Immaculate Precision in Every Grind

ANCA, a global leader in tool and cutter grinding technologies, is renowned for its advanced capabilities, state-of-the-art  machines and the newest software offerings.  At IMTEX 25, the company showcased and demonstrated its first-to-market machines designed to meet the growing demands for micro tool manufacture, high quality standards and special tool production.  Its new generation machines are ideal for applications ranging from tool regrinding and tap production to PCD tool manufacturing, shares Jake Farragher, General Manager – Asia, ANCA PTY. LTD. Excerpts from an interview:

Q. ANCA is a global leader in tool and cutter grinding. What are the technological innovations you spearheaded in recent years?

ANCA is incredibly proud to have been bringing new and exciting technological innovations to the tool and cutter grinding market for over 50 years. Many of these innovations have been first-to-market and come from listening to our customers and creating solutions that make smart technology easier to use and meet the needs of manufacturers in this critical market.

Our technology continues to drive innovation to meet the evolving demands of industries such as 3C, aerospace, automotive, and medical manufacturing. In recent years, we have spearheaded cutting-edge advancements that enhance precision, automation, and smart manufacturing:

• Micro Tool Grinding
  • Sub-Micron Precision – ANCA’s CNC grinders can manufacture micro-tools as small as 0.1mm, essential for PCB drilling, semiconductor fabrication, and smartphone components.
  • LaserUltra Measurement System – Our in-machine laser measuring system ensures unmatched accuracy in micro-tool production, eliminating manual errors.
• Industry 4.0 & Smart Automation
  • AIMS (ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System) – A fully automated, lights-out manufacturing solution, reducing labor costs and ensuring consistent tool quality at high volumes.
  • Remote Monitoring & AI-Powered Tool Optimization – Real-time machine analytics and predictive maintenance help manufacturers reduce downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Next-Gen Software
  • ToolRoom RN35 – With our most recent iteration of the ToolRoom software, users are able to maximize productivity and optimize machine performance in order to reduce tool design time and improve cycle time.
  • AI-Driven AutoCompensation – Real-time error correction algorithms ensure greater precision and extended tool life in mass production settings.
• High Performance Grinding Machines
  • ULTRA Machines (FX, MX, MicroX ULTRA) – Next-generation nanometer control technology, offering unprecedented surface finish, accuracy, and repeatability for the most demanding applications in electronics, medical, and aerospace tooling.

These innovations signal our commitment to continuous innovation in precision grinding, automation, and smart manufacturing, so that ANCA empowers industries to achieve superior productivity, efficiency, and precision.

Q. What is ANCA known for in the metalworking world, and what is the niche you have carved for yourselves?

ANCA has carved a strong niche in the 3C industry, with micro-tool production, automation, and high-speed manufacturing to meet the growing demands of electronics manufacturing. ANCA’s precision grinding technology is essential for PCB manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, and micro-machining, where sub-micron accuracy is critical. Our smart automation solutions enable 3C manufacturers to scale production efficiently while maintaining precision, reducing manual intervention and enhancing process reliability.

ANCA’s innovations enable 3C manufacturers to produce high-precision tools faster, more efficiently, and with zero compromise on quality. Our extensive electronics industry experience positions us as the go-to partner for 3C electronics manufacturers, providing them with the technology and support they need to succeed. ANCA’s technology ensures machine accuracy, stability, and rigidity and the ability to achieve Class A surface finishes. ANCA’s product range is specifically designed to meet the demands of the electronics manufacturing industry for the 3C market in India.

We expect electronics manufacturing to have a significant impact on the market in India as the volume of production for this application is phenomenal. Growth in this sector is already leading to increased demand, with further opportunities anticipated as suppliers are looking to strengthen supply chains.

In China and Korea, where the 3C market is already very established, ANCA has proven itself a leader for high precision solutions for the 3C electronics manufacturing industry. As a pioneer in digital manufacturing and modular automation, ANCA CNC Machines is a trusted partner helping empower 3C manufacturers to achieve superior performance and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving electronics sector.

Q. As a trendsetter, what are the path-breaking solutions you have offered to the user industry globally?

ANCA has delivered breakthrough technologies that have transformed precision grinding and tool production, particularly for the 3C sector . One of the major solutions that has emerged over the past couple of years is ANCA’s development of its ULTRA technology and expansion into the micro tool grinding market. ANCA grinding technology is renowned for its accuracy, stability, and rigidity – which is critical for producing high-quality electronic components.

With the ULTRA machine series, ANCA has developed one-nanometer control features, which allow manufacturers to ensure the highest levels of precision and surface finish. With ANCA machines, a standout feature is the ability to achieve Class A surface finishes, which is essential for many tools used in the 3C industry.

 

Q. Tell us something about your recent product launches and how they filled a void in the manufacturing sector. How do they push precision and productivity to a notch above?

We value working closely with our global customers as their partners in achieving the highest precision and productivity possible. Thanks to ANCA’s high levels of vertical integration we can combine the latest in hardware and software and are committed to pushing the boundaries of precision, automation, and efficiency to meet the evolving demands of industries such as 3C, medical, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing. Our latest product launches are revolutionizing tool grinding by filling critical gaps in the market and addressing challenges like manual errors, labor shortages, and the increasing demand for ultra-precise tools.

