A collaboration between two leading companies is offering the ability to produce “perfect cutting tools”. Zoller UK (www.zoller-uk.com) — a division of the Carfulan Group — has provided a bespoke interface solution for tool and cutter grinding-machine manufacturer Anca; this means that tools ground on the latter’s machines can be measured and validated remotely, quickly and precisely to ensure they are of the right quality.

The Anca machine simply transfers a data file to the Zoller SmartCheck system, which uses ReGrind software to check all features of the tool against nominal values in a matter of seconds.

The results are then automatically communicated straight back to the Anca machine, which at the touch of a button can begin the re-grinding process to correct any errors that may have been discovered, thereby ensuring 100% tool accuracy.

Anca says the process is not only much faster and more accurate than manual measurement, but also removes the risk of human error associated with writing down values and transporting them to a CNC machine for manual input.

Zoller’s sales manager, Leigh Tricklebank, said: “To produce high-precision tools, you really need an in-depth understanding of the component geometries and features in relation to grinding processes, plus the implications of any changes.

“Our intuitive Zoller software and bespoke grinding interfaces facilitate parametric teach-in features to reduce first-off times, re-work and operator influence.

"Together with Anca, we have developed a bespoke piece of software that measures different features within the grinding path — including diameter, helix and taper.

"By having the master grinding path from Anca going into our machine, we offset the results and send that back to Anca, which makes for a very fluid process.”

Zoller says its SmartCheck machine is designed for all cutting tools, enabling efficient checking before and after the sharpening process to ensure absolute precision and documented results.