At IMTS 2024, ANCA CNC Machines will introduce an advanced, high-precision tool grinder, the MicroX ULTRA, as well as the next generation of integrated manufacturing technology, ANCA Automated Manufacturing System (AIMS) Connect. ANCA is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Edmund Boland, ANCA General Manager, said, "IMTS is the major global event in this milestone year for our company, so it is thrilling to showcase our latest products and technologies for high performance cutting tools produced with optimized efficiency and cost. Building on ANCA's heritage of producing industry-leading software, the latest release of our signature ToolRoom software, RN35, takes cycle time optimization even further, elevating productivity-it is the future of tool production."
Boland added, "ToolRoom and AIMS really pave the way for highly productive, autonomous production. Our investment in AIMS for connected and automated processes is our commitment to solving key challenges such as labor shortages and consistent production processes with smart, future-ready solutions. Our ULTRA technology has made a splash in the market, and now enables micro tool production, regrinding and small batch production with the MicroX and FX7 ULTRA."
The latest version of ANCA's ToolRoom software, RN35, offers:
- Average performance increase of up to 20% with advanced features and functions, optimizing feedrate, improving cycle time and surface finish while 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.
Experts will present these and other upgrades to IMTS visitors, plus further news in CIM3D simulation software.
AIMS is a highly integrated, advanced automation system that brings together machining, metrology and materials handling plus data management in an ecosystem for a lights-out production of tools used in myriad industries.
ANCA's AIMS is a smart manufacturing solution for cutting tool production, enabling manufacturers to connect, automate and create like never before. The modular system comprises hardware and software components for automated, closed loop manufacturing. AIMS Server controls production processes and AutoComp, the intelligent compensation module maintains part quality automatically, while the new AIMS Connect function covers job management.
With AIMS Connect, visitors can experience firsthand the power of digital production control and modular automation, now available for existing installations. The system empowers manufacturers to explore new opportunities, products and features while maximizing productivity and quality.
AIMS enables shops of all sizes, plus large production departments, the flexibility to integrate machining, metrology and materials handling into a unified ecosystem with full data capture and management capabilities.
ANCA's GCX machine and gear tool technology is engineered to enhance the production of skiving cutters with a turn-key solution package. To address the complexity of gear tool manufacturing, this offering includes features for the design of gear cutting tools, manufacturing and integrated tool measurement, as well as providing the skiving machine setup parameters.
IMTS visitors will witness live how this configuration enables short set-up times, simulation and monitoring, plus quality enhancing features like the ANCA Motor Temperature Control (MTC) and integrated balancing (iBalance) for longtime grinding profile accuracy within +/-0.0015 mm. This turn-key package facilitates easy entry into the gear tools sector with improved results.
ULTRA technology combines nanometer control, servo-controlled algorithms and mechanical stiffness upgrades to achieve greater accuracy. The FX7 ULTRA and MicroX ULTRA enable continuous batch production down to 0.03 mm.
The MicroX ULTRA provides micro tool manufacturers all the advantages of the ULTRA technology and ANCA's Machine Intelligence in a unit tailored to this application. "As the only micro tool grinder with nanometer control, optimized mechanical layout and axes travel, integrated tool measurement and progressive automation, this 6-axis grinder is the ideal solution for volume production of tools down to 0.03 mm," said a company spokesperson.
The new EPX-SF stream finishing machine was released to the market at GrindingHub. ANCA's advanced edge preparation and surface finishing solution addresses productivity targets, offers enhanced IP cutting tool performance and is suited for precision-critical industries-in a design that is ready to be integrated in automated tool manufacturing systems. With 11-axis automation and smart recipe fine-tuning, the machine is engineered by tool experts to optimize media utilization while providing precise edge control. The machine has the capability to reduce edge roughness to under 100 nm and refine edge radii to microns with controllable K-factor, achieving nano-smooth surfaces and micron-honed edges.
The EPX-SF's cyclic mode with pulse rotation protects against surface burrs and edge imperfections. With adjustable positive and negative angles, the EPX-SF spindle traverses the optimal cutting path, optimizing potential chip flow and reducing the surface roughness of the cutting workpiece. Within ANCA's automation ecosystem, the EPX-SF seamlessly integrates into production lines, operating autonomously with robotic assistance round the clock for tool loading/unloading.
The CPX blank preparation machine includes features like statistical process control and surface finishes below 0.2 Ra, allowing manufacturers to achieve high productivity at minimal cost with the CPX Linear. Some further application capabilities will be introduced at IMTS.
For more information contact:
ANCA Inc.
31129 Century Drive
Wixom, MI 48393
248-926-4466
usainfo@anca.com
www.anca.com
IMTS North Building, Level 3
Booth 237406