The cutting-tool industry sits at the heart of modern manufacturing. As automotive, aerospace, die-mould, medical, electronics, 3C and general engineering manufacturers demand higher productivity, superior surface finishes, longer tool life and increasingly complex geometries, cutting-tool manufacturers are under constant pressure to deliver greater precision and consistency.
At the same time, India’s manufacturing landscape is evolving rapidly. Increasing localisation, shorter product cycles, growing demand for specialised tools and the need to compete with global suppliers are pushing tool manufacturers towards advanced production technologies.
In this environment, CNC tool grinding is evolving from a standalone machining process into an integrated, intelligent manufacturing ecosystem. Advanced grinding platforms, software, automated measurement, process compensation and digital production management are becoming important tools for improving productivity and repeatability.
In this interaction, Raghavendra Koneri, Country Manager – India, ANCA CNC Machines, discusses the changing requirements of the cutting-tool industry, ANCA’s latest technologies and how these solutions can help tool manufacturers build more productive, flexible and future-ready operations.
Q1. How do you see the evolution of cutting-tool manufacturing in India?
Indian cutting-tool manufacturing is moving rapidly towards higher levels of precision, productivity and sophistication.
Customers are no longer looking only at standard drills and end mills. We are seeing growing demand for special tools, complex geometries, micro tools, PCD tools and application-specific solutions.
At the same time, manufacturers are dealing with challenges such as skilled manpower availability, rising production costs, shorter delivery expectations and the need for consistent quality.
Therefore, the future belongs to manufacturers who can combine high-precision CNC grinding, advanced software, automation, in-process measurement and data-driven production.
The ability to manufacture the right tool repeatedly, efficiently and economically will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.
Q2. What differentiates ANCA’s approach to CNC tool grinding?
Our approach goes beyond the machine itself. We look at the complete tool-manufacturing process—from tool design and grinding to measurement, compensation, automation and production management.
The objective is to provide customers with a technology platform that can grow with their business.
Whether a manufacturer is producing standard carbide tools or highly complex special tools, the combination of CNC machine capability and software provides the flexibility to respond to changing market requirements.
We also believe that automation does not have to be an all-or-nothing investment. Manufacturers can progressively automate individual processes and eventually move towards a more connected manufacturing environment.
Q3. What are some of the latest ANCA solutions that can make an impact in the Indian market?
We are continuously developing solutions around three key objectives—productivity, precision and process automation.
One important development is ToolRoom RN35, our latest software platform designed to enhance grinding performance and machine utilisation. It can deliver significant productivity improvements while maintaining the required tool quality.
Another important area is our EDG range, including the EDG3 and EDG5, which combines erosion and grinding capabilities. This is particularly relevant for manufacturers working with PCD, carbide and HSS tools.
By integrating processes, manufacturers can reduce handling and setup requirements while improving overall process efficiency.
Together, these technologies allow manufacturers to expand their product capabilities while improving productivity and competitiveness.
Q4. How can integrated erosion and grinding benefit PCD tool manufacturers?
PCD tool manufacturing requires a combination of precision, surface quality and process capability.
Traditionally, different operations may require separate machines and additional handling. The EDG platform brings erosion and grinding capabilities together within a single machine environment and tool clamping.
This can simplify the manufacturing process, reduce unnecessary handling and improve process efficiency.
It is particularly relevant to applications involving aerospace, electronics, CFRP composites, aluminium machining and other industries where PCD tools are increasingly important.
For manufacturers, the ability to handle multiple processes within an integrated environment can provide both productivity and quality benefits.
Q5. How important is automation for the future of tool grinding?
Automation is becoming essential for manufacturers looking to increase production without proportionally increasing labour requirements.
ANCA’s **AIMS—ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System—**takes automation beyond an individual machine. It connects processes such as tool grinding, measurement, job management and material movement.
Solutions such as AIMS AutoComp and AutoFetch help automate measurement, compensation and tool movement. This reduces manual intervention and enables machines to operate more productively for longer periods.
The important point is that automation should solve a specific manufacturing problem. Customers can start with one process and progressively build towards a more connected and automated production environment.
