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Series 1000

Blow Molding Dies by Guill

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

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

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


For more information, please contact:

Tom Baldock, Sales Manager, Extrusion
Guill Tool & Engineering
10 Pike Street
West Warwick, RI 02893
USA
Phone: 401-465-5526
tbaldock@guill.com

Blow Mold
Blow Mold
Series 1000
Series 1000
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ANCA’s EPX-SF processes up to 1,900 tools in 24 hours while achieving nano-smooth surfaces

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

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

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

Key highlights of the EPX-SF:

  • Unmatched automation: Process up to 1,900 tools in 24 hours with lights-out operation at the push of a button.
  • Resource optimization: Standardization minimizes setup and learning curves, making the process accessible to all operators.
  • Machine learning capabilities: Tailored recipes enhance tool IP value, providing a significant selling point for edge preparation.
  • Traceability: Every product meets quality expectations with results saved, tracked, and retrievable directly from the machine.
  • Predictable precision: Achieve nano-smooth surfaces (roughness < 100 nm) and micron-honed edges with a controllable K-factor.

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

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


About ANCA CNC Machines

ANCA CNC Machines is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of advanced CNC grinding machines. With an illustrious history spanning over 50 years, ANCA is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions, and exceptional customer support. ANCA’s comprehensive range of products includes tool grinders, CNC grinding machines, software, and automation solutions, catering to diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing.

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

Zimmerman adds to its portal milling line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

About the company

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


For more information, please contact:

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

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From left to right: Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ben Belzer, President/CEO of TCI Precision Metals/E-Z LOK and Steve Schaeper, Division Manager.

E-Z LOK Receives ISO Certification

E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, just announced it has received ISO 9001 certification. The announcement was made by Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing at the company’s Gardena, California headquarters.

With a quality management system that confirms to ISO 9001 standards in place, the company can now meet customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to their products.

The company started the certification process in January of this year because they saw the need for ISO certification to better support current and future customers. To do so, E-Z LOK partnered with a consulting company to design and build out their quality management system (QMS).  Then, they implemented the QMS within their company. Lastly, the QMS was audited by an external company, thus verifying that the QMS was in place and effective.

Commenting on the benefits of the certification, Lindsly-Roach said, “This gives us the potential to work with OEMs and distributors who need a robust quality system in place for their vendors. It opens up additional business opportunities for us with those customers who require an ISO certification for their suppliers.”

From left to right: Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ben Belzer, President/CEO of TCI Precision Metals/E-Z LOK and Steve Schaeper, Division Manager.
From left to right: Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ben Belzer, President/CEO of TCI Precision Metals/E-Z LOK and Steve Schaeper, Division Manager.

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 x 221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com 

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E-Z LOK Threaded Inserts and Kits for Softwood

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

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

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

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

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

FREE SAMPLE ON REQUEST

CAD files on this product can be downloaded in over 100 file formats from the E-Z LOK website at https://www.ezlok.com/cad-downloads

 


For more information, please contact:

Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com

E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-

in ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for soft wood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.

E-Z LOK is a third-generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells through local, regional, and national industrial distributors.

 

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Guill Offers Extrusion Equipment for Food Processing

824 Crosshead

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. From pastas, hot dogs, and snack foods to chewing gum, licorice, 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.

Typical end products include pelletizing heads, profile dies, large diameter rotary heads, flexible, simple and standard crossheads, Spiderless, and the Bullet™. The 100 Series offers single or multi-strand extrusion tooling with or without multi-layer capabilities. Optional custom design is also available. The 200 Series ensures improved tolerance and accuracy at increased production speeds, with greater product consistency and reduced waste. The 2000 Series large diameter inline heads feature a low volume flow, heated core pin, and can be expanded to output multi-layer products.

Intended to increase tube wall strength, the 300 Series heads achieve concentric heads at all speeds. Additional features include low inventory/quick color change and elimination of secondary stage processing. The company’s 600 Series crosshead offers flexibility in design and extruder orientation with split balanced flow, while the 700 Series is fully adjustable and accepts existing tooling.

Guill’s 800 Series simple crosshead can be configured to be fixed center or adjustable, featuring built-in cartridge heaters and a low volume split feed balanced flow. The 900 Series Spiderless in-line head offers simplicity and fewer parts with a low volume split balanced flow. Lastly, the Bullet™ is suitable for high and low-volume applications and is accommodated with the simple, easy changing of just one component.

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
Email: tbaldock@guill.com

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ANCA launches revolutionary ToolRoom RN35 software to elevate productivity and performance

ANCA’s RN35 release delivers advanced features to help manufacturers reduce cycle time by 20%

ANCA, a global leading manufacturer of CNC tool and cutter grinders, proudly introduces RN35, the latest version of its cutting-edge ToolRoom software. This significant launch coincides with the celebration of ANCA’s 50th anniversary, marking a half-century contribution to industrial progress through precision cutting tools.

The RN35 release presents a range of advanced features designed to boost productivity and ensure consistent tool quality, resulting in superior surface finishes. By enabling faster cycle times and enhancing tool performance, manufacturers can drive up their profits effectively.

ANCA’s ToolRoom RN35 software offers:

  • Cycle time reduction of up to 20% with advanced features and functions, optimizing feedrate, improving superior surface finish, and extending wheel life.
  • New developments including the integration of material removal rate calculations, allowing manufacturers to automatically set parameters for constant removal rates, plus air-time reduction.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC) software for statistical analysis and evaluation of manufactured part characteristics streamlines manufacturing processes.
  • Profile fluting further enhancing the popular flute from solid feature of the proprietary ANCA software.

Thomson Mathew, Software Product Manager at ANCA says: “It is no secret that flexibility, user-friendliness and application diversity have always been key strengths of ANCA software. With our RN34 release, we launched high performance cutting tools of different tool types. Continuing from this, our RN35 release focuses on elevating the user experience, enhancing performance, boosting productivity, and minimizing cycle times – all without compromising quality.”

“ANCA is the only tool and cutter grinder manufacturer in the world that designs and produces the complete machine in-house, including building the CNC, precision motors and spindles, and polymer concrete bases. Our dedicated Software Engineering team is focused on developing software with innovative enhancements, with the goal of making tool production easier, faster and more efficient for our customers. This level of vertical integration means we can consider the entire machine as a single system when developing new solutions,” Thomson concludes.

Established in 1974, ANCA has consistently delivered industry-first solutions that have reshaped cutting tool manufacturing. The introduction of the System 32 CNC software in 1991 marked a groundbreaking moment as ANCA applied advanced robotic software to the machine world, introducing novel concepts in tool grinding, including the innovative soft axis or soft machine kinematics, which simplified the grinding process for cutting tools. In 1998, ANCA was the first to introduce true 3D simulation technology for CNC tool and cutter grinding with the launch of CIM3D software.

Key Highlights of RN35:

Feedrate optimization: RN35 includes feedrate optimization, ensuring improved cycle time and increased productivity. The software facilitates stable tool quality with a superior surface finish, offering enhanced performance for CNC tool manufacturing.

Improved cycle time and wheel life: With RN35, manufacturers can experience improved cycle time and extended wheel life. The software provides uniform wheel wear on the surface of the grinding wheel, contributing to cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.

SPC (Statistical Process Control): ANCA’s revamped SPC software empowers users with comprehensive control of the production process during high-volume manufacturing. Key features include:

  • Monitoring variations due to wheel wear and other process-controlled activities.
  • Graphical display of process capability data, facilitating future quality control (QC) purposes.
  • Trend chart analysis of wheel wear data during batch grinding, enabling auto compensation after data analysis.
  • Access to historic data and the ability to merge data as needed.
  • New reporting features in PDF and Excel formats for measurement and study reports.