The FX ULTRA and MX ULTRA redefine high-precision tool grinding with nanometer control technology, ensuring sub-micron accuracy and superior surface finish—a necessity for high-performance cutting tools in the 3C and aerospace industries. The MX ULTRA, optimized for high-volume manufacturing, integrates seamlessly with robotic loaders, enabling lights-out production while maintaining exceptional precision. These innovations significantly enhance efficiency and repeatability, allowing manufacturers to scale without compromising on quality.

For electronics and PCB manufacturing, the MicroX ULTRA is setting new standards in micro-tool production, capable of grinding tools as small as 0.03mm—ideal for smartphone components, semiconductor applications, and miniaturized devices. Its LaserUltra in-machine measurement system ensures real-time sub-micron accuracy, reducing errors and increasing production yield. With enhanced spindle performance and advanced vibration control, manufacturers can achieve higher throughput and unmatched repeatability, crucial for the high-precision demands of 3C electronics.

Further advancing automation, the ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) is transforming tool production into a fully connected, smart factory environment. By seamlessly integrating end-to-end automation, AI-powered real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance, AIMS reduces downtime, optimizes tool life, and enhances operational efficiency. As an Industry 4.0-ready solution, AIMS is perfect for high-volume 3C manufacturing, ensuring consistent quality and improved productivity with minimal human intervention.

By combining next-generation precision, automation, and AI-driven analytics, ANCA’s latest innovations are empowering manufacturers to push productivity beyond conventional limits. These advancements not only enhance efficiency and reduce costs but also enable industries to meet the ever-growing demand for miniaturization and high-performance tools, solidifying ANCA’s role as a leader in smart, high-precision manufacturing.

Q. How did IMTEX-25 help you portray your expertise and market leadership?

IMTEX 2025 was a landmark event for ANCA, providing the perfect platform to showcase our cutting-edge innovations in CNC tool grinding, automation, and smart manufacturing. ANCA reinforced its market leadership by demonstrating how its latest solutions are driving precision, productivity, and Industry 4.0 adoption across key industries, including 3C, aerospace, medical, and automotive manufacturing.

Live demonstrations of micro-tool grinding highlighted how ANCA’s technology enables sub-micron precision, crucial for the electronics industry. Engaging with leading Indian and international 3C manufacturers, we provided insights on optimizing precision tool production to meet the growing demand for miniaturization and high-performance components. Additionally, through thought leadership sessions, we shared expert perspectives on automation, AI-driven tool manufacturing, and the future of Industry 4.0, solidifying ANCA’s role as an innovator in the field.

Q. India is a manufacturing hub in the making. What are the bespoke solutions you have to offer to the Indian customer?

India is rapidly emerging as a global manufacturing hub, driven by advancements in 3C, automotive, aerospace, medical, and general engineering. As a leading partner in CNC tool grinding and automation, ANCA offers tailored solutions that empower Indian manufacturers to achieve higher precision, automation, and efficiency while addressing key challenges like scalability, cost-effectiveness, and skill shortages.

ANCA Custom Solutions provide tailored grinding solutions to meet the unique demands of industries such as 3C, aerospace, medical, and automotive manufacturing. Leveraging ANCA’s expertise in precision CNC grinding, automation, and software innovation, our custom solutions address complex tool geometries, high-volume production challenges, and specialized material requirements.

From customized machine configurations and software adaptations to integrated automation systems and AI-driven process optimizations, ANCA ensures that manufacturers achieve higher precision, efficiency, and consistency. Whether it’s micro-tool production for semiconductor applications or specialized cutters for advanced composites, ANCA’s Custom Solutions empower businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Q. Looking back, ANCA has a glittering history spanning half a century. How do you envision the future of machine tools & metalworking over the next 50 years?

For over 50 years, ANCA has been at the forefront of precision tool grinding, pioneering automation, software innovation, and high-performance solutions. As industries evolve, particularly in electronics the 3C, aerospace, & medical manufacturing, the next 50 years will see a radical transformation in machine tools and metalworking, driven by miniaturization, automation, AI, and sustainability.

The Future of Machine Tools will be smarter, faster, & more precise. To achieve these parameters our experts at ANCA are exploring a couple of key trends. One is the focus on ultra precision for micro tools. The 3C industry is demanding smaller and more intricate components, forcing us to re-evaluate our tool grinding process and come up with innovative solutions to achieve these goals. With machines like the MicroX ULTRA, we will continue to evolve to grind micro-tools below 0.01mm, critical for PCB drilling, semiconductor fabrication, and advanced electronics.

The next key trend is continuing to expand on AI-driven smart manufacturing. At ANCA, we know the future lies in AI-powered tool grinding, where machines will self-correct errors, optimize tool geometries in real time and predict maintenance needs before breakdowns occur, ensuring zero downtime. With continued advancement in these areas, manufacturers can expect to produce tools more quickly and with increased efficiency.

Autonomous factories with lights-out manufacturing are another key focus for ANCA. We believe that fully automated, interconnected smart factories powered by AIMS (ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System) will become a standard. This system will allow machines to communicate seamlessly, adapting production lines on demand, improving efficiency for high-volume production, especially for the 3C manufacturers, and addressing some gaps from the skilled labor shortage.