System Connects Sequential Tool Production Processes

Photo Credit: ANCA

ANCA presents the ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS), which it describes as an Industry 4.0, factory-wide integration that enables users to consider the factory as a single machine. Rather than separating workflow into many different elements of design, blank preparation, grinding, laser marking, washing, packing and shipment, AIMS is designed to streamline the tool manufacturing process. An interactive and fully operating AIMS cell will be on display at IMTS.

The main modules of the AIMS system include an AutoSet job preparation station, AutoLine for pallet and tool transfer as well as AutoFetch, a robot responsible for material transfer between processes pallet and individual tools between job preparation, and grinding and tool measurement on ZOLLER measuring machine.

AIMS is designed to maximize grinders’ productivity and improve overall equipment effectiveness. Integration with ERP systems to streamline workflows is also one of the important AIMS features.

The principles of the AIMS system are flexibility and modularity. This means each system can be tailored to an individual customer’s needs using the right building blocks. It can scale from a purely software-based monitoring solution to a fully automated manufacturing cell.

AIMS is not a single product but a suite of interconnected building blocks which can be configured to satisfy an individual customer’s requirements. Manufacturers can build their AIMS system gradually using standalone AIMS Ready components, which can be upgraded to fully automatic when required.