Profile fluting: RN35 introduces profile fluting, providing the ability to control and maintain hook/rake angle along the trajectory of the cutting edge on a given profile. This enhancement increases cutting performance and extends the life of the tool due to uniform hook/rake angle along the edge.

I3dg improvements: ANCA has enhanced i3dg features, allowing for faster comparison of tools on the machine during small changes. The software also enables the measurement of features after changes, providing a seamless validation process.

Profile software improvements: RN35 introduces a new and easy way to define and modify profiles, saving time in the design stage. This improvement makes it easy for new starters to adapt to the software.

LaserUltra enhancements: LaserUltra enhancements allow for the measurement and compensation of more complex tools with line and arcs inside the machine. This feature saves customers cycle time and reduces the scrap rate, ensuring better tool quality independent of operator skills.

Double corner radius enhancements: RN35 brings advancements in manufacturing complex geometry tools for various industries, enhancing the versatility of CNC tool production.

VRML import: The ability to import VRML models in RN35 gives users a strategic advantage by facilitating the easy import and matching of competitor tools.


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.

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Siemens loses longtime CNC asset Randy Pearson

The Siemens Machine Tool Business sadly announces the death of Randy Pearson, 70, on May 21, 2024 in Reno, Nevada, following a long battle with lung cancer. Randy had recently retired after more than 20 years with Siemens, where he served as dealer support manager … and much more.

Randy Pearson, 1954-2024

Randy Pearson, 1954-2024

As Motion Control group VP Rajas Sukthankar notes, “When I think of Randy, I think of my good fortune in life to work with an individual that cared as passionately and deeply about his work as I do. I first met Randy when he was hired as an application engineer at Hyundai Machine Tools in 1995. Our association went back over two decades. I had the chance to work with him as both a customer and a valued Siemens employee. As a skilled machinist himself, Randy trained and educated a generation of new machinists in his career. I treasure the time I spent working with Randy and will miss his infectious laugh and energy.”

Randy’s associate in machine tool training at Siemens, Chris Pollack, recalls, “I was always amazed how he remembered everyone’s name. Walking around a trade show with Randy was like being with the mayor of the town. Everyone knew him and, more importantly, he knew everyone. He was always there to help others and he surely helped me a lot in my career.”

Marion Kica, executive assistant at the Siemens Machine Tool headquarters in Elk Grove Village, IL adds, “He always brightened my day with his humor and good cheer, plus he was there to handle all the engineering questions callers would have. He was a kind, supportive friend who took his responsibilities very seriously but could still find humor in life’s ups and downs.”

John Meyer, head of marketing communications for the motion control group, was a close associate of Randy’s throughout all his years at Siemens. He notes, “As a marketer, when I came to Siemens, I had a challenge to learn about machine tools and manufacturing technologies such as CNC. I wasn’t an engineer, so Randy took me under his wing to teach me what I needed to know to be successful in my career. It became a technical education over 20+ years and I’m very thankful for the knowledge Randy instilled in me.”

During his long career in the machine tool industry, Randy served as an applications engineer or sales manager at such leading companies as Bridgeport, Toyoda, ROMI, Kitamura and Hyundai, as well as machine tool dealer Iverson & Company.

Always willing to share the talents he possessed, Randy authored regular CNC expert advice columns that appeared in several machine tool magazines, over the years. He brought a wealth of technical expertise in CNC technology along with his hands-on practical experience as a machinist, when giving his help to the industry.

A native of Chicago, Randy and his wife Susan, whom he met when they both worked at Bridgeport, were married 34 years and had two children.

Following in his dad’s footsteps, Randy’s son Jeremy has now been with DMG machine tools for 10 years.

After his retirement from Siemens, Randy and Susan decided to “go west” and landed in Reno.

A memorial service for Randy Pearson will be held at 11 AM Central on July 13 at United Methodist Church in Roselle, IL. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the American Lung Association at www.lung.org.

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Enter #ANCATooloftheYear2024 to win a trip to Australia and AUD$10,000!

ANCA’s prestigious awards for creative trailblazing toolmakers and talented female machinists provide opportunities to seize global spotlight with outstanding designs and skills

The Oscars of the cutting tool industry is back – #ANCATooloftheYear2024 is your chance to achieve global brand recognition as well as cash and a trip to Australia.

With a global digital audience of 8.1 million readers, the award has emerged as the most highly anticipated social media event within the cutting tool industry – bringing together talented machinists from around the world to showcase their creativity and expertise.

You can enter in one, or both categories: #MadeonANCA and Most Innovative Tool Design.

The winner of #MadeonANCA receives:

  • a trip to ANCA’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia
  • $10,000 AUD worth of ANCA parts, accessories or software
  • VIP access to exclusive opportunities with ANCA experts

The winner of Most Innovative Tool Design receives:

  • $10,000 AUD worth of ANCA parts, accessories or software

“Over 50 years, ANCA has transformed the cutting tool industry with innovative thinking, driving us to continually invent and innovate. As we celebrate this milestone, we are inspired by our customers who share our ethos, creating spectacular designs with our technology,” said Patrick Boland, ANCA Co-Founder.

Submissions are open from May 15th to July 31st. Winners will be announced at IMTS 2024. Enter now at www.anca.com/Tool-of-the-Year

The Female Machinist Award celebrates women’s achievements in the tool and cutter grinding industry

ANCA’s Female Machinist Award returns for its second year in 2024, recognizing and honoring the outstanding achievements of female machinists in the tool and cutter grinding industry.

Women of all skill levels who are actively working with ANCA technology in the tool and cutter grinding industry are encouraged to apply. We are searching for individuals who are passionate about their work, demonstrate a commitment to excellence, and contribute to the advancement of the industry

Submissions are evaluated based on:

  • Exceptional problem-solving skills to overcome challenges or obstacles during projects
  • Innovative and effective tool design
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically and find innovative solutions

The winner of the Female Machinist Award receives:

  • a fully funded ticket to attend a prominent trade show where ANCA is exhibiting
  • exclusive access to the ANCA team, including the leadership team, engineers, and product experts
  • opportunities to connect with industry professionals, gain insights into the latest technologies and attend educational seminars and workshops

Meaghan Ziemba, 2024 judge said, “Amidst the cutting-edge technology and innovation showcased at IMTS 2024, I am thrilled to shine a spotlight on women’s remarkable talent and contributions in the machining industry. The ANCA Female Machinist Award competition celebrates not only skill but also diversity, highlighting the vital role that women play in shaping the future of manufacturing. I am honored to have a chance to recognize their excellence and inspire the next generation of female machinists.”

Enter now at https://machines.anca.com/ANCA-Female-Machinist-Award

 ANCA Tool of the Year 2024

The competition is based on the passion and the craft of tool making and celebrates our highly skilled tool grinding community. Customers can submit their favorite tool with the winners to be judged and announced live at IMTS 2024. There are two competition categories to recognize both the functionality and creativity of cutting tool manufacturers.
#MadeonANCA

The main prize goes to the winner of this category, where entrants will be judged on the form and performance of their cutting tool. The winner of #MadeonANCA receives a trip to ANCA’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia and $10,000 AUD worth of parts, accessories or software. This amazing prize comes with access as an ANCA VIP to exclusive opportunities with our ANCA experts.

 Most Innovative Tool Design

This category is for virtual tools. Entrants are encouraged to be creative and use ANCA tool design software to push ideas to their limits. The winner of the most innovative virtual tool will receive $10,000 AUD worth of parts, accessories or software.

Submissions are open from May 15th to July 31st 2024.

How to enter

  1. Read the terms and conditions at anca.com/tool-of-the-year
  2. Upload your tool image to your social media channel and tag #ANCATooloftheYear2024 – or send your image to enews@anca.com
  3. Fill in the form at anca.com/tool-of-the-year
  4. You’re now in the competition! Keep an eye on our social media channels as we announce important dates around voting and finalists.

