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The first ever Mexican winner of ANCA’s Tool of the Year, showcased a cutting tool that combined multiple features into a single tool where all features were finished with a very accurate surface finish. The complexity of the design was possible through ANCA’s flexible iGrind software that offers its users myriad advanced features. SJ Tools’ cutting tool features a roughing tip just below the drill point to carry out high-speed drilling and chip management.

Patrick Boland, co-founder at ANCA, comments, “Every year I am delighted by the skill and creativity of our customers and how they apply ANCA technology to design and manufacture market leading cutting tools. I think it is very important to recognize the amazing results we see across our industry, and ANCA’s Tool of the Year is a chance to get together and celebrate our vibrant and innovative industry.”

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won the virtual category and were third runners up for the ANCA Tool of the Year. According to ANCA, the effort and creative thinking, coupled with intimate knowledge of the iGrind and the CIM3D software, enabled the company to design a life-size model of the “Hummingbird.”

Aleksandra Semeniuk, design manager at JG Group, has been producing cutting tools and machine parts and tooling for industry since 2005. “The ANCA Tool of the Year competition inspires tool companies all around the world and brings a breath of fresh air to our daily work, stimulates creativity and allows us to break down barriers,” they say.

On winning the ANCA Tool of the Year, Edwin Juarez, CEO of SJ Tools comments, “In this very competitive world with the technology that exists in cutting tools, it’s a great achievement for me as well as the whole team that works at SJ Tools. Our tool was designed for a customer which machines aluminium. With this tool, we could eliminate five tools and machine it with one. The first and second operation performed was roughing and a chip breaker on the tip to break the chip, giving better output and avoiding obstructions. The third operation interpolates to create a pocket. In the fourth and fifth, we made two internal slots in which we did roughing and finishing, also super polishing and honing. At the same time, we managed to reduce cycle times, production cost and inventory cost.”

Juarez adds, “There is no simple tool. That is why I want to highlight the engineering, design and manufacturing team, since they worked hard analyzing each of our client’s operations to be able to create this tool. The experience and dedication of each team member that works at SJ Tools leads us to these achievements. It was created by observing, analyzing and detecting the needs of our client.”

Winner Main category: SJ Tool

• First Runners Up:                      
• Second Runners Up:
• Third Runners Up: JG Group

Winner Virtual category: JG Group

• First Runners Up:
• Second Runners Up: