Tag Archives: company news

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:

1. Cutting-Edge Products and Services: Visit our booth to experience firsthand our latest CNC grinding machines and technologies. We’ll have a GCX linear machine on the stand demonstrating its state-of-the-art process for gear power skiving.
2. Expert Insights: Engage with our experienced professionals who will be available on-site to discuss how ANCA can help address your grinding needs and goals, now and into the future.

“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.

Designed for small tools, the new FX7 ULTRA is the latest game-changing innovation in ANCA’s premium ULTRA machine range

 Unparalleled accuracy and exceptional quality, the FX7 ULTRA takes small tool manufacturing to new heights.

“The FX7 ULTRA introduces cutting-edge technologies that revolutionize precision grinding for small tools down to 0.1mm diameter. If you produce tools such as ballnose, corner radius endmills, and complex or intricate profile tools, then this machine is for you,” says Darren Fox, ANCA Product Manager.

New software, hardware and design features significantly improve surface finish, accuracy, and controlled runout, ensuring batch consistency from the first ground tool to the last. These advancements ensure that the FX7 ULTRA is the go-to solution for precision grinding in industries that rely on small tools, including electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, automotive, diemold, and general machining.

Features of the FX7 ULTRA:

• one nanometer control system,
• new servo control algorithm for smooth motion,
• system and mechanical upgrades enhance stiffness and rigidity,
• in-process measuring, balancing and runout compensation for consistent accuracy,
• Motor Temperature Control (MTC) – ANCA’s patented innovation, and
• specialist training support from our engineering experts on how to grind perfect cutting tools.

The FX7 ULTRA not only grinds tools faster than other machines, but also produces tools with both finer surface finishes and greater accuracy — which means superior tool performance and quality.

“The ULTRA technology has enabled production of high-quality small tools with the capability to grind down to a size as small as 0.1mm. The nanometer control enables micro-adjustments for smoother axis movement resulting in optimal tool geometry, ensuring superior cutting performance and surface finish. These advancements will have a significant impact across the entire tool range, enabling precise and efficient grinding operations for a variety of applications,” Darren concludes.

Pat Boland, ANCA co-founder says: “Our customers who supply to industries where intricate and precise machining operations are paramount are always striving for the best quality tools, and now they can stay ahead of the game with the FX7 ULTRA. After years of dedicated research and development, the FX7 ULTRA is set to revolutionize the way we manufacture small tools.”

Visit FX7 ULTRA – ANCA – CNC Machines for more information.

A technical look at the FX7 ULTRA’s innovative features:

Greater control for the velocity and acceleration or deceleration along with machine jerk limits: To increase the stiffness of the C-axis, the FX7 ULTRA combines developments to the nanometer or micro degree resolution in the linear and rotary axis, tuning parameters, several system enhancements, and major mechanical changes.

ULTRA-fast response to internal or external disturbances: ANCA’s newly designed servo control algorithm allows silky smooth motion of an axis with the use of a unique algorithm and nanometer measurement in the control system. This will create finer cutting edges and eliminating micro-chips making it more efficient while used in actual machining of materials.

Better cycle time and higher productivity of high-quality cutting tools: The unique algorithm is key to the performance of the machine and ensures outstanding tracking performance. It also allows ULTRA-performance of the servo system without using a complex, complicated, or expensive mechanical system.

Reduces setup times and scrap: Cutting-edge software has been developed by ANCA to ensure batch consistency in large volumes. LaserUltra will maintain consistency and accuracy of the grinding process which includes in-process measurement and compensation to accommodate wheel wear and other external variations during large batch grinding. Its analog capability can maintain less than +/- 0.002mm line form accuracy of any profile which includes ballnose and corner radius tools.

Increased wheel life and better-quality tools: Tool and wheel performance can be further optimized by the iBalance software, which guides a user to the optimal grinding position and RPM for vibration monitoring and balancing the wheelpack inside the machine. Correctly balanced wheelpacks result in superior surface finish and reduced wheel wear due to the elimination of wheel vibration.

Consistency in finished tool quality: The total tool runout measurement and compensation operation is available in the iGrind software. When an endmill is in rotation it is important that each tooth hits at the exact same spot along the workpiece for longer tool life and efficient cutting. Every tool in the batch can be measured and compensated for runout to make sure the entire batch is within a tolerance of 0.002mm. It is another piece of assurance that the first endmill will be as good as the last.

