Industry First: Micro Tool Grinding Using Nanometer Resolution Down to D0.03 mm

ANCA CNC Machines, a leading manufacturer of precision grinding machines, have launched the highly anticipated MicroX ULTRA.

This innovative six-axes grinding machine is meticulously designed for volume production of nano and micro cutting tools down to D0.03mm. Offering a superior solution for manufacturing high-quality, high-performance micro cutting tools, the MicroX ULTRA introduces groundbreaking technologies exclusive to the cutting tool industry.

The brain behind the machine is Pat McCluskey, a passionate machine tool designer, who is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of ANCA, the company he co-founded with Pat Boland in 1974.

Pat McCluskey remarked, “I have been designing ANCA machines for 50 years – always with the goal of making machines better, more efficient, and user-friendly. It is a trademark of ANCA that you just have to do it differently, and the latest machine, the MicroX ULTRA, is the only micro tool grinder with nanometer resolution. This nano-level precision is a significant advancement in the field, utilizing the very best of ANCA’s technology developed over five decades to offer superior micro tool production.”

Key features of the MicroX ULTRA:

• Nanometer resolution and nanometer control on all axes

With nanometer resolution and control over the tool grinding path, the MicroX ULTRA delivers a high level of surface and edge quality. This achievement is made possible through intelligent algorithms that operate collaboratively and in synchrony.

• Optimized axes travel to grind tools to micrometer sizes

The C-axis refers to the wheel swivel axis centerline, which is aligned with the wheel’s 9 o’clock grind point. This specific design is critical in the grinding of ballnose, corner radius and profile tools. In the case of a ballnose tool, the X and Y interpolations during the grinding process will be nearly equal to the radius of the ballnose tool.

• ANCA Machine Intelligence

Advanced algorithms ensure precise nanometer-level control of tool grinding paths, guaranteeing superior surface and edge quality. These algorithms collaborate and synchronize to reject disturbances swiftly, enhancing axis stiffness and robustness. They actively mitigate disturbances from spindle speed variations caused by imbalanced or runout grinding wheels. Encoder subdivision error compensation automatically detects and corrects inherent encoder errors on both linear and rotary encoders.

• In-process measurement in volume production

The LaserUltra takes process stability to an even higher level by closely controlling tolerances and incorporating in-process compensation mechanisms. This advanced system adapts to factors like wheel wear, resulting in superior precision and reliability.

• AIMS ready

Seamless integration with ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) facilitates effortless transition to automated, lights-out production, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.

https://machines.anca.com/MicroX