ANCA’s new product AIMS connects the sequential processes in tool manufacturing so that cutting tool makers can realize the many benefits of automation and integration. The interconnected grinding technology solution eliminates wasteful manual handling, reduces machine downtime between batches and takes away the need to have operators constantly monitoring and adjusting production machines.
This new solution answers the market needs with over 70% of ANCA customers now seeking machines with robotic functionality. In fact ANCA automation has been utilized to reduce production costs by 50% as well as improve product quality and boost productivity.
“ANCA is here to provide tool manufacturers with solutions to support production that work across all industries and applications and expand to complete tool production needs. This is a new landscape for interconnected technology, working end to end,” said Chris Hegarty, ANCA Group CEO.
“Integration and automation solutions provide infrastructure to manufacture tools with increased productivity and higher quality. ANCA has the industry-leading software and control capabilities to deliver a system for production management that tackles time, cost and labour inefficiencies where it counts.”
“We are delighted to be accelerating into the fourth industrial revolution with advanced, smart factory solutions for cutting tool makers – intelligent automation for connecting processes and data management.”
AIMS offers modular functionality that can be adapted to each factory’s needs; from smaller scale, data-based options to the full AIMS setup across a series of machines. The system delivers a connected tool production process – transferring tools between operations with the AutoFetch robot; fully automating tool measurement and process compensation using AutoComp and managing data via the AutoSet hub.
Central to any AIMS system is the AIMS Server that manages data flows between the elements of the AIMS system and established IT platforms, such as an ERP system. Customers can choose from a suite of “auto” solutions to reduce production costs and integrate systems to improve product and process quality.
Connect, automate and create with AIMS
AIMS Project Lead, Duncan Thompson said: “Automated options that can be applied in the real world and tailored to a machine shop’s challenges, mean that tool manufacturers can reap the advantages of integrated processes and systems in a practical way.”
“Our customers continue to look for custom solutions for increased automation in their operations and AIMS is ANCA’s holistic response; a tangible option for a smarter factory. Automation that works best is targeted to repetitive processes that can occur alongside value-adding individual skills. AIMS slots in to seamlessly automate routine processes.”
“Seeing this level of integration in action is pretty amazing. AIMS can be deployed to a single process or across an entire production line, towards end to end tool manufacturing.”
For complete tool production, AutoMarkX offers automated laser tool marking
The new AutoMarkX is ANCA’s tool marking solution designed particularly for the needs of cutting tool production. AutoMarkX is capable of automated pallet loading and takes care of the tool laser marking process, freeing up operators to perform more value-adding tasks. AutoMarkX is designed for integration with AIMS, being able to automatically receive and dispatch pallets from AutoFetch, while connectivity to the AIMS Server provides details of the message to be marked on the tools.
Product Manager, Jan Irzyk said: “This machine is efficient and compact – but more than that, it can be integrated with your ERP and AIMS, so that technology can work together. Removing the need for manual handling, our new laser marking solution pushes tool marking capabilities into lights-out production.”
“For full production, flexibility is important. This system accommodates a variety of tool sizes as well as mixed batches. With an easy to use interface and customisable marking, it is a complete solution that boosts labour efficiency.”
With over 45 years’ experience delivering CNC grinders to customers around the world, ANCA carries a reputation for delivering customer-focused innovations that meet market needs. Products that use smart automation for every day applications offer increased productivity and profitability. Integrated manufacturing, and machines that work together for complete tool production provide comprehensive options for manufacturers across multiple industries.
For more information, view this webinar
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.
