In an industry moving at lightning speed, ANCA Tool of the Year (TOTY) celebrates the deep experience and creativity of the craftspeople who create the next generation of cutting tools.
Now in its fifth year, ANCA’s industry-first competition launched for 2022 at the first-ever GrindingHub, the new industry meeting place for grinding technology in Stuttgart, Germany. Participants and winners in this contest achieve important brand recognition as well as cash and other prizes. Last year, the awards achieved a total digital audience reach of 8.1 million readers via the media with 37 global entries seen by more than 202,480 fans generating more than 200,000 engagements on social media.
“Every year brings yet another step change in technology that enables cutting tool makers to increase their sophistication in designing and manufacturing products,” said Patrick Boland, ANCA co-founder. “This year, we brought our ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) to GrindingHub, a huge leap in technology to create the factory of the future. Efficient, automated, and operating 24/7, the AIMS factory uses modular program scripts, remote access, and cutting-edge machines to operate at maximum efficiency.
“During my 40-plus years, ANCA has consistently led the industry in designing advanced technology. For example, in 1986, we launched the TG4 — the first machine ever to automate the measurement of tool geometry, thereby making regrinding possible. Reviewing Tool of the Year entries, I am always in awe of the passion and talent of customers who push our machines to their limits and create tooling masterpieces,” Boland said.
“Seeing the creative use of custom tooling is amazing. Being able to reduce setups, improve cycle time or even eliminate tools with the use of modern, custom carbide is something all shops should consider,” said Saunders Machine Works’ John Saunders, founder of YouTube channel NYC CNC and first time TOTY judge said. “It’s an honor to be part of this competition and I hope it can help raise awareness about the benefits of a well-designed and executed cutting tool.”
ANCA’s Tool of the Year customers can submit their favorite tool, with the winners being judged and announced live at IMTS. There will be two competition categories, to recognize both the functionality and creativity of cutting tool manufacturers.
- The main prize goes to #MadeonANCA tools and entries will be judged on the form and performance of their cutting tool.
- The second category is for virtual tools as the “Most Innovative Tool Design.” Entrants are encouraged to be creative and use ANCA tool design software to push ideas to their limits.
The winner of #MadeonANCA receives $10,000 AUD worth of ANCA innovations for parts, accessories, or software that fit the winner’s grinding needs or a trip to ANCA’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. This prize further includes access as an ANCA VIP to exclusive opportunities with our ANCA tool experts. The winner of the most innovative virtual tool will receive a full CIM software package.
Submissions are open until August 8, 2022.
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