ANCA CNC Machines celebrates 50 years of innovation at EMO Hannover, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology. Leveraging this milestone, the company highlight its legacy of innovation while unveiling new machines, automation, software and services that help toolmakers stay competitive in an evolving global market. For ANCA, this golden anniversary is about reflecting on the past while showcasing a future built on smarter, faster, and more connected solutions.
Over the past fifty years, ANCA has grown from a small Australian start-up founded by engineers Pat McCluskey and Pat Boland, in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia into a global leader in CNC tool and cutter grinding technology. Its journey has been marked by a series of industry-firsts, including the launch of the world’s first five-axis CNC tool grinder, the development of advanced 3D simulation software, and the introduction of automation and digital ecosystems that have transformed toolmaking processes. Today ANCA machines are used in more than 45 countries, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics and general engineering. The first fifty years established ANCA’s reputation for reliability and innovation, and the next fifty will continue to build on this foundation.
At EMO Hannover, from 22 to 26 September 2025, ANCA will present a comprehensive showcase of its latest technology at Hall 11, stand F34. The MX7 ULTRA five-axis CNC grinder and MicroX ULTRA micro-tool grinder demonstrate ANCA’s precision in high-performance and small-scale tool production. For tool finishing, the EPX-SF stream finishing machine enhances edge integrity and tool life, while the CPX Linear delivers high-volume cylindrical grinding with precision and efficiency. ANCA’s AIMS smart factory platform and AIMS Connect provide automated, traceable workflows, linking machines, processes, and data. On the software side, InsertsPro and ToolRoom RN35 enable faster, more accurate tool design and grinding. These systems reduce cycle time, improve accuracy and enhance the user experience. Automation platforms including AIMS and AIMS Connect will demonstrate how job management, digital work instructions, operator guidance and asset traceability can be seamlessly integrated into production.
Another major attraction at EMO Hannover will be the ANCAToolOfTheYear2025 competition in its eighth year. This global contest celebrates the skill and creativity of toolmakers by inviting entries in two categories: MadeonANCA, physical tools made on ANCA machines, and Most Innovative Tool, an outstanding digital design created in ToolRoom and CIM3D software.
Winners will be announced live at EMO, with prizes including AUD 10,000 worth of ANCA products or software, travel experiences, expert consultations and ANCA Academy training subscriptions. The competition has become a favourite within the industry.
EMO Hannover has always been more than an exhibition for ANCA. It is the stage where innovation, technology and market needs meet. Over the years, ANCA has introduced several breakthroughs at EMO that later became industry standards, from simulation tools to advanced grinding solutions. The exhibition provides a uniquely international platform, attracting thousands of visitors across the globe. EMO rewards working innovations, the kind of solutions that visitors can see demonstrated, simulate and sign off on immediately.
As ANCA looks ahead to its fiftieth anniversary showcase, the company has spent 2024 and 2025 marking this milestone with new product launches, technical events and open house celebrations. Visitors to the booth will be encouraged to simulate their own parts, examine cycle times, test edge and finish quality, and explore upgrades across the tooling stack. It is an opportunity to view equipment while experiencing how ANCA’s ecosystem can improve productivity and efficiency in real manufacturing conditions.
Reflecting on two decades of EMO experience, each edition brings new lessons, insights into market trends, customer needs and opportunities for growth. For the 2025 show, ANCA has hinted at a special surprise aligned with its 50-year journey, continuing its tradition of using EMO as a launchpad for meaningful advancements in grinding software, automation and measurement.
While the fiftieth anniversary is a proud milestone, ANCA’s focus is firmly forward, investing in next-generation solutions that address the challenges of modern manufacturing, from labour shortages to sustainability demands. By building on its heritage of innovation, ANCA remains committed to helping toolmakers worldwide achieve higher levels of precision, efficiency and profitability. “As we celebrate 50 years of ANCA, our focus is on where we’ve come from and where we are heading. At EMO Hannover 2025, we are proud to showcase solutions that combine precision, automation and digital integration, giving our customers the tools they need to succeed for the next 50 years.” said Martin Winterstein Managing Director of ANCA CNC Machines, Europe.
