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Contact us today:
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Pat McCluskey’s machine design and build experience at ANCA has fuelled manufacturing exports for Australia for half a century
For a half-century, ANCA has made the machines that make the tools that make the world go around.
One half of its founding pair, Pat McCluskey, has designed many grinding machine tools in that time.
He says that two things have remained focal when designing a machine: the customer and their expectations, and the manufactured cost.
It is never the result of a whim. It always follows information fed back through a two-way communication process on customer challenges, and meticulous market research, which is then presented to Pat’s team. Then the design gets underway.
If it sounds straightforward, it never is.
“To design a completely new machine that nobody has seen before is a complex task,” explains McCluskey.
ANCA tool and cutter grinding machines are underpinned by world-leading engineering and skills so specialized they often have to be fostered in-house. Their approach to innovation includes machines, controls, software and related accessories such as robots, and their vertical alignment has kept them ahead in a challenging field where there are few serious rivals.
A selection of world firsts over 50 years includes a probe for digitizing tools, first modem for support and diagnostics in a machine, and the first full and true 3D simulation of the grinding process.
Progress from top to bottom
“For some reason we seem to be the only grinding machine manufacturer for tool grinding that uses a polymer concrete base on their machine,” says McCluskey of one thing done differently.
First introduced in the TG7 machine, released in 1990, polymer concrete provides a very stable base for machines, damping out any vibrations. The ability to absorb heat minimizes any expansion and contraction which might sacrifice grinding accuracy.
McCluskey looked into what’s now called ANCAcrete in the 1980s as an alternative to cast iron, and a way to avoid dependency on foundry providers.
Self-reliance is crucial to the company’s dominance of its market, according to McCluskey.
Perhaps most important is development of its CNC and servo systems, as well as software, in-house. Competitors are dependent on pre-packaged CNC controls, and ANCA is the only tool grinding machine builder that makes its own control.
“So the Germans and the Swiss tend to buy the Japanese or the German CNC and try their best to adapt it to their machine,” explains McCluskey.
“And it’s a clumsy fit and they don’t do the in-depth development in the software that we do because they can’t get access to the software… it’s all locked off to them.”
Notable recent innovations are credited to Dr. Kotler Tee, Technical Leader – Servo Control at ANCA.
One innovation has enabled servo system resolution of a single nanometre and is being rolled out to new machines in the ULTRA platform
“He rewrote the servo algorithms in the servo drives in the CNC to increase the resolution,” says McCluskey.
“To explain this achievement in layman’s terms, take a 300 millimeter ruler and look at a pair of the smallest lines; the distance is 1 millimeter.
“Now divide that distance by 1,000, now you have a distance of 1 micron. In your mind, now divide that micron by 1,000, the result is now equal to 1 nanometre.”
“Designing the ULTRA platform has been a design process from the ground up bringing sophisticated elements to the art of grinding.”
Others include breakthrough features available on the newly released MicroX ULTRA, a six-axis tool grinder that premiered at EMO in 2023.
Through the years
The first four years of ANCA involved retrofitting CNC controls to other people’s equipment, such as special purpose machinery, lathes and mills.
What McCluskey estimates was the most significant non-technical development came in 1978.
Their major OEM at the time, Laser Lab, set up in Detroit, with ANCA sending young engineer John Roberts to work at the facility.
Roberts took it upon himself to book a booth at a trade show and display an ANCA CNC. According to Roberts, there was a crowd at the booth and significant interest, and the suggestion that ANCA make a CNC tool grinder to improve on the less-than-spectacular machines available at the time.
“The die was cast,” McCluskey says.
A further important non-technical development was the Australian recession in 1982.
“We didn’t want to continue to sell in Australia because of the ups and downs of the markets; we wanted to cover ourselves,” he adds.
“And the American market seemed to be the market for us, and we only needed a small percentage of that market and that was enough – more than what we could handle. And we got it.”
“So if we hadn’t made that decision, we’d have gone bust.”
50 years later, 98% of revenues are from exports, with customers in over 45 countries.
ANCA employs over 1,200 worldwide, with offices in the UK, Germany, China, Thailand, India, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Türkiye, and the USA.
While some production occurs in Thailand and Taiwan, the heart of the company, its headquarters and innovation and manufacturing base – remains in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater North.
Nearly a tenth of revenues are spent on R&D.
