From 3D simulation software to LaserPlus, an in-process measurement system, to RoboTeach, which makes robotic loaders accessible and easy to program, ANCA has been building a toolbox of technology for customers to reap the benefits of automation and Industry 4.0.
ANCA technology is building smart factories for its customers. Businesses can reduce wasted materials and time through 3D simulation. Simulation and 3D modeling tools offer a way for businesses to measure and plan without requiring the use of materials outside the digital environment.
For example, Scripting, a simple programming language created specifically to automate tasks within ANCA application software, can be used to automate most tool design tasks, such as entering parameter values or drawing line/arc elements in 2D editors. It can also be used to create sophisticated fully-featured custom tool wizards with graphical user interfaces. This means less work for the operator, knowledge retention through capturing design and process intelligence, and reduced programming and set-up time.
Tool manufacturers are applying cloud technology — ANCA’s Management Suite/Redax — to monitor machines and production in real time, allowing better informed decisions to be made at the time when they will have the most impact ability to remotely schedule, control, and monitor networked machines so factories today can access real-time information, providing enhanced visibility and greater control over manufacturing data.
Data analytics are already a core component of many tool manufacturers’ operations. The use of advanced analytics is being applied end-to-end across the production and supply chain activity, providing valuable insights into areas including production levels, inventory, available capacity, quality levels, order status, predicting machine failures, ensuring production uptime is maximized, and more.
About 70 percent of ANCA customers buy machines with robotic functionality. CNC machines now come with operator panels that provide in-built control over both the grinding software and the robotics function, opening the door to greater automation efficiencies.
In-process measurements such as ANCA’s LaserPlus allow the measurement of tool geometries to tolerances of 2 microns or less without removing the tool from the grinder, saving time and ensuring maximum accuracy in measurement.
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