Consistent spindle thermal stability: Motor Temperature Control (MTC) is a patent pending innovation built into the motor spindle drive firmware. Smart control algorithm actively manages and maintains the temperature of motorized spindles in the FX7 ULTRA. Dramatically reduced machine warmup time means production can start sooner, once the machine has reached thermal stability. This improves productivity and machine use. Consistent thermal stability of the spindle over time regardless of changes in load or speed, or coolant temperature, greatly improves the dimensional stability of grinding results.

Post grinding processes: The smoother, finer cutting edge and surface finish as a result of the combination of all the above including the nanometer control will assist in all post grinding applications like edge preparation and coating. A finer edge that has been properly prepared has greater stability, which reduces the likelihood of it chipping, while also decreasing surface roughness which can cause increased friction between the tool and the workpiece.

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.

A practical closed-loop solution for producing the highest quality skiving tools.

Vadim Zaiser, Product Manager – ANCA CNC Machines

The popularity of skiving is driven by electric cars. According to the Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Outlook 2023 report, there were over 26 million electric cars on the world’s roads in 2022, 60% more than in 2021 and 5 times as much as in 2018. In 2022 of all new cars sold, 14% were electric.

The forecast in 2023 is 14 million in sales by the end of the year, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. As a result, electric cars could account for 18% of total car sales for a full calendar year.

Worldwide, about 500 electric car models were available in 2022, a 100% increase from 2018. 18 of the 20 largest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as the BMW and GM Groups, have committed to increasing the offer and sales of EVs. Manufacturers’ electrification targets align with the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Sustainable Development Scenario, aiming to reach 245 million EVs in stock, about 30% of the market share, by 2030.

The graph below depicts two major scenarios for global EV stock by drive mode. The passenger light vehicles and plug-in-hybrid and battery electric design are the major two leading the EV sales.

PLDV = Passenger light duty vehicle
BEV – Battery electric vehicle
LCV – Light commercial vehicles
PHEV – Plug-In-Hybrid Vehicle

From DIN 10 to DIN 6

73% of all gear sales are auto-related. 45% of all gear production is for vehicle transmission. The rise of EVs is changing the requirements for the gear industry. The high engine speed of up to 20,000 rpm means a higher gear ratio is required for efficiency. The planetary gear set is more prevalent in the new design. In a planetary gear set, also known as the epicyclic gear train, the sun and planet gears are external gears assembled inside a ring gear.

The external gears are produced by hobbing then grinding. The internal ring gear, traditionally produced with shaping or broaching, shaping is slow, while broaching relies on cumbersome tooling. Another trend driven by the more compact new transmission design is multiple gears on one shaft that are very close to each other; due to the interference, the smaller ones on the shaft cannot be manufactured by hobbing.

Efficiency poses multiple challenges, but EV’s noise emission is also a much higher priority for customers. Gears for EVs need to meet even tighter tolerances – increased from DIN 10 to DIN 6; the gear industry sees hard skiving as a revolutionary process to produce the millions of gears needed for the new EVs.

Skiving is a continuous material removal process, combining the rolling motion and milling motion. While meshing with the gear as a pinion cutter, the cutter simultaneously travels along the gear’s axial direction. It is as efficient as hobbing, reportedly five to 10 times faster than shaping. Skiving forms shorter chips, skived gears show higher quality, with lower surface roughness. The most challenging solid carbide skiving cutters are needed in the hard skiving process after heat treatment.

GCX Linear for Skiving Cutters

Responding to the market demand, ANCA brings a complete solution for manufacturing and sharpening skiving cutters.  The GCX Linear sets the new standard for producing the highest quality skiving tools in both carbide and HSS. Its in-process measurement with the analogue probe provides an accurate closed-loop manufacturing process, an industry-first innovation.

The GCX Linear solves challenges for producing high-quality skiving tools:

Challenge No. 1 – Complex geometry

• GCX Linear comes with parameterized design software, to calculate skiving cutter geometry directly from gear parameters, provide collision analysis, and grinding simulation.