“ANCA is my life and I’m proud to be celebrating its 50th anniversary and that we have been able to build the company to the size that it is and with world recognition,” adds McCluskey.
The opportunity for engineers to work hard on complicated, world-leading, meaningful problems goes back to the company’s roots.
“I think it’s because Pat (Boland – ANCA co-founder) and I had to work so bloody hard in the beginning when we almost went broke and we’ve continued to do nothing but work hard like that ever since,” he says.
“And the people who work with us get a hell of a buzz out of working hard too.”
Staying sharp and skilled up
There is something of an “open university” nature to ANCA, believes McCluskey.
It attracts a lot of bright young people who are motivated by technical challenges more than money, and in seeing their work embodied in a physical product (which they can’t always do at a university.)
“At university they can study theory as long as they want, but at the end of that theory, they move on to something else,” suggests McCluskey.
“Whereas here at the end of their theory, they’ve got a new machine sitting on the floor and they’ve written the software for it, or they’ve written the code for the display unit.”
Attracting clever engineering graduates has not been a problem, he adds,
“It doesn’t take long for a group of students at a technical university to learn about ANCA. We don’t have to tell them, they learn by talking amongst themselves and it’s a great place for them to work,” McCluskey says.
“They get great pay, they get well looked after, and above all, they get respected by their peers, they get respected by the company owners. They don’t get that working for a big corporate.”
As the only organization in Australia that manufactures machine tools, and with a demand for very high-level assembly workers, the only real option for finding suitably skilled tradespeople is to train them in-house.
Another feature of ANCA is upward mobility for those who have apprenticed, with many going on to senior roles. When they move up or out, they must be replaced.
“So you train these guys to work in the high-precision assembly shop, but a few years later you find that they’re overseas somewhere, then they’ve got to be replaced. So there’s a continuous need for them,” McCluskey explains.
“We can’t send them to the technical colleges because they don’t have a program to train machine tool fitting. And you can go and look at other companies, but there isn’t any other company like ANCA.”
ANCA has been taking on apprentices and formalized its program in 2011. McCluskey wrote the original course material.
“I was reasonably happy when I found out that we’d have to create our own apprentice training school,” he recalls.
“Because it was something in the back of my mind that I had always wanted to do anyway.”
McCluskey began his career with an apprenticeship at the Commonwealth Department of Supply, where he met ANCA co-founder Pat Boland (then a cadet engineer at University of Melbourne) in 1968.
He is happy with the results of the company’s program and its ability to both create niche skillsets at ANCA as well as interesting futures for young employees.
“People say that the young kids of today are pretty useless. Well, I’d say they’re not. I’d say if you’re given the right kind of training, the right kind of opportunity, you’ll get the best out of them,” McCluskey says.
“One guy this year finished his time, got his indentures released at the last presentation night, and two nights later he was on a plane to America. He’s going to work in the American office in Detroit. What an opportunity for a kid!”
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Sepideh Zandieh
Acting Group Communications Manager
sepideh.zandieh@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, Türkiye and Italy 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.
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, recently attended the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) convention, November 10-12, in Nashville, Tennessee. Bringing together industrial supply chain and construction leaders, the yearly convention connects members who participate in educational programs and seminars. The trade show attracts leading manufacturing, distribution and representative agencies within the industry.
The company exhibited a variety of inserts for metal, wood and plastic, as well as all of the accompanying kits for these inserts. Given that STAFDA is a member-only show and the only one that some E-Z LOK customers attend, the products are very niche and not often used.
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, was pleased with the show. “Overall, the show was good, although booth traffic was down compared to last year. However, we did have some good conversations, and several high-quality connections were made.”
Regarding his expectations for next year, Lindsly-Roach said, “We hope the next show continues to bring opportunities for us to connect with current and potential distributors for our products.”
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in and ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for softwood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z LOK is a third- generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells through local, regional, and national industrial distributors.
ANCA‘s advanced grinding solutions offer seamless finished tool grinding in a single setup, including blank preparation. This setup features the P-axis Arobotech, which supports blanks at the grind point, enabling the efficient production of various tools with a surface finish below 0.2 Ra. This process significantly reduces cycle time while boosting productivity. The 3000 RPM headstock on the MX7 platform further enhances performance, allowing the tool to spin at optimal speeds for this application.
