ANCA’s launch of integrated solutions with AIMS connects sequential processes in tool manufacturing to bank the benefits of automation and integration. AIMS facilitates streamlined tool production, linking separate processes to each other and factory IT systems. AIMS provides versatile, modular options for common manufacturing challenges to optimize cutting tool production.
AIMS offers functionality that is adaptable to each factory’s needs; from smaller scale, data-based options to the full AIMS setup across a series of machines with endless possibilities. 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. Building on this, customers can choose from a suite of “auto” solutions for reducing production costs, resolving labor challenges, and integrating systems to improve product and process quality. From transferring tools between operations with AutoFetch robot options to fully automated tool measurement and process compensation using AutoComp to managing data via the AutoSet hub — AIMS delivers streamlined manufacturing, with connected tool production processes integrated to IT systems that takes tool production to the next level.
“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 labor 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.”
More than 70 percent of ANCA customers seek machines with robotic functionality. ANCA’s world-first technology developments use automation to gain efficiencies and have helped reduce production costs by 50 percent.
The AIMS online demo exhibits interconnected grinding technology solutions that eliminate wasteful manual handling, reduce machine downtime in between batches, and take away the need to have operators constantly monitoring and adjusting production machines.
The new AutoMarkX is ANCA’s tool marking solution designed particularly for the needs of cutting tool production. ANCA already has it covered with critical tool grinding processes; CPX for blank preparation, and tool grinding on ANCA’s TX, MX, and FX tool and cutter grinders. AutoMarkX will work seamlessly alongside ANCA CNC grinders and automates the tool marking process, further extending unmanned production operations.
Tool manufacturers are seizing options that streamline processes and save labor costs. 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.
“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,” said Jan Irzyk, product manager.
With more than 45 years’ experience delivering CNC grinders to customers around the world, ANCA carries a reputation for delivering customer-focused innovations that meet market needs.
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