MicroX ULTRA Micro Tool Grinding Machine With Nanometer Resolution

July 23, 2024
ANCA's MicroX ULTRA is a 6-axis grinding machine designed for volume production of nano and micro-cutting tools down to 0.03 mm in diameter.

A 6-axis grinding machine designed for volume production of nano and micro-cutting tools down to D0.03mm, the MicroX ULTRA manufactures high-quality, high-performance micro-cutting tools.

The brain behind the machine is Pat McCluskey, a passionate machine tool designer, who is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of ANCA, the company he co-founded with Pat Boland in 1974.

“I have been designing ANCA machines for 50 years—always with the goal of making machines better, more efficient, and user-friendly. It is a trademark of ANCA that you just have to do it differently, and the latest machine, the MicroX ULTRA, is the only micro tool grinder with nanometer resolution. This nano-level precision is a significant advancement in the field, utilizing the very best of ANCA's technology developed over five decades to offer superior micro tool production.” — Pat McCluskey.

With nanometer resolution and control over the tool grinding path, the MicroX ULTRA delivers a high level of surface and edge quality through intelligent algorithms that operate collaboratively and in synchrony.

The C-axis refers to the wheel swivel axis centerline, which is aligned with the wheel's 9 o'clock grind point. This specific design is critical in the grinding of ball nose, corner radius, and profile tools. In the case of a ball nose tool, the X and Y interpolations during the grinding process will be nearly equal to the radius of the ball nose tool.

Advanced algorithms ensure precise nanometer-level control of tool grinding paths, guaranteeing superior surface and edge quality. These algorithms collaborate and synchronize to reject disturbances swiftly, enhancing axis stiffness and robustness. They actively mitigate disturbances from spindle speed variations caused by imbalanced or runout grinding wheels. Encoder subdivision error compensation automatically detects and corrects inherent encoder errors on both linear and rotary encoders.

The LaserUltra takes process stability to an even higher level by closely controlling tolerances and incorporating in-process compensation mechanisms. This advanced system adapts to factors like wheel wear, resulting in superior precision and reliability.

Seamless integration with ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) facilitates effortless transition to automated, lights-out production, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.

Features:

  • Nanometer resolution and nanometer control on all axes
  • Optimized axes travel to grind tools to micrometer sizes
  • ANCA Machine Intelligence
  • In-process measurement in volume production
  • AIMS ready
  • Fast setup change workholding and work support system
  • Grinding wheel tilt axis with a fast wheel changer
  • Optimized linear axes travel with the ball nose grinding wheel point above the wheel rotation centerline
  • Uninterrupted continuous micro tool production
  • Grinder is separated from the canopy and loader
  • Motor temperature control (MTC)
Machine Structure Rigid single column
Spindle Power Dual-ended with peak power 4.5 kW (6 hp)
Wheel Packs 2 wheel packs (one on both ends of the spindle)
Tool (Shank) Dia. Productive up to 6 mm (1/4 in.) dia.
Max. Tool Length 120 mm (14 in.)
Loader Type Fanuc
Max. Tool Capacity 840 x 3 mm dia.
Dimensions (WxDxH) 76 x 70 x 71 in. (1,930 x 1,800 x 1,810 mm)
CNC Details ANCA AMC5 G2 High-Performance CNC, High-Speed SSD, Ethercat, Intel Processor, Windows 10

ANCA Inc.
Wixom, MI
(248) 926-4466
[email protected]
machines.anca.com