ANCA Inc. showcased its latest technological advancements at its booth during IMTS 2024, highlighting innovative solutions designed to enhance precision, automation and efficiency in cutting tool production. The booth featured several key technologies, including its new Smart Work Steady system, a Technology Tunnel display within the ANCA booth, the MicroX Ultra, and the EPX-SF edge preparation system.
Smart Work Steady System Debut
One of ANCA's standout demonstrations was the Smart Work Steady system, which combines electro signals with a standard probe to perform automatic micro-adjustments. During the demonstration, the probe touched off the tool, triggering a green light to confirm contact. The system then performed micro-adjustments in 1 μm increments, ensuring exceptional precision. The production version will offer 40 μm of movement in both the Y and Z axes, further enhancing tool setup accuracy.
Technology Tunnel: A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Solutions
- ANCA's Technology Tunnel provided an immersive experience, allowing attendees to explore the company's groundbreaking technologies.
- Laser Ultra Technology: Highlighted ANCA’s solutions for ultra-precision micro-tool manufacturing.
- Peel Grinding for MX Platform: ANCA introduced peel grinding capabilities to the MX platform, broadening its range of applications.
- Micro Tool Applications: A focus on industries requiring intricate, small-scale cutting tools underscored ANCA’s commitment to advancing precision manufacturing.
MicroX Ultra Six-Axis Micro-Tool Precision
The MicroX Ultra, a six-axis machine, was presented as a turnkey solution for micro-tool production.
Key features include a fixed workholder and a pre-configured wheel pack setup, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Notably, the nine o’clock position of the first wheel aligns precisely with the C-axis centerline, a critical detail that simplifies setup and ensures consistent tool quality. ANCA’s streamlined package approach reflects a focus on delivering reliability while reducing complexity for users.
EPX-SF cutting tool edge preparation
The EPX-SF edge preparation system captured attention for its ability to enhance cutting tool edges post-machining.
The process involves dragging tools through a rotating drum filled with a mixture of silicon carbide and walnut shells. This media combination allows for versatile edge preparation, from honing to polishing, depending on production needs.
The system features:
- Three independent spindles for full automation.
- Tools that rotate 45 degrees to accommodate helix angles or targeted geometry.
The EPX-SF system delivers consistent, high-quality results while automating a traditionally manual process.
For more information on ANCA’s products and technologies showcased at IMTS 2024, visit the ANCA website.
Related Glossary Terms
- edge preparation
edge preparation
Conditioning of the cutting edge, such as a honing or chamfering, to make it stronger and less susceptible to chipping. A chamfer is a bevel on the tool’s cutting edge; the angle is measured from the cutting face downward and generally varies from 25° to 45°. Honing is the process of rounding or blunting the cutting edge with abrasives, either manually or mechanically.
- grinding
grinding
Machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece by a powered abrasive wheel, stone, belt, paste, sheet, compound, slurry, etc. Takes various forms: surface grinding (creates flat and/or squared surfaces); cylindrical grinding (for external cylindrical and tapered shapes, fillets, undercuts, etc.); centerless grinding; chamfering; thread and form grinding; tool and cutter grinding; offhand grinding; lapping and polishing (grinding with extremely fine grits to create ultrasmooth surfaces); honing; and disc grinding.
- polishing
polishing
Abrasive process that improves surface finish and blends contours. Abrasive particles attached to a flexible backing abrade the workpiece.
