Designing tools online, varied batch sizes, six-wheel packs and 38 kw peak spindle power of ANCA’s MX7 tool grinder offers new capabilities that are helping Taylor Toolworks beat competition in the woodworking and metal industry. Capital investment can be a daunting project, but Taylor Toolworks have found that with the right research and understanding of your business needs, the benefits offered by new technology can be a game-changer.
Located in Alberta, Canada, Taylor Toolworks Ltd. is one of North America’s technological leaders in the manufacturing and service of cutting tools for the woodworking and metal industries. This remains the biggest part of their business. The company is run by President Jesse Taylor and his sister Kristyn, who has worked there for more than 15 years. With state-of-the-art five-axis CNC grinding, combined with the use of the finest micro grain carbide products, Taylor Toolworks maintains the highest tooling tolerances and mirror finishes needed for high-performance tooling. Services offered include reconditioning, end mills and custom tooling. Reconditioning involves tool regrinding, tool re-cutting and tool re-coating. End mills include super polished flutes, special grade carbides and special coating for maximum performance. Custom tooling is made to specifications for both the woodworking and metal industry. These can be micro-grain carbide inserts, custom profile tools, step drills, and more.
Jesse Taylor said that ANCA’s MX7 Linear machine allowed them to have greater versatility in their manufacturing. Another factor that influenced the purchasing decision was ANCA’s tool simulation software. According to Taylor, “This allows us to program tools [virtually] on a desktop before they are processed on the actual machine. This saves valuable machine time.” This machine helped Taylor Toolworks produce complex tools better compared to competing companies that offer 2 wheel packs.
The company purchased an MX7 Linear machine because it is a powerful, versatile CNC tool grinder used for production grinding. It meets the demand of high output, high precision manufacturing. Key features include 38 kw (51 HP) peak spindle power, linear scales as standard on the X and Y axes, standard 6-station wheel changer that stores and changes up to six-wheel packs. In addition, the machine uses ANCA LinX Linear Motors for axis motion (X and Y axis), has an integrated wheel dresser and its automation options include RoboMate or FastLoad-MX Compact Loader. The MX7 Linear is a hard-working, high productivity system with unique features that enable it to handle varied batch sizes with minimum set-up time. It is ideal for high volume production for tools up to 25 mm (1”) diameter. The new cylindrical linear motor design increases reliability and ensures a superior surface finish.
Taylor also highlighted the reasonable lead times at ANCA for purchases of what are sophisticated and highly technical machinery. This made a big difference for Taylor, who commented, “A lot of times in our industry when you’re buying a machine you may be six months to a year out for receiving your machine. When I got to work with ANCA and found out that they had machines readily available that really allowed us to jump on this and get a good start versus waiting for a machine.”
According to Taylor, the tools produced on ANCA machines are complex profile tools as well as step drills, thru-coolant drills and form tools. Applications for these tools range from aerospace, to woodworking, to general machining and cutting of plastics. On ANCA machines, the company uses ANCA’s Tool Room software. The software provides specific applications for each tool produced at Taylor Toolworks such as a step tool editor or a profile tool editor.
Being in the industry for over 20 years, Taylor saw ANCA machines at various trade shows. He talked to several people at the shows, including ANCA application specialists. This made him take a closer look at the machines and he saw that they were suitable for his needs.
In terms of service issues, Taylor commented that ANCA was good at solving any issues that come up, whether it was by calling or sending someone on-site. Besides using the MX7 Linear machine, the company has three other ANCA machines. One is the ANCA Fastgrind for resharpening tools. Taylor said, “ANCA is a big part of our operation.”
To sum up his experience, Taylor was satisfied with the quality and service he received from the company. He remarked, “Buying more ANCA [machines] is definitely in our future.”
About ANCA
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 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.
For more information, visit machines.anca.coma.
