ANCA Tool of the Year and Female Machinist 2025: A celebration of precision and innovation in toolmaking
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ANCA's prestigious competition is now open for entries: win AUD$10,000, a trip to Australia or Thailand, on-site consultation with ANCA experts and more!
ANCA CNC Machines, a global leader in CNC grinding technology, is excited to announce the opening of #ANCATooloftheYear2025. This prestigious competition invites toolmakers from around the world to showcase their outstanding designs, precision and craftsmanship. Participants will compete for an array of prizes, including AUD$10,000 in ANCA products, a trip to ANCA Australia or Thailand, an on-site consultation with ANCA experts and a 12-month ANCA Academy subscription for professional development.
Participants can enter one or both of the following categories: #MadeonANCA for physical tools created using ANCA technology, and Most Innovative Tool Design for virtual tools that showcase cutting-edge creativity.
The winner of #MadeonANCA receives:
- Option 1: AUD$10,000 in ANCA accessories/software + a trip to ANCA Australia or Thailand
- Option 2: An on-site consultation with an ANCA Application Engineer to optimise cycle times and boost productivity
The winner of Most Innovative Tool Design receives:
- A 12-month subscription to ANCA Academy, ANCA’s e-learning platform, for five people
“At ANCA we develop and continuously improve our machines and software. Our customers create incredible products through their skill and innovation in applying ANCA technology. We see #ANCATooloftheYear2025 and the Female Machinist Award as a spotlight on the trailblazers who are applying their knowledge to create something unique in the market. Having celebrated 50 years of innovation last year, we now look firmly ahead to a future driven by bold ideas, precision craftsmanship and talented individuals,” said Patrick Boland, ANCA Co-Founder.
Submissions are open from 26th May to 31st July. Winners will be announced at EMO 2025 in Hannover. Enter now at www.anca.com/Tool-of-the-Year
Female Machinist Award 2025: Celebrating women in manufacturing
ANCA’s Female Machinist Award returns in 2025, which recognises the outstanding achievements of women in the tool and cutter grinding industry. This award celebrates the
growing role of women in manufacturing and their contribution to advancing the cutting tool industry.
Jennifer Baldus, Managing Director at Spreyer-Werkzeugtechnik GmbH in Limburg and member of the judging panel, said: “For 50 years, Spreyer has stood for precision and high performance in the tool industry. Our success has always been down to committed and talented people – both men and women. Today, I experience this in my daily dialogue with customers: Women are more in demand in our industry than ever before. The 'Female Machinist of the Year' competition puts the spotlight on the outstanding achievements of female precision tool grinders, creates important role models and encourages young talents to make their way in this demanding and fascinating profession.”
Women of all skill levels who are actively using ANCA technology in their work are encouraged to apply. Submissions will be evaluated based on exceptional problem-solving skills to overcome challenges, innovative and effective tool design, and the demonstrated ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions.
The winner of the Female Machinist Award receives:
- A fully funded ticket to attend a major trade show where ANCA is exhibiting
- Exclusive access to ANCA’s leadership, engineers and product experts
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals and access to educational seminars and workshops
Enter now at www.anca.com/Female-Machinist-Award
w to enter #ANCATooloftheYear2025
1. Review the terms and conditions at www.anca.com/tool-of-the-year
2. Upload your tool image to your social media with the hashtag #ANCATooloftheYear2025 or email it to
3. Fill out the entry form online
4. Stay tuned for voting and finalist announcements via ANCA’s social media channels
Judging panel
- Pat Boland, Co-Founder & Managing Director, ANCA
- Santosh Plakkat, Product Manager, ANCA
- Vadim Zaiser, Product Manager, ANCA
- Cornelius Müller, FRANKEN GmbH & Co. KG
Judging criteria
The top five finalist tools will be judged based on:
- Best surface finish in Ra (roughness average) value on the flute or gash surface
- Closest adherence to the nominal tolerance as stated in the drawing (e.g. if the tolerance on diameter is +/- 0.010mm and the tool measures to 0.005mm, this will rank favourably)
- The tightest tolerance as per the drawing (the tool with the lowest tolerance will rank favourably)
2025 partners & sponsors
- ZOLLER – https://www.zoller.info/us/home
- GDS – https://gds-praezision.de/en
- TYROLIT – https://www.tyrolit.com
- Oelheld – https://www.oelheld.com/de/
- PREMEX – https://www.premex.de/en/
Watch the launch video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7HZZVnrepc
Hear from 2024 winner Krämer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_625wIjtskQ
About ANCA CNC Machines
ANCA CNC Machines is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of advanced CNC grinding machines. With an illustrious history spanning over 50 years, ANCA is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions, and exceptional customer support. ANCA's comprehensive range of products includes tool grinders, CNC grinding machines, software, and automation solutions, catering to diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing.