The MX7 platform, equipped with six wheel packs as recommended by ANCA’s application team, supports the grinding of various tool shapes in a single setup, eliminating the need for wheel changes. Depending on the tool’s shape and geometry, grinding can be performed at either the 3 or 12 o’clock position. Additionally, a specially designed hydraulic pump controls the clamping pressure based on diameter, including up/down pressure, to achieve faster cycle times.
Key benefits include:
This application is versatile, working not only with sized blanks but also with bar stock loading.
Bar stock loading, commonly known as “blanket grinding,” involves the automatic loading and grinding of multiple tools from a single blank. This process is ideal for batch production of endmills, drill heads, and similar tools. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to part off completed tools from the blank and then extend the blank from the collet to grind subsequent tools.
ANCA’s LoaderMate software is designed to manage the number, location, and length of blanks in the pickup pallet, allowing for varying blank diameters per row. It also features a used bar report, detailing the number of tools ground and the total length of bar to be scrapped for each blank.
For more information, visit www.anca.com or contact your local ANCA representative.
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.
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, just announced it will begin to build out a portfolio of both pull-out and torque out test data for the inserts it offers. The announcement was made by Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing at the company’s Gardena, California headquarters.
The company’s initial plan was to use a third-party lab to test the performance of E-Z LOK inserts in various materials. However, E-Z LOK ultimately decided it would be more cost effective and beneficial if they brought the testing equipment in-house because it allows them to complete testing at their own pace, as well as perform testing on future products. This decision was made in the first quarter of 2024 as a way for the company to build a more complete library of test data for their users. Carver Engineering/Labs in El Cajon, California is building the machines, which are up and running at E-Z LOK as of early October 2024.
Insert pull-out strength is tested by installation in various test blocks of materials (plastic, wood or metal) and threading a bolt into the insert. Then, the bolt is pulled upwards until the insert is pulled out of the material. The insert testing machine records the value. The torque out machine measures the torque the insert can withstand before spinning out of the material, breaking the fastener or stripping the threads of the insert.
Available on the E-Z LOK website, the data will be housed under the “Resources” section with links for specific product groups. Additionally, the company will create PDFs of the testing data on a product group basis.
Commenting on its significance, Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing said, “It is a great resource that helps engineers and customers who are designing bolted joints, and want to know the approximate pull-out and torque values they could expect to see in their applications.”
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in and ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for softwood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z LOK is a third- generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells through local, regional, and national industrial distributors.
Guill Extrusion Division Enters Pultrusion Market with Advanced, Custom-Engineered Tooling Solutions
Guill, a global manufacturer and designer of extrusion dies, proudly announces the expansion of its product portfolio to include custom-engineered pultrusion dies. This strategic move marks a significant advancement in providing comprehensive, high-quality tooling solutions for industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, energy, marine, sporting goods and telecommunications.
As the demand for pultruded composites grows due to their strength, durability and lightweight properties, Guill is well-positioned to meet this need. Leveraging its expertise in extrusion tooling, Guill is now applying its precision engineering capabilities to develop innovative pultrusion dies tailored to the specific requirements of each target industry.
“We are excited to enter the pultrusion market with our advanced tooling solutions,” said Peter Leary, Technical Sales Engineer at Guill. “Our extensive knowledge of extrusion processes and commitment to custom engineering enable us to design dies that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations in terms of performance, efficiency and quality.”
The Guill Tool Extrusion Division has a long history of designing and manufacturing tooling for various applications, including medical tubing, wire and cable coating, hose production and multi-layer extrusions. Its capabilities include creating multi-layer crossheads, in-line, reciprocating, rotary dies and a variety of other custom solutions supporting materials such as plastics, rubber and silicone.
New Pultrusion Tooling for Advanced Composite Applications
Guill’s new line of pultrusion dies is engineered for industries utilizing fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), such as:
* Fiberglass Reinforced Polymers (FRP)
* Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP)
* Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymers (e.g., Kevlar)
These dies are compatible with a range of polymer matrices, ensuring versatility and high performance across different applications.
Tom Baldock, Guill sales manager, is looking forward to introducing a whole new set of customers to the company’s dies. He notes, “Pultrusion is a cost-effective process for producing parts with a constant cross section in high volumes, requiring relatively little labor. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) pultruded composites are durable, corrosion-resistant and eco-friendly.”
