ANCrest Software

In an industry first, software developed by ANCA permits the generation of fully ground carbide waveform roughing end mill cutters from solid, making practical an operation that had not previously even been possible. The software, called ANCrest, also lets users produce high-speed steel waveform cutters in a single setup, eliminating complex operations and potentially reducing the cost of the sophisticated tools produced.

Waveform flute end-mills in HSS have been widely used to mill titanium in aerospace applications because of their long life and the stock removal rates of a roughing cutter with the surface finish qualities of a standard cutter. But because of the manufacturing processes required, it had not been practical to produce these tools in carbide and exploit the advantages of carbide and waveform tools in a single cutter.

The new software is compatible with ANCA X-Class tool and cutter grinders with Windows NT operating system, and allows left- and right-hand waveform tools in a wide range of diameters, tapered tools, ball nose cutters, and radii to be manufactured using standard wheel packs and readily available grinding wheels.

ANCrest-generated tools can be superior to tools manufactured by other methods. With ANCrest, users can adjust all parameters of the flute waves, including waveform offsetting between flutes, and can optimize tool designs for specific applications. Testing of carbide ANCrest tools has shown a reduction of static loads by up to 25% and improved surface finish when cutting titanium alloys compared to traditional waveform tools.

The powerful software allows users to design and create customized waveform tools for efficient milling in a range of applications. Fine-tuning such parameters as wheel angle, hook angle, and the amplitude and wave length of the wave can alter the geometry of the finished tool.

Another advantage of the ANCrest manufacturing process is the improved tool metallurgy after grinding compared to the traditional milled and hardened process, allowing coatings to be applied to the uniform ground surfaces.

ANCA, Inc., 25335 Interchange Court, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-1021. Tel: 248-426-3551; Fax: 248-477-2218.