Challenge No. 2 – Tight tolerance

• GCX Linear achieves DIN AA quality with a suite of breakthrough technologies based on ANCA’s flagship TX platform: MTC (Motor Temperature Control), AEMS (Acoustic Emission Monitoring System), high accuracy headstock, large envelope, LinX® linear motor on all linear axis and iBalance.

Challenge No. 3 – Measurement

• GCX Linear is the only CNC grinding machine with the industry-first in-process measurement using an analogue probe.
• Gear Measurement Machines (GMMs) don’t have the correct mathematical model for skiving cutters. A GMM probe will compare the flank profile to an ideal involute. But in skiving the flank profile resolves in a distorted involute which will have modifications like an angular error or a crowning.
• The GCX IGTM (Integrated Gear Tool Measurement) can evaluate and report the true profile form compared to the grinding path which saves customers substantial initial investment on a GMM

Challenge No. 4 – Dressing diamond wheel into complex shape within tight tolerance

• ANCA’s advanced software derives simplified grinding wheel form and enables direct skiving cutter path compensation.
• AEMS monitors the dressing process of the grinding wheel with an intelligent machine-learning algorithm to minimize cost and improve efficiency.

Challenge No. 5 – Quality control

• A complete closed-loop production: Grind – Measure – Compensate all inside the machine without the need to unclamp the gear cutter.

Challenge No. 6 – Knowledge gap

• ANCA has comprehensive training programs to help the engineer/operator to step into the exclusive gear cutting tool world.
• ANCA offers complete process knowledge and helps customers to adapt the standard process into their environment.

Tolerance and Measurement

Skiving cutters are classified as pinion cutters. Currently, there are no standard specifications for them.  The industry has widely adopted DIN 1829 as the default.  Part 2 of DIN 1829 stipulates the features to evaluate and the tolerance to qualify for each quality class. The most critical aspects of the tool are tooth spacing and the tooth profile.

Tooth spacing

Tooth spacing measures the pitch, fp is the individual pitch error, which is the deviation of a particular tooth to tooth pitch from the nominal value. Cumulative pitch error Fp is the cumulated result of adding the previous tooth errors together. fu is the adjacent error. To qualify as DIN AA class, fp needs to be less than 2.5 microns; cumulative pitch Fp needs to be less than 7 microns. fu needs to be less than 3 microns. On a typical measurement report, tooth spacing measurement is illustrated as a bar chart, with a bar for each tooth.

In process pitch measurement

ANCA implemented the pitch measurement operation on the GCX Linear. The operator can quickly verify the pitch accuracy instead of taking the skiving cutter out of the machine and moving it to the measurement machine. It uses the digital function of the probe to touch the skiving cutter tooth flank close to the pitch diameter. The chart generates instantly as the probing continues; the report is neat and clean, user-friendly and interactive. The measurement result is comparable to a traditional measurement machine. GCX routinely achieves AAA and AAAA class quality on tooth spacing, thanks to the stable machine condition.

Tooth Form

The concept of tooth spacing is relatively straightforward, so is the measurement. The skiving cutter tooth form, however, is more complicated. In the DIN standard, three items regulate the skiving cutter tooth form accuracy.

• ff profile form deviation is the maximum waviness of the skiving cutter tooth profile from the nominal
• The Ff is the cumulative skiving cutter tooth profile deviation
• Fha is the angular skiving cutter tooth profile deviation.

To qualify as DIN AA class, ff must be less than 2 microns across the whole active profile range, cumulative form error must be less than 3 microns, and fhα less than 2.5 microns. On a traditional report, the nominal profile draws as a straight line for each involute flank.

The below inspection chart shows the skiving cutter pitch measurement.

Please note:

• Db= 4,615 / 41,723
• b= 15
• h = 10°

Skiving cutter vs Shaper cutter

To compare a skiving cutter with a shaper cutter, although both are classified as pinion-type gear cutters, the relative movements between the gear and the cutter are different. The principles of the shaper cutter are based on a pair of parallel axes gears. In contrast, the skiving cutters are based on a pair of gears with crossed axes. Subsequently, the profile and geometry of a skiving cutter are more complex than a shaper cutter. Although they are indistinguishable to the eye, the skiving cutter tooth profile is different from that of a shaper cutter.

