ANCA EP5

$150,000 - $220,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

380 mm (15 in)

Y Travel

380 mm (15 in)

Z Travel

220 mm (8.7 in)

axes

5 (X, Y, Z linear + A, C rotary)

c axis

320-degree rotation

a axis

360-degree rotation

Overview

The ANCA EP5 is ANCA's entry-level 5-axis CNC tool grinder, designed to bring full simultaneous 5-axis grinding capability to shops that are transitioning from manual or semi-automatic tool grinding and cannot justify the capital investment of the FX7 or MX7. The EP5 occupies the bottom rung of ANCA's production tool grinder lineup while still running the same ToolRoom software platform as the larger machines.

The EP5 handles tools up to 160 mm (6.3 in) diameter for OD grinding and tools up to 10 kg (22 lb) in weight. Five CNC axes provide simultaneous interpolation for complex helical and profiled tools: X-axis travel of 380 mm (15 in), Y-axis travel of 380 mm (15 in), and Z-axis travel of 220 mm (8.7 in). The A-axis provides 360-degree rotation and the C-axis provides 320-degree rotation.

The spindle is rated at 13 kW (17.4 HP) peak, which is appropriate for the EP5's intended tool diameter range. Maximum grinding wheel diameter is 152 mm (6 in), slightly smaller than the FX7