ANCA CPX
Key Specifications
Accuracy
Repeatability
axes
tool diameter range
max tool length
grinding spindle power
Overview
The ANCA CPX is a compact CNC tool and cutter grinding machine designed for production grinding of round cutting tools including end mills, drills, step tools, and form tools. Built by ANCA in Melbourne, Australia, the CPX is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level production grinder that delivers ANCA's signature tool grinding accuracy in a smaller, more affordable package than the flagship MX7 and FX7 platforms. The machine features 5-axis CNC grinding capability with X/Y/Z linear travels and A/C rotary axes for full tool geometry generation.
The CPX accommodates tools from 0.5 mm to 200 mm (0.02 to 7.87 in) in diameter with tool lengths up to 250 mm (9.8 in), though its sweet spot is small-to-medium diameter tools in the 1-32 mm range commonly used in mold making, medical manufacturing, and general machining. The grinding spindle delivers 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) at speeds up to 10,000 RPM, driving CBN and diamond grinding wheels for precision flute grinding, end face grinding, relief grinding, and point grinding. The machine uses ANCA's iGrind software for tool path generation, which provides parametric programming of virtually any round tool geometry.
A key advantage of the CPX is its integrated tool loader system that enables unattended production grinding of batches of identical tools. The collet-based loading system handles tool blanks automatically, and ANCA's LaserPlus in-process measurement system is available as an option for closed-loop size control. The Renishaw touch probe provides tool setup and wheel qualification capabilities. The machine runs on ANCA's proprietary CNC control with a Windows-based interface.
The CPX competes with the Rollomatic GrindSmart 528XS, Walter Helitronic Mini, Schneeberger Aries, and JTEKT (Toyoda) tool grinders. New ANCA CPX machines are priced between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on configuration, making them significantly more accessible than the $350,000-$500,000 MX7 or FX7 platforms. Used CPX machines from 2016-2022 trade between $100,000 and $180,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Axes | 5-axis (X, Y, Z, A, C) |
| Tool Diameter Range | 0.5 - 200 mm (0.02 - 7.87 in) |
| Max Tool Length | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | Up to 10,000 RPM |
| Wheel Pack Capacity | 2 wheel packs |
| Max Wheel Diameter | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Tool Loader Capacity | Up to 240 tools (palletized) |
| CNC Control | ANCA CNC with iGrind software |
| Machine Weight | 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.003 mm (0.00012 in) |
| Repeatability | 0.002 mm (0.00008 in) |
Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- ANCA iGrind software provides parametric tool design for virtually any round tool geometry including end mills, drills, step tools, form tools, and custom profiles without requiring geometry expertise
- Integrated tool loader with up to 240-tool capacity enables unattended production grinding through nights and weekends, maximizing machine utilization and reducing labor cost per tool
- Compact footprint makes the CPX suitable for smaller tool grinding shops and resharpening operations that cannot accommodate the larger MX7 or FX7 platforms
- At $200,000-$300,000, the CPX provides ANCA-quality tool grinding at a significantly lower investment than the MX7 ($400,000+), making CNC tool grinding accessible to smaller operations
- LaserPlus in-process measurement option provides closed-loop diameter and runout control, maintaining tight tolerances across large unattended production batches without operator intervention
- ANCA's global service network with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia provides responsive technical support and applications engineering for tool grinding process optimization
Limitations
- 5.5 kW grinding spindle limits material removal rates on larger diameter tools compared to the 19 kW spindle on the MX7, making the CPX best suited for tools under 32 mm diameter
- 2 wheel pack capacity versus 4-6 on larger ANCA machines means more frequent wheel changeovers for complex tool geometries requiring multiple wheel profiles
- 250 mm maximum tool length excludes long-reach tools, deep-hole drills, and extended-length end mills that require the larger work envelope of MX7 or FX7 machines
- ANCA's proprietary control platform means operators trained on Fanuc or Siemens controls require retraining, though iGrind's parametric interface is intuitive for tool grinding applications
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New ANCA CPX machines price between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on loader configuration, LaserPlus measurement system, wheel pack options, and coolant system. Base machines with manual loading start around $200,000, while fully loaded production configurations with 240-tool loader, LaserPlus, and high-pressure coolant approach $300,000. Used CPX machines from 2016-2022 trade between $100,000 and $180,000 depending on hours and configuration.
02
The CPX is ANCA's compact/entry platform with 5.5 kW spindle, 2 wheel packs, and 250 mm tool length. The FX7 offers 11 kW spindle, up to 6 wheel packs, and 380 mm tool length. The MX7 is the flagship with 19 kW spindle, up to 8 wheel packs, and 380 mm tool length with additional automation options. For tools under 20 mm diameter in moderate volumes, the CPX delivers comparable quality at 40-60% lower cost. Choose FX7/MX7 for larger tools, higher volumes, or complex geometries needing more wheel packs.
03
The CPX grinds virtually any round shank cutting tool including square end mills, ball nose end mills, corner radius end mills, twist drills, step drills, reamers, countersinks, form tools, and thread mills. ANCA's iGrind software includes parametric templates for all common tool types plus a custom geometry mode for special profiles. The machine handles HSS, carbide, cermet, and PCD/CBN-tipped tools using appropriate diamond or CBN grinding wheels.
04
iGrind is ANCA's parametric tool design and grinding software that runs on the machine control. Users define tool geometry by entering parameters (diameter, number of flutes, helix angle, relief angles, etc.) rather than programming individual grinding paths. iGrind automatically generates optimized grinding operations and supports simulation before cutting. The software includes libraries of standard tool geometries and allows custom modifications for proprietary designs. Updates are provided regularly with new tool types and optimization features.
05
The CPX can grind PCD (polycrystalline diamond) and CBN (cubic boron nitride) tipped tools using diamond grinding wheels, though its 5.5 kW spindle power limits the aggressiveness of stock removal on these ultra-hard materials. For high-volume PCD/CBN tool production, the more powerful MX7 is preferred. The CPX is well-suited for finish grinding and resharpening of PCD/CBN tools where material removal is minimal and precision is paramount.
06
The ANCA CPX achieves positioning accuracy of 0.003 mm and repeatability of 0.002 mm. In practical tool grinding, this translates to typical diameter tolerances of +/- 0.005 mm, runout under 0.005 mm, and surface finish of Ra 0.2-0.4 µm on ground surfaces. With the LaserPlus in-process measurement system providing closed-loop compensation, diameter tolerances can be held to +/- 0.003 mm across production batches of hundreds of tools.
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