Due to the novelty of skiving cutters, many industry GMMs (gear measurement machines) have in-built mathematical models for evaluating the cutter profile following a true involute. So, the skiving cutter can only be measured as a shaper cutter, which poses a unique challenge for manufacturing and quality control. The skiving cutter tooth profile doesn’t have a true involute profile due to the previously mentioned relative position to the gear.

Tool design engineers have to calculate an approximate deviation for the skiving cutter geometry and compare the deviation to a theoretical involute curve; operators then interpret the measured result against this approximation.

This roundabout way of measurement is mind-bending and extremely difficult in practice. ANCA developed the in-process measurement (IGTM) with an analogue scanning probe, which enables operators to evaluate directly against the theoretical profile, basically the grinding path. While scanning the tooth profile, the charts are drawn on the report window instantly. The report is much easier to decipher.

In addition, the in-process measurement significantly improves the process control. For example, when the skiving cutter tooth profile shows different patterns between different teeth, this often indicates that the grinding wheel wear during the finishing cycle is too much; the wheel did not hold the form. By measuring the profile between the roughing and finishing operations, the user can monitor the grinding wheel wear and proactively manage the grinding wheel’s dressing and white sticking. It can help determine the dressing frequency and reliably control the infeed, grinding feedrate and other process parameters. It improves the overall quality and controllability.

Closed-Loop Production

To reduce the dressing frequency, ANCA developed direct path compensation on the machine. The design process for skiving cutters requires iterative parametrization of the cutting tool. After carefully choosing the compromises, the software produces a wheel profile and a grinding path. These files are sent to the grinding machine to grind the skiving cutter. If there are errors in the skiving cutter after measurement, the traditional method to compensate was to recalculate the grinding wheel profile and redress it onto the grinding wheel. Which required multiple back and forth between the design station, the grinding machine and the measurement machine; it was time-consuming and made it extremely challenging to establish a stable process.

The GCX Linear approaches compensation differently; instead of changing the grinding wheel profile, the software compensates directly on the grinding path. With the in-process measurement, it localizes the closed-loop all on the GCX Linear. Without taking the skiving cutter or the grinding wheel out of the machine, it can compensate for any error in one clamping of the skiving cutter.

In summary, in-process measurement (IGTM) significantly improves the manufacturing process of skiving cutters: the machine can evaluate the profile against the correct mathematical form, which is a leap forward for the industry. Together with direct compensation, the skiving cutter grinding on GCX Linear is an efficient, practical closed-loop solution.

For further information, please contact:

Johanna Boland
Group PR and Communications Manager, ANCA
M: +61 407799779
Johanna.Boland@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.

ANCA Inc welcomes Brady Roarke as its new applications engineer and technical sales expert expanding its presence in Canada

Wixom, Michigan – ANCA Inc, a leading manufacturer of grinders used for the creation of precision cutting tools and components, is excited to announce the addition of Brady Roarke to the America’s based team. Brady will be located near Toronto, Canada. This strategic move signifies ANCA’s commitment to further strengthening its operations in the Canadian market and enhancing its ability to serve clients across the region.

Brady comes to ANCA with an impressive background in grinding machines, bringing nine years of experience and a proven track record of success as an applications engineer. Five of those years were spent milling, and four were spent grinding. As the newly appointed Applications Engineer & Technical Sales expert, Brady will play a pivotal role in expanding ANCA’s reach in the grinding industry in Canada, both with new opportunities, and expanding relationships with ANCA’s existing client base in the region.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brady to our team,” said Russell Riddiford, President of ANCA Inc. “With his extensive experience and deep insights into the grinding industry, we are confident that Brady will be instrumental in driving ANCA’s growth and success in Canada.”

Brady expressed his enthusiasm for joining ANCA. “I am honored to be part of ANCA’s talented team and to contribute to the company’s ongoing success in the Canadian market. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and clients alike to deliver exceptional grinding solutions.”

The addition of Brady is part of ANCA’s larger strategic plan to expand its footprint and enhance its offerings in Canada. This move underscores ANCA’s commitment to delivering top-tier solutions and services that meet the evolving needs of its Canadian clients.

