Friday, October 4, 2024
The 2024 ANCA Tool of the Year Awards, now in its seventh edition, recognized excellence in the cutting tool industry during a ceremony held at IMTS in Chicago. This year’s event, coinciding with ANCA’s 50th anniversary, showcased the ongoing innovation and design capabilities that continue to impress the judges in this prestigious competition.
Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH took home the top prize in the “Made on ANCA” category for their revolutionary tool design. Their innovative use of iGrind operations and advanced profile software features, including layers, pivot editor, and 3D hook compensation, resulted in exceptional accuracy and profile precision. This award has demonstrated how a smaller company can achieve global recognition, marking a dream come true moment on the world stage.
Pat Boland, ANCA Co-Founder, remarked, “For 50 years, ANCA’s software has set industry standards, enabling Tool of the Year entrants to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our technology not only meets the highest precision demands but also showcases the creativity and capability of our customers, highlighting truly innovative designs.”
In the Virtual Tool Category, XGE impressed the judges with a highly creative and technically advanced design inspired by the iconic attractions of the Garden Expo Park in Xiamen, China, including the Moonlight Ring and Xinglin Pavilion. Their tool design seamlessly integrates iGrind software with profile and end-face operations, and is visualized through the use of 3D models imported into CIM3D software.
Additionally, Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA was honored with the Female Machinist of the Year award. Introduced in 2023 to promote diversity and offer role models for women in the cutting tool industry, this award highlights ANCA’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive industry environment. Stephanie was recognized for her outstanding problem-solving abilities, leadership in team development, and her capacity to deliver exceptional results under pressure.
Torsten Mende, Managing Director at Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH said, “This tool is used by one of our customers to create a profile in a gripper for molded parts. Previously, this contour was produced using a 3D milling process. The customer’s tolerance specification is +- 0.01mm. The program was created in ToolRoom RN32/33 and ground using RN34.1 on an FX7.”
“As a smaller company, it is a great honor to participate in this competition. We have been grinding tools on ANCA machines since 1999. The sophisticated software enables us to grind complex geometries and to monitor them during the process, giving our customers a competitive advantage. For this reason, we extend our heartfelt thanks to ANCA for the excellent symbiosis of software and machines.” Torsten added further.
The ANCA Tool of the Year Awards 2024 celebrate the passion, creativity, and expertise driving the cutting tool industry forward. ANCA remains dedicated to supporting innovation, excellence, and diversity, ensuring a bright future for precision tool manufacturing.
Made on ANCA
Winner: Werkzeugschleiferei Krämer GmbH
Their tool demonstrates the innovative use of iGrind operations, advanced profile software features, and achieves exceptional accuracy.
Second Place: ARCH Cutting Tools
Their “Master Mill Combo Tool” continues to lead in multifunction cutting tools with exceptional accuracy, utilizing iGrind software’s advanced profile operation features.
Third Place: Precision Tool Company
A versatile tool combining a drill, reamer, and chamfer, optimized using iGrind software for performance and functionality.
Virtual Tool Category
Winner: XGE
Their simulation, inspired by the Garden Expo Park attractions, creatively uses iGrind software and 3D modelling for a striking design.
Second Place: Zakłady Mechaniczne Kazimieruk
Their simulation of the Olympic flame represents the enduring spirit of the Olympic movement, created with extensive iGrind software use.
Third Place: SST Cutting Tools
Their “LINGAM” simulation symbolizes the Hindu God Shiva, showcasing creative use of iGrind software for profile, cross-section profile, and ripper form relief operations.
ANCA Female Machinist of the Year – 2024
Stephanie Chrystal – Sandvik Coromant, USA
ANCA Female Machinist of the Year Finalists
Roksana Grodowska – CNC Progresja Sp. z o.o., Poland
Jessica Sennott – Gorilla Mill, USA
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