 

Judging panel

  • Pat Boland, Co-Founder and Managing Director at ANCA
  • Santosh Plakkat, Product Manager at ANCA
  • Darren Fox, Product Manager at ANCA
  • Alfred Lyon, Cutting Tool Supervisor at AB Tools

The top five finalist tools will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Best surface finish in Ra (roughness average) value on the flute or gash surface
  • The tool that is closest to the nominal tolerance as stated on the drawing in terms of diameter and profile (i.e. if the tolerance on diameter is +/- 0.010mm and the tool is measured to 0.005 then this will rank favorably)
  • Tool that has been ground to the tightest tolerance as per the drawing (i.e. the tool with the lowest tolerance will rank favorably)
  • Level of complexity (i.e. in terms of the number of steps, profiles will rank favorably)

2024 Partners & Sponsors


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.

ANCA Female Machinist Logo
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An unbeatable combination

With the FZG, Zimmermann introduces a portal milling machine with a low rail gantry

With the new machine line FZG, Zimmermann has added a 5-axis portal milling machine with a low rail gantry to their portfolio, which is well-suited to process particularly long components. Accessible from the side, the FZG allows easier loading and unloading processes. The developers were utilizing the well-proven thermo-symmetrical portal concept and modified its basic design, resulting in a distinct benefit. With the FZG, the user will receive a stable system which provides the highest precision, even when processing large and long components.

 “Especially in future-oriented industries such as the aerospace, energy or rail sector, producers must be able to efficiently process large and, above all, particularly long components. We have recently received many more requests with these exact requirements,” reports Daniel Demlang, technical leader at Zimmermann. To meet the needs of the market, the machine manufacturer developed this new machine series, the FZG, in line with customer specifications. For this line of machines, the engineers relied on the innovative concept of the thermo-symmetrical design, which has already proven its worth with the Zimmermann machine lines FZP and FZU. However, the engineers redesigned its base structure. “We lowered the machine onto ground level, enabling the portal to be moved horizontally in almost any desired length,” explains Mr. Demlang. Zimmerman can adjust this design for any custom application. Therefore, the line is suited for processing complete components, such as wing structures for the aviation industry, entire railway wagon side sections for the rail sector, tanks in the energy sector, exterior components for the aerospace industry as well as components for the defense industry.

With the new FZG machine line by Zimmermann, large and long components can be manufactured with highest precision.

The proven modular system from Zimmermann acts as the base structure of the new FZG line. It offers many different length and height variants as well as extensive equipment options, such as process cooling with minimum quantity, lubrication or an onboard movable vacuum dust extraction system for abrasive materials and plastics. An onboard movable tool changer is standard. The energy supply and covers are recessed into the floor.

“The thermo-symmetrical design makes the machine less vulnerable in adverse environmental conditions,” continues Cornelius Kiesel, president of Zimmermann in America. The idea behind this is that incurring thermal influences can be substantially absorbed by the machine structure itself. “To achieve this, we appropriately designed and intelligently arranged all structural and drive unit components, guides and other components responsible for accuracy, for all the machines in our extended portfolio. This way, the structure can expand in non-critical directions,” says Kiesel. The centrally guided Z-slide of the portal in double-bridge construction makes the machine particularly stable. By using this design, Zimmermann achieves very high rigidity. Since there isn’t any possibility of one-sided temperature rise, accuracy is greatly increased, thus making the machine line suitable for very high-precision applications.

“For us, this combination of thermo-symmetrical machine design and the modified base structure was a logical next step,” says Mr. Demlang. Because the core machine relies on proven technology, this development was possible in a relatively short timeframe. Additionally, the synergetic benefits of the FZG, due to the existing portfolio, also have a positive impact on the profitability of the machine.


About the company

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

For more information, please contact:

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

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