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 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.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com

• • The first SINAMICS drive to join the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio
  • Integrated Clean Power technology reduces harmonics by up to 97%
  • Digital twin in Startdrive (TIA Portal) enables testing and optimization
    of drive behavior before hardware is available
  • IIoT module for easy integration into Cloud and Edge applications
  • Contributes to a sustainable future along its lifecycle from design to delivery

  
  With SINAMICS G220, Siemens is launching a new high-performance drive to join the SINAMICS drives family and recently introduced it to the North American market. SINAMICS G220 is an innovative multi-purpose adjustable speed drive with built-in Clean Power technology, which reduces harmonics by up to 97% without the need for an AC line reactor or DC choke. SINAMICS G220 is significantly more efficient in terms of space utilization and operation. SINAMICS G220 makes the system engineering and its integration into a production or processing machine much easier.

  SINAMICS G220 is also the first drive to join the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the Siemens-wide business platform for digital transformation. SINAMICS G220 drives are an integral part of the TIA Portal and feature a digital twin in Startdrive, the drives commissioning tool from Siemens. This allows the behavior of the drive to be tested and optimized before the hardware is available.

• SINAMICS G220 has an integrated web-server for commissioning which eliminates the need to install software or an app on a PC or mobile device. This saves time and makes drive setup very intuitive and extremely user-friendly.These new drives are also equipped with an IIoT module. This means that SINAMICS G220 can easily be integrated into Cloud and Edge applications, which increases the transparency of the applications and makes remote monitoring and accessibility of the drive system possible. Machine availability can even be optimized and system uptimes can be further improved.In the area of cybersecurity, SINAMICS G220 comes standard with state-of-the-art security integrated, providing highly secure communication, integrity and authenticity checks to protect against tampered firmware. Additionally, the drives offer User Management and Access Control (UMAC) within TIA Portal.SINAMICS G220 drives come with a range of modular and flexible hardware options as well as software and Safety Integrated functions, which can be easily adapted to user-specific application requirements. For example, the SINAMICS G220 is also available in UL Type 12 (IP55) wall-mount design and a special conformal coating option is also available for the operation of a drive in the harsh environments where the presence of corrosive gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide or Ammonia is unavoidable. Thanks to the superior quality of its components and robust hardware design according to UL 61800-5-1, the drive is built to ensure a long service life.

  When it comes to integrated safety, SINAMICS G220 reaches the next level by meeting hardware based SIL 3 functional safety requirements. Thanks to its built-in media and S2 system redundancy, maximum system availability is guaranteed and the continuity of critical processes are maintained.

  SINAMICS G220 ensures the improved sustainability of processes through robust, safe, secure and efficient design and operation. This new drive contributes to a sustainable future along its entire lifecycle from design to delivery thanks to the carbon neutral production sites and paperless delivery system. This new drive is suitable for all industries, but especially food-and-beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, oil-and-gas, marine, automotive and tire manufacturing.

  The new SINAMICS G220 drives are the first drives in the SINAMICS family to join the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the open digital business platform that enables machine builders and machine users to accelerate their digital transformation.   

ANCA is proud to announce the appointment of Edmund Boland as the new General Manager of ANCA CNC Machines. Edmund is the son of ANCA co-founder Pat Boland and brings an impressive 15-year tenure at ANCA. Pat Boland, ANCA co-founder said, “When Pat McCluskey and I founded ANCA, our primary goal was to design the best technology that solves real customer problems. I am proud that my son has joined this mission and has accepted this important leadership role in the business to continue fostering a culture of innovation.”

ANCA is a privately owned business and proud of its reputation for being first to market with technology that has proven time and again to revolutionize the cutting tool industry. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary next year, Pat McCluskey, ANCA Co-founder comments that “being privately owned brings great benefits as it means that we can focus on investing and developing new innovations while maintaining our long-term view of the market to design products with longevity and customer focus.”

Edmund Boland said: “I am honored and thrilled to be a part of ANCA CNC Machines, such an exciting company in the cutting tool industry. Every day, I am amazed by the skill and prowess of our customers, who continue to push the entire industry forward. ANCA is in my blood, and our commitment to innovation is unparalleled. Throughout our extensive history, we have consistently been the first to market with new technology, investing over 15% of our revenue every year into research and development.

