like this tool that cut down on the end users cost in tooling and cutting cost in production.”
This tool was first designed and programmed using the ANCA iGrind software. Next, ARCH used an ANCA MX7 with special wheel packs to grind the tool for their submission. Explaining the complexities in design and production, Montgomery said, “It can be a very complex process to design a tool with multiple functions. You need to use the full capabilities of the software and hardware available, making sure you have all the correct wheels and clearances to avoid any machining issues.”
ARCH Cutting Tools had multiple submissions they prepared for the Tool of the Year contest and company personnel voted on which entry to submit. The tool was made to showcase the capabilities and complexity that ARCH and ANCA could achieve together. The “Fiver” took second place in last year’s competition. Gray mentioned the company’s great partnership with ANCA stating, “ANCA’s ingenuity and advanced technology have given our company the competitive edge that goes along with the expertise of the ARCH team. ANCA and ARCH have a true partnership in the cutting tool industry…The A-Team.”
[SIDEBAR}
Discussing Customization and its Future with ARCH Cutting Tools President
Jeff Cederstrom highlighted that custom tooling is in the company’s DNA. Their manufacturing experts love creating innovative custom tool designs that will solve their customers’ most challenging applications. He also noted that there is an increased demand for custom cutting tools and that ARCH is poised to meet this need with highly skilled design and technology from ANCA. “The breadth of our custom capabilities is second to none in the industry.”
The yearly ANCA Tool of the Year occupies a special place in Cederstrom’s heart as it is “… the Olympics of cutting tool design involving teams from around the world. The friendly competition raises the bar for the industry.”
Lastly, he sees the future of the company being influenced by the growing wave of mass customization. “Technology that continues to evolve will enable custom solutions not only in the design of the cutting tool but custom service offerings. There is a growing need to be flexible, nimble, and speedy.”
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 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.
Jeff Cederstrom
President, ARCH Cutting Tools
M: (989) 615-2356
jcederstrom@archgp.com
Charles Montgomery
CNC Programmer, ARCH Cutting Tools
T: 440-350-9393 ex. 111
cmontgomery@archgp.com
Jim Gray
Regional Director of Operations, ARCH Cutting Tools
T: 724-520-1904 ex. 17
jgray@archgp.com
Visit ANCA in Detroit, MI October 17 – 19, 2023 in booth 3232
Wixom, Michigan – ANCA Inc, a leading manufacturer of CNC Grinding Machines and industry technologies, is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the Motion + Power Technology Expo. The event is scheduled to take place from October 17 – 19, 2023 at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan.
Motion + Power Technology Expo is renowned for being a hub of innovation and networking within the mechanical, electric, and fluid power industries, attracting top companies, professionals, and industry experts from across the US. In addition to a prestigious show history, the location of the show is also beneficial as Michigan has long been a large manufacturing hub.
ANCA is delighted to be part of this prestigious event, where we will showcase our latest products, services, and industry solutions. We’re even more excited for this event to be right in our backyard. Just 30-minutes away from our American headquarters in Wixom, Michigan – our team is excited to showcase our technology right here in our home state.
Here’s what you can expect from ANCA at Motion + Power Technology Expo:
“We are thrilled to be a part of Motion + Power Technology Expo this year,” said Russell Riddiford, President at ANCA Inc. “This event provides a fantastic platform for us to showcase our latest innovations and connect with industry leaders. We look forward to meeting and interacting with both existing and potential clients to discuss how ANCA can provide tailored solutions to meet their grinding needs.”
Mark your calendars to visit ANCA at Booth 3232 during Motion + Power Technology Expo, October 17 – 19.
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 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.