Q6. What benefits does digitalisation bring to cutting-tool manufacturers?
Digitalisation provides manufacturers with greater visibility, traceability and control over their production processes.
When machines, measurement systems and production-management platforms are connected, manufacturers can better understand production schedules, machine utilisation, tool quality and process performance.
Solutions such as AIMS Connect help create a structured digital production environment, enabling manufacturers to use production data more effectively.
The ultimate benefit is not simply having more data. It is being able to convert that data into actionable information that helps improve productivity, quality, traceability and decision-making.
Q7. How does in-process measurement contribute to tool quality and productivity?
In-process measurement is extremely important because grinding wheels wear and process conditions can change during production.
If these variations are not detected, they can eventually affect tool geometry and quality.
ANCA’s measurement and compensation technologies allow manufacturers to measure tools and make appropriate corrections during the manufacturing process.
This helps maintain consistency across production batches and reduces the possibility of producing tools outside specification.
For high-volume manufacturing, this can contribute to lower scrap, better repeatability and improved machine utilisation.
Q8. How important are tool geometry and edge preparation in modern machining?
They are absolutely critical.
Optimised tool geometry influences cutting forces, heat generation, chip evacuation and tool life. As machining applications become more demanding, the geometry of the cutting edge becomes increasingly important.
Edge preparation also plays a major role. Proper edge preparation can improve edge strength and reduce the possibility of micro-chipping, contributing to more consistent tool performance.
This is particularly important in high-speed machining and applications involving difficult materials.
Ultimately, a cutting tool needs to deliver not just dimensional accuracy, but predictable performance throughout its working life.
Q9. Which user industries can benefit most from ANCA’s latest technologies?
The opportunity is very broad.
Our technologies are relevant to automotive and EV, aerospace, defence, die-mould, medical, electronics and 3C, general engineering and other precision manufacturing sectors.
For aerospace and medical applications, precision and repeatability are extremely important. In automotive and EV manufacturing, productivity, tool life and consistency are key considerations.
In 3C applications, manufacturers increasingly require very small and specialised tools capable of producing complex components with exceptional surface quality.
The common requirement across these industries is the ability to manufacture high-performance cutting tools consistently, efficiently and economically.
Q10. As the CNC Tool Grinding Partner for M&M 2026, what technology will ANCA be presenting and exhibiting in Pune?
M&M 2026 provides an excellent opportunity to engage directly with India’s machining and manufacturing community.
As the CNC Tool Grinding Partner, ANCA will focus on demonstrating how advanced tool-grinding technologies can help manufacturers address today’s productivity and precision challenges.
Visitors can expect to explore technologies covering advanced CNC tool grinding, ULTRA platforms, EDG solutions, ToolRoom software, in-process measurement, automation and the AIMS digital manufacturing ecosystem.
Our objective is not simply to showcase machines. We want visitors to understand how these technologies can address real production challenges.
The focus will be on reducing cycle time, improving tool consistency, increasing machine utilisation, reducing manual intervention and enabling scalable production.
M&M 2026 will also provide an opportunity for us to interact directly with cutting-tool manufacturers and end users and understand their evolving requirements.
Q11. What should manufacturers consider when investing in advanced tool-grinding technology?
Technology investment should always be connected to a clear business objective.
Manufacturers should look beyond machine specifications and evaluate the complete ecosystem—including application capability, software, automation potential, measurement, service support, training and total cost of ownership.
They should also consider where they want their business to be three to five years from now.
A machine is a long-term investment. Therefore, the technology platform should provide sufficient flexibility to accommodate future tool designs, new materials, automation requirements and changing customer expectations.
Q12. What is your message to Indian cutting-tool manufacturers looking towards the future?
India’s cutting-tool industry has a tremendous opportunity because the country is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing base for automotive, electronics, aerospace, defence and other industries.
To capture this opportunity, Indian manufacturers must continuously improve precision, productivity, quality and responsiveness.
The transition from conventional tool production to connected and intelligent manufacturing is already underway.
