ANCA Introduces Micro Tool Grinder

Wixom, MI - ANCA's latest evolution of the successful RX7 CNC tool and cutter grinder, the RX7SP, is specifically designed for grinding cutting tools with diameters down to 0.5 mm. The RX7SP is the product of an extensive R&D program conducted to resolve several challenges related to grinding small tools and will provide users the ability to expand their manufacturing and produce cutting tools for medical machining and other micro applications.

"There are aspects that make grinding small tools a real challenge," said an ANCA spokesman. "Machine accuracy is obviously critical, but in addition, grinding process issues of vibration, thermal growth, wheel wear and tool runout have a much more noticeable effect when grinding small tools. ANCA's engineering team developed solutions to each problem that combine to produce excellent finished tools."

New features added to the RX7 base to make-up the SP model include:

• Linear scales for extreme positioning accuracy of machine axes
• 3.5 kW HSK spindle that gives both face and taper contact on the arbor for improved wheel runout and positional accuracy
• ANCA's iBalance software to accurately balance the grinding wheels without taking them off the machine
• Precision V-block clamp and steady as standard to minimize tool runout
• ANCA's PLX pallet loader for increased productivity through unattended operation
• CTV software cycles to compensate for thermal expansion.

All these are offered in addition to the regular advantages of the RX7 platform such as compact design, software flexibility and ease of use. "The RX7 platform proved perfect for the job," said an ANCA spokesman. "Characteristics like precision, rigidity and compactness are critical to grinding small tools, and the RX7 already had those. It was a natural progression that we would take that design one step further."

SOURCE: ANCA