E-Sharp News August 2026

Turn proven production knowledge into repeatable, automated workflows that help your team program tools faster, reduce manual variation and respond confidently to new customer requirements.

Automation starts with repeatability
For cutting tool manufacturers, automation is not only about loading blanks and running machines unattended. It begins earlier, with the way tool files are created, parameters are applied and process knowledge is transferred from one job to the next.

ANCA scripting provides a practical way to automate tasks within iGrind and iPunch that would otherwise be completed manually. A script can create tool files, add operations, set parameters, perform calculations, draw profiles or provide a simple user interface for an operator. Instead of repeating the same programming steps for every tool, manufacturers can capture the logic once and apply it consistently.

From a single setting to a complete workflow
Scripting can be as simple or sophisticated as the application requires. A script might automatically select the optimum fluting feedrate according to tool diameter. The same approach can be extended to flute depth, number of passes, infeed, core diameter, spark-out, wheel speed and other process parameters.
Scripts can also automate everyday tasks such as generating standardised filenames and saving tool files in the correct location or creating complex geometry from a small number of operator inputs.

At the other end of the scale, scripting can create complete custom tool wizards. Operators may only need to enter a few dimensions, or in some applications simply a tool diameter, while the script creates the tool file and applies the appropriate geometry and process parameters.

This makes scripting particularly valuable in high-mix environments where customers demand many tool variants, but programming time needs to remain controlled.

Where scripting can make an immediate difference
Manufacturers can use scripting to:

• Standardise parameter selection – Apply feeds, speeds, infeed, spark-out and pass strategies according to proven production rules.
• Update multiple tool files – Make controlled changes across selected TOM files without editing every file individually.
• Create tool families – Define how geometry and process parameters change across different tool diameters.
• Automate complex geometry – Generate profiles and geometry from guided operator inputs.
• Connect master data – Read approved values from CSV files to drive geometry and process settings.
• Build custom workflows – Create simple interfaces and wizards that present operators with only the inputs they need.

Turn experience into production knowledge
One of scripting's most valuable roles is capturing the knowledge that already exists within experienced teams. Grinding businesses often have important process knowledge that is not formally documented. An experienced application engineer may know the ideal feedrate for a particular diameter, the preferred number of grinding passes or how geometry should change across a family of tools.

Scripting turns this experience into defined production logic. Once captured, these rules can be consistently reused, analysed and improved. It also makes specialist knowledge easier to transfer across operators and production sites without relying solely on memory, training or lengthy work instructions.

Scripts can also create complete Tool Wizards, allowing operators to enter only a few key details, sometimes just the tool diameter, to automatically generate a fully configured tool file.

Reduce errors while retaining control
Manual programming creates opportunities for variation between jobs, operators and sites. By embedding approved rules in a script, manufacturers can make the intended process easier to repeat.

Operators still control the required job inputs, while the script handles calculations and parameter population behind the scenes. This can reduce programming and set-up time while helping minimise manual input errors and scrap.

Importantly, scripting does not remove flexibility. Custom interfaces can allow operators to enter customer-specific dimensions or choose production options while ensuring the resulting parameters are calculated and applied consistently.

Protect the knowledge that differentiates your business
Grinding strategies, geometry rules and process data can represent years of development. ANCA scripting supports encrypted and licence-controlled distribution, allowing manufacturers to provide reusable workflows while protecting the underlying business logic.

For example, a tool manufacturer could provide a custom regrinding wizard to an authorised partner. The regrinder can produce the required tool using the manufacturer's defined process without gaining access to the proprietary geometry or grinding knowledge behind it. This means scripting can do more than automate internal processes. It can help manufacturers package, protect and scale their expertise.

Start small and build
Scripting does not need to begin with a major automation project. A good first project could be a repetitive parameter update, a calculation regularly performed by an application engineer, a family of tools that differs mainly by diameter, or geometry that requires repetitive manual drawing.

Users can create and run scripts through the integrated scripting tools in iGrind and iPunch, with frequently used scripts added to User Utilities for quick access. iGrind can also generate a script from an existing tool, providing a useful starting point based on a proven tool file, while scaled scripting can help turn an existing tool into a configurable tool family.

Once validated, a script can become part of the standard production workflow and be expanded over time.

Extend automation beyond the machine cycle
For manufacturers pursuing higher machine utilisation, mixed-batch flexibility or lights-out production, programming automation is an important part of the overall strategy.

Automated material handling can keep machines supplied, but the correct grinding process still needs to be ready for every tool. Advanced scripting can help generate tool files from templates and external job data, connecting engineering knowledge with consistent execution on the shop floor.

Simple yet powerful scripts can automate much of the programming process. In this example, a simple tap drawing is displayed in a dialogue box, with input fields positioned directly over the relevant dimensions. The operator enters the required values, then selects OK. The script automatically transfers the inputs to the correct tap-file operations and creates the blank. While straightforward to create, this type of script provides significant flexibility for customised, repeatable and automated tool programming.

Turn your best process into a repeatable advantage
ANCA scripting gives tool manufacturers the flexibility to start with a simple repetitive task and build towards sophisticated automation. Whether the goal is to remove repetitive data entry, standardise grinding parameters, automate geometry, create custom tool wizards or manage tool families, scripting can turn specialist knowledge into a reusable production asset.

By reducing programming effort and making proven methods easier to repeat, scripting helps teams spend less time on routine input and more time improving tool performance, responsiveness and productivity.

Talk to your local ANCA representative about scripting capabilities, training and support for your application requirements.

18 August 2026