For more information, please contact:
Tom Baldock, Sales Manager, Extrusion
Guill Tool & Engineering
10 Pike Street
West Warwick, RI 02893
USA
Phone: +1 401-828-7600
tbaldock@guill.com
About Guill
Guill is a global manufacturer specializing in custom extrusion tooling and industrial equipment. With a focus on precision engineering and computational fluid dynamics, Guill provides tailored solutions that address industry-specific challenges. The company’s mission is to deliver innovative, high-quality equipment that supports efficient, reliable production processes for customers worldwide. Based in West Warwick, Rhode Island, the company also operates Guill Tool Europe to serve its ever-expanding customer base there.
ANCA’s innovative job management and production control software improves quality and reduces cost for tool manufacturers
ANCA CNC Machines, a world leader in CNC grinding technology, announces the launch of AIMS Connect, a job management and production control software designed to benefit tool manufacturing by optimizing processes, enhancing quality, and reducing costs.
In a highly competitive industry where efficiency is key, AIMS Connect addresses the growing demand for smarter, more streamlined operations. As a smart solution to integrated manufacturing, AIMS Connect has the potential to boost productivity by 20% or more, setting a new standard for excellence in the sector.
“AIMS Connect offers a flexible and customizable solution for tool manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs,” said Steffen Kluth, ANCA Product Manager.
“Our goal is to make digital manufacturing accessible to everyone, and with AIMS Connect, we are helping our customers embark on a journey toward a fully integrated smart factory, step by step.”
Key features and benefits of AIMS Connect:
AIMS Connect is an accessible entry point into digital manufacturing, emphasizing the logical connection of machines and systems. It delivers transparent and verifiable processes, featuring a worker guidance system that informs employees about production stages and task schedules. This system frees skilled workers from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on areas where their expertise is most valuable. Each tool is meticulously described in a job order process, ensuring consistent quality through defined compensation strategies and logical frameworks.
Building on the foundation laid by AIMS Connect, ANCA’s AIMS Automate transforms tool manufacturing into a fully integrated smart factory. AIMS Automate autonomously adapts to production changes, ensuring smooth operations even during disruptions. With the mobile robot, AutoFetch, it effortlessly manages tool pallet transfers, from raw materials to finished products, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime.
To learn more about AIMS Connect, visit www.anca.com/AIMS-Connect
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
ANCA CNC Machines is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of advanced CNC grinding machines. With an illustrious history spanning over 50 years, ANCA is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions, and exceptional customer support. ANCA’s comprehensive range of products includes tool grinders, CNC grinding machines, software, and automation solutions, catering to diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing.
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood has a wide range of installation tools available regardless of the type of threaded insert being used. These include drive tools for E-Z LOK™ (Solid Wall) inserts, Knife Thread, Coil and Hex Drive.
E-Z LOK™ tools install Solid Wall inserts for metal without engaging the insert internal threads. This speeds up the installation process and eliminates the possibility of cross-threading or stripping. Furthermore, drive tools fit standard power drills and drill presses for an easy and efficient installation process. They are versatile and adaptable to various metalworking applications ranging from industrial projects to automotive repairs. Drive tools are designed for threaded insert installation in metal as well as woodworking.
Installation tools for E-Z™ Knife threaded inserts are engineered to improved accuracy, reduce effort, prevent insert damage, enhance strength of connections and increase project efficiency. It ensures that threaded inserts are installed correctly and securely. Optionally, power drive wood insert tools provide efficiency and consistency, making them ideal for high-volume projects.
The E-Z Coil™ tools can quickly fortify, or repair tapped holes in soft metal materials. Each mandrel-style insert tool and manual tang break tool offer a low-cost solution for efficiently installing the company’s premium inserts. Installation tools are available for every insert size E-Z LOK offers.
Hex drive installation tools are high-grade and ideal for softwood installation applications. These tools provide the needed control to achieve precise and snug threaded insert installations each time. Versatility is at the core of the tool collection. Threaded insert tools are constructed using top-quality materials, ensuring they are durable, dependable and ready to tackle numerous installations without faltering.
FREE SAMPLE ON REQUEST
CAD files on this product can be downloaded in over 100 file formats from the E-Z LOK website at https://www.ezlok.com/cad-downloads
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for soft wood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z LOK is a third- generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells through local, regional, and national industrial distributors.
SMG Group announces the acquisition of Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, the world leader in matchplate molding machines, mold handling equipment and sand casting technology for the global foundry market. The acquisition was finalized on July 24, 2024 at Hunter headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois (Chicago).
