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Integrated grinding, metrology, and production intelligence help manufacturers maximize carbide value and move toward closed-loop tool lifecycle management 

At IMTS 2026, ANCA will demonstrate a connected regrinding workflow bringing together the ANCA MX7 ULTRA, ZOLLER genius measuring technology, and AIMS Connect software to help manufacturers extend tool life, reduce carbide consumption, and gain greater control over the regrinding process. Visitors can find ANCA at Booth 237406, North Hall, McCormick Place, September 14–19, 2026. 

With carbide prices up by as much as 100% in recent years, regrinding has become a central strategy for maximizing the value of cutting tools. Traditional regrinding processes, however, often rely on disconnected systems, manual data transfer, and limited process visibility. ANCA's integrated solution addresses these challenges by connecting grinding, measurement, and production data in a single digital workflow. 

Edmund Boland, CEO, ANCA CNC Machines 

"The economics of cutting tool manufacturing has changed fundamentally. When carbide prices have doubled, manufacturers cannot afford inefficiency anywhere in the process — not in how tools are ground, not in how they are measured, and certainly not in how many regrind cycles they extract from each tool. What we are showing at IMTS is a connected workflow that gives manufacturers the precision and traceability to make every gram of carbide work harder." 

MX7 ULTRA — the center of the connected regrinding workflow 

At the center of the workflow is the ANCA MX7 ULTRA, designed for premium surface finish, precision, and process stability. Technologies including nanometer-level control, LaserUltra, and runout compensation enable high-performance reground tools with exceptional consistency. Supporting the process, ZOLLER genius provides automated measurement before and after grinding, determining the optimal material removal required and enabling automated data transfer, target-versus-actual comparisons, and comprehensive inspection documentation. AIMS Connect then serves as the digital backbone, linking machine, measurement, and production data to deliver up to 20% productivity gains, fewer manual interventions, and improved traceability across the entire regrinding operation. 

ANCA's recently launched Performance+ program further illustrates the efficiency gains available. The program guarantees a minimum 10% cycle time reduction, with documented results reaching 25–35% depending on software, process improvements, and wheel selection. "This is a premium consultancy that turns data into practical changes on the machine and on the floor, delivering cycle time reductions up to 40% in several cases without compromising tool quality," said Edmund Boland. 

Edmund Boland 

"Regrinding is no longer just a cost-saving option — in a high-carbide-cost environment it is a strategic imperative. A well-executed regrind typically costs 30–40% of a new tool while delivering 85–95% of original performance. Combined with our connected workflow — precise measurement, automated compensation, and full traceability through AIMS Connect — manufacturers are not just saving material, they are building a managed asset lifecycle for their tooling." 

MicroX ULTRA — precision at the smallest scale 

The MicroX ULTRA is showcased through a dedicated display with tool samples, video, and live micro tool measurement support from the ZOLLER pomBasic MTI, which will be available on the ANCA booth to demonstrate precision measurement of micro tools. The world's only micro tool grinder with nanometer resolution, this six-axis machine is designed for volume production of cutting tools down to D0.03 mm. ANCA Machine Intelligence algorithms ensure precise grinding path control, while LaserUltra manages in-process measurement and wheel wear compensation. Together with external verification on the ZOLLER pomBasic MTI, visitors can see how grinding accuracy and measurement confidence support the production of extremely small, high-precision tools. AIMS-ready for lights-out production, the MicroX ULTRA serves manufacturers in aerospace, medical, and electronics who demand tools that push the boundaries of size and precision. 

EPX-SF — taking tool performance beyond grinding 

The EPX-SF stream finishing machine represents the step beyond grinding, and IMTS visitors will see before-and-after tool samples that bring its impact to life. By immersing cutting tools in a rotating barrel of tailored media, the EPX-SF achieves sub-micron control over tool geometry — delivering sharper edges, burr-free surfaces, and nano-level finishes, with edge roughness reducible to under 100nm. With 11-axis automation and three independent work heads, it can process up to 1,900 tools in 24 hours. "The EPX-SF is a strategic business asset. Its precision helps manufacturers secure more contracts by meeting the rigorous standards of industries that demand clean and consistent cuts," said Wade Evans, AMT Global Products Manager, ANCA. 

ANCA Tool of the Year 2026 

IMTS 2026 also serves as a showcase for the ANCA Tool of the Year 2026 — widely regarded as the Oscars of the cutting tool industry. Now in its ninth year, the competition challenges manufacturers worldwide to push the boundaries of virtual tool design using ToolRoom and CIM3D software. The winning entry receives AUD $5,000 worth of ANCA software and global recognition across ANCA's digital, print, and tradeshow promotions. Visit machines.anca.com/tool-of-the-year to enter. 

Software, After Sales, ANCA Academy, and Custom Solutions 

A dedicated hub at the booth brings together ANCA's software, support, and training offers. ToolRoom RN35 and CIM3D will be demonstrated live, showing how simulation and optimization reduce errors and shorten cycle times. The ANCA Academy e-learning platform — offering free and paid expert-led courses across machine operation and software — gives customers a structured path to higher productivity long after installation. The ANCA Club portal extends this further, providing software downloads, technical documentation, and support resources. ANCA's Custom Solutions capability will also be represented, highlighting how the company works with customers on application-specific challenges backed by a global service and applications network. 

Visit ANCA at Booth 237406, North Hall, IMTS 2026, September 14–19, Chicago. 

 

24 August 2026