“Technology is truly in our DNA, for example, ANCA’s Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) which is one of our latest products could be considered akin to the impact of a printing press and is set to revolutionize the cutting tool industry. I am excited to lead ANCA into a future of continued innovation, growth, and success, while educating the market about the transformative power of our new nanometer control system and ensuring the success of our internal investments such as in our machine shop or our sub-micron metrology equipment.

“We take pride in hosting the only customer competition in our field, the ANCA Tool of the Year, and I am particularly excited that this year we will have a new category of Female Machinist of the Year. Together, these, and many other initiatives will contribute to the continuous growth and prosperity of our esteemed company.”

Edmund’s journey at ANCA began in February 2008, and throughout his career with the company, he has held key positions in the finance, operations, strategy, regional management and applications teams. This diverse experience has afforded him a deep understanding of ANCA’s operations and a comprehensive perspective on the company’s strategic goals.

Prior to assuming his new role as General Manager, Boland led ANCA’s European Branch with remarkable success during the unparalleled challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. His exceptional leadership and strategic vision enabled ANCA to navigate through this disruptive period while ensuring uninterrupted supply of high-quality CNC machines to customers worldwide.

As General Manager, Boland eagerly looks forward to collaborating with the talented team at ANCA to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the current global environment.

Boland’s exceptional expertise and leadership make ANCA CNC Machines well-positioned to further solidify its position as a global leader in CNC machines. His strategic direction and unwavering commitment to excellence will drive innovation, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster overall company growth.

ANCA CNC Machines extends its warmest congratulations to Edmund Boland on his new role as General Manager, marking 15 years of dedicated service and expertise. The company looks forward to a bright future under his guidance and leadership.

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.
 

For further information, please contact:

Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com

Innovative Broaching Solutions for Both CNC Lathes and Machining Centers

Platinum Tooling, the importer and master distributor of live tools, angle heads, Swiss machine products, knurling and marking tools manufactured by various international suppliers, will now carry REV broaching tools exclusively in North America. This announcement was made by Platinum Tooling president, Preben Hansen, at their headquarters in Prospect Heights, Illinois, near Chicago.

REV S.R.L., located in Northern Italy, is the manufacturer of innovative broaching solutions for CNC lathes and machining centers. The tools are ideal for machining simple keyways or internal and external profiles, both teeth and splines. Common profiles including square and hexagon are easily achieved and custom profiles are available. REV Broaching Tools offer excellent performance with long insert life and high surface quality.

The REV motorized broaching tool is designed for use on live tool lathes. Single machine set-up eliminates the need for secondary operation or outsourcing. REV tools are ideal for high production runs, offer easy installation and fast processing time. These tools are designed for maximum rigidity, offer long tool life and an excellent finish.

REV static broaching tools are for use on CNC lathes with or without Y-axis. They offer a patented eccentric bushing which eliminates alignment errors for machines without a Y-axis. The tools have a sturdy two-piece construction and are ideal for smaller runs. They are designed for use in boring bar holders on lathes and for use in collet chucks or Weldon holders on machining centers. REV tools allow for a wide variety of standard and custom profiles and sizes.

REV broaching tools are a perfect complement to the Heimatec live tools that are sold by the extensive network of Platinum Tooling manufacturers’ representatives and distributors throughout North America.

For further information, please contact:

Preben Hansen, President
PLATINUM TOOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
16 E. Piper Lane
Suite 128
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone:  847-749-0633
Fax:  847-749-2445
Email:  phansen@platinumtooling.com

Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc. in Prospect Heights, IL, near Chicago, serves its growing North American customer base with an extensive inventory of machine tool accessories. Its experienced staff is dedicated to providing the most innovative tooling and technology. Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc. serves the auto, aero, medical, woodworking, composites and other industries, as well as an ever-increasing number of machine tool OEMs, through its network of manufacturers’ representatives. Platinum Tooling is the importer of Heimatec, Henninger, Tecnicrafts, Hommel + Keller QUICK tools and REV broaching tools in North America.  In addition, Platinum Tooling represents Rineck Shrink Fit Tooling in the United States and Mexico.

Save time with continuous production from bar stock to finished tool

By Kaine Mulder, ANCA Product Manager

Recent events have applied extreme pressure to supply chains, with labor and raw material shortages, freight delays and increased energy costs. The need to further adapt has become significantly more important, particularly as these pressures are exacerbated by demand, driven by expectation in our “instantaneous” global culture.

ANCA continually strives to work with its customers to adapt and grow along with these market changes and pressures. One such method assisting customers to adapt is blanket grinding, enabled by ANCA’s unique robot cells offered on each of our platforms.

What is blanket grinding?

ANCA’s blanket grinding approach allows for continuous and complete tool production from longer bar stock to finished product using an automated solution, saving time in eliminating extra processes or handling.

Utilizing ANCA’s machine platforms with a robot cell, blanket grinding offers flexibility across a range of tool sizes and applications. Blanket grinding allows for full automation of tools of similar geometries, by consolidating all tool grinding processes into one single machine. A batch of complete finished tools can be produced without interruption directly from lengths of ground bar stock with no operator intervention. Ultimately this gives you the flexibility to respond to customer demands in a dynamic and agile manner. All you need to do is simply load a pallet of ground bar material into the cell, and the machine will take care of the rest.

Blanket grinding is great for:

• Small batch and bespoke solutions
• Quick turnaround production
• Product development and R&D
• Accuracy and consistency over batch
• Automation and “lights out” operation

Beginning with the full 330mm bar stock material loading into the collet; the blank and tool geometry is ground, including any features (such as rear chamfer, for example), before the finished tool is cut off. The tool is then removed by the robot and loaded into the finished pallet. This program continues along the remaining bar stock until all useful raw material is consumed. To complete the automation process, waste is handled by the cell, before new bar stock is loaded into the collet.

ANCA’s TX machine platform is the solution for blanket grinding

ANCA’s machine platforms with the addition of a robot cell, can be utilized to implement the blanket grinding process. Tool size and application will determine which machine is right for you.

The two main features offered by the TX, beneficial in performing the blanket grinding function are the large working envelope and the high torque spindle. These attributes not only allow work on longer bar lengths, but also enable production of a larger range of tool sizes and geometries without limitation, including tools which require a high material removal.

The TX platform also fits any of ANCA’s robot cell solutions, including RoboMate, and the dedicated TXcell offering, which offers large format cell automation, many standard options and the flexibility for automated custom solution.

The nimble RoboMate cell is offered on both TX and MX platforms and offers customers a low barrier to entry for blanket grinding and production automation.

How blanket grinding can help you

Customers are increasingly demanding products that are more unique and with higher complexity – but more importantly, with immediate response and shorter delivery time; when meeting these expectations, costs take a back seat, while focus is on delivery.

Using ANCA’s robot automation solutions in blanket grinding enables you to realize these demands with minimal disruption to existing production lines, less planning, reduced manual handling and increased utilization and efficiencies. These benefits can compound to deliver an overall value proposition and increased return per tool.

Blanket grinding may also offer a reduction in floor space by removing separate machines and consolidating processes into a single footprint to produce the same tool. The process consolidation allows changes in parts and features to be easily handled. For example, grinding of shank features (Weldon flats or coolant slots) and the handling of very small parts can be made simpler by adding many features in a single setup.

Benefit from blanket grinding

Become more agile

You can provide a quick response to customer requests without the need for re-tooling or disruption to high volume production lines, while also guaranteeing highest quality across the batch.

• Eliminates need for re-tooling
• Reduced setup times
• Quick response without disruption, allowing further utilization of more specialized machinery
• Improved quality
• Ability to easily add special shank features in single setup, e.g. coolant slots, Weldon flats, and more

Reduce costs

Applying blanket grinding will go a long way to improving cost recovery, through increased utilization and efficiencies as well as removal of manual labor and setup times. There is also a benefit in reduced footprint through process consolidation into a single machine.

Blanket grinding can reduce costs through:

• Machine utilization
• Reduced stock waiting in process
• Minimal manual handling
• Reduced tooling and setup; single machine setup, not multiple stations
• No process interruption

Reduce lead times

• Eliminate setup times
• Eliminate tooling across multiple machines
• Variations of the similar profile/geometry can be produced uninterrupted
• Enables automation and “lights out” production

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.