Manny Gandhi, CEO of SMG Group, expressed his thoughts about this strategic move for his firm, “Bringing Hunter into the SMG portfolio is a significant milestone and an exciting new venture for us. We are committed to maintaining the Hunter family legacy, while infusing essential capital for global growth and enhancing the existing Hunter management team with top-tier talent. Our goal is to provide ongoing world-class service to Hunter customers, supporting their growth and contributing to their success with the engineering expertise, quality equipment and foundry production talents that have made Hunter a leader in the industry for decades.”
Bill Hunter, the former Chairman of Hunter, notes, “This transition for Hunter will result in increased capabilities for the company, while maintaining our core strengths. Manny and his team will bring considerable value to the overall Hunter operation and we look forward to ongoing success from this decision. My son Doug will carry on the legacy traditions started by my dad, Al Hunter, who founded the company in 1964, with Doug bringing his 25 years of experience to the new team. Our current president, Peter Li, who headed up our Shanghai operation and has been a key component in this transition, will likewise remain in the Hunter family. We have been blessed with longtime employees who know the industry and our company’s ability to serve it. That gave me a very positive outlook in making this decision.”
The new SMG Group management team along with the existing Hunter management team are 100% committed to providing value including delivery timelines which meet our client’s individual and business goals.
Hunter is a global force in the foundry business, with an installed base in nearly every industrialized country in the world. In addition to its machinery manufacturing location in Chicago, Hunter has a worldwide network of sales agents, application engineers and support service personnel.
The company was founded in 1964 by Al Hunter, who pioneered the automated matchplate molding machine concept and held dozens of patents in the industry. His son Bill, the former Chairman, who will remain in a consulting role during this transition, likewise developed numerous innovations in sand molding machine and mold handling equipment technology for the global foundry market. Bill’s son Doug and his two siblings will retain a minority equity interest at Hunter, going forward. Doug is well-known in the foundry business, having spent the last decade in manufacturing, sales and customer service.
For further information on this announcement, interested parties may contact:
HUNTER FOUNDRY MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196-1094
USA
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Phone: 847-397-5110
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Guill Tool, the global leader in extrusion tooling, now offers a wide variety of extrusion equipment specifically for food processing.
Extrusion is increasingly becoming one of the primary methods of producing a variety of traditional and innovative food products, and the company’s extrusion tooling is designed to accommodate producing all of them. This includes breakfast cereals, sausages, snacks, pasta, baby food, confectionaries and pet food. Guill’s balanced flow designs control dimensional tolerances in order to increase product quality while reducing waste.
Custom made extrusion tooling and dies make it easy to efficiently and consistently manufacture a variety of food products. More precise tooling allows for considerably reduced wasted extrudate. Furthermore, Guill’s extrusion tooling enables precise temperature control, allowing food to be manufactured under both high and low temperatures.
The company has extensive experience in food, pharmaceutical and medical applications involving stainless steel. As a result, Guill is highly skilled in the machining, welding and assembly of stainless steel dies, the standard in the food industry. Furthermore, they comply with the all the necessary standards to produce equipment for this market.
For more information, please contact:
Tom Baldock, Sales Manager, Extrusion
Guill Tool & Engineering
10 Pike Street
West Warwick, RI 02893
USA
Phone: 401-465-5526
tbaldock@guill.com
Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA takes first place in the ANCA Female Machinist of the Year award
The 2024 ANCA Tool of the Year Awards, now in its seventh year, celebrated excellence in the cutting tool industry at an awards ceremony during IMTS in Chicago. This year’s event, coinciding with ANCA’s 50th anniversary, highlighted the continued creative design and manufacturing prowess that continues to wow judges in ANCA’s prestigious awards.
Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH earned the top honor in the “Made on ANCA” category with their groundbreaking tool. Their innovative design makes exceptional use of iGrind operations and advanced profile software features, such as layers, pivot editor, and 3D hook compensation. This results in outstanding accuracy, with the tool closely aligning with its intended specifications and delivering exceptional profile precision. The contest has highlighted the ability for a smaller company to gain recognition on a global stage and experience a dream come true moment.
In the Virtual Tool Category, XGE impressed the judges with a creative and technically sophisticated entry inspired by the renowned attractions of the Garden Expo Park in Xiamen, China, including the Moonlight Ring and Xinglin Pavilion. Their design integrates iGrind software with profile and end-face operations, and is brought to life by importing 3D models into CIM3D software.
This year also saw Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA honored with the Female Machinist of the Year award. Launched in 2023 to promote diversity and provide role models for women in the cutting tool industry, this award reflects ANCA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Stephanie was recognized for her exceptional problem-solving, leadership in expanding and training her team, and her ability to deliver outstanding results under pressure.
Pat Boland, ANCA Co-Founder, remarked, “For 50 years, ANCA’s software has set industry standards, enabling Tool of the Year entrants to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our technology not only meets the highest precision demands but also showcases the creativity and capability of our customers, highlighting truly innovative designs.”
Torsten Mende, Managing Director at Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH said, “This tool is used by one of our customers to create a profile in a gripper for molded parts. Previously, this contour was produced using a 3D milling process. The customer’s tolerance specification is +- 0.01mm. The program was created in ToolRoom RN32/33 and ground using RN34.1 on an FX7.”
“As a smaller company, it is a great honor to participate in this competition. We have been grinding tools on ANCA machines since 1999. The sophisticated software enables us to grind complex geometries and to monitor them during the process, giving our customers a competitive advantage. For this reason, we extend our heartfelt thanks to ANCA for the excellent symbiosis of software and machines.”
Chen Jianming, R&D Engineer at XGE expressed his gratitude for winning the Most Innovative Award, saying, “This award is a high recognition of our team’s innovative capabilities. Our design was inspired by the ‘Moonlight Ring’ and ‘Xinglin Pavilion’ of Xiamen Yuanboyuan, symbolizing the harmony of nature and humanity. The egret in the design, replaced by our company logo, represents both a tribute to our brand and a leap in tool innovation.”
“Competing with industry elites worldwide has been an honor. This recognition reflects XGE’s innovative strength in the global tool industry, and we will continue to deepen R&D efforts, driving progress alongside our global peers for a brighter future.”
ANCA Female Machinist Award winner Stephanie Chrystal said: “It is a privilege to be a part of Sandvik Coromant who is paving the way for women to be recognized for their contributions to the industry. I am honored to have been chosen out of all of the extraordinary women in this field as the Female Machinist of the year for ANCA. I hope to be an encouragement to women looking for guidance on their journey for meaningful careers. I am excited to see ANCA continue to honor women in this industry and inspire other companies with this award.”
The ANCA Tool of the Year Awards 2024 celebrate the passion, creativity, and expertise driving the cutting tool industry forward. ANCA remains dedicated to supporting innovation, excellence, and diversity, ensuring a bright future for precision tool manufacturing.
Made on ANCA
Winner: Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH
Their tool demonstrates the innovative use of iGrind operations, advanced profile software features, and achieves exceptional accuracy.
Second Place: ARCH Cutting Tools
Their “Master Mill Combo Tool” continues to lead in multifunction cutting tools with exceptional accuracy, utilizing iGrind software’s advanced profile operation features.
Third Place: Precision Tool Company
A versatile tool combining a drill, reamer, and chamfer, optimized using iGrind software for performance and functionality.
Virtual Tool Category
Winner: XGE
Their simulation, inspired by the Garden Expo Park attractions, creatively uses iGrind software and 3D modelling for a striking design.
Second Place: Zakłady Mechaniczne Kazimieruk
Their simulation of the Olympic flame represents the enduring spirit of the Olympic movement, created with extensive iGrind software use.
Third Place: SST Cutting Tools
Their “LINGAM” simulation symbolizes the Hindu God Shiva, showcasing creative use of iGrind software for profile, cross-section profile, and ripper form relief operations.
ANCA Female Machinist of the Year – 2024
Stephanie Chrystal – Sandvik Coromant, USA
ANCA Female Machinist of the Year Finalists
Roksana Grodowska – CNC Progresja Sp. z o.o., Poland
Jessica Sennott – Gorilla Mill, USA
For further information, please contact:
Amanda Bakun
Marketing & Communications Manager – Americas
248-497-1168
amanda.bakun@anca.com
ANCA is a market leading manufacturer of CNC grinding machines. It was founded in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia where the company still has its global headquarters. ANCA has offices in the UK, Germany, China, Thailand, India, Japan, Brazil, Korea and the USA as well as a comprehensive network of representatives and agents worldwide.
ANCA CNC grinders are used for manufacturing precision cutting tools and components across a diverse range of competitive industries including cutting tool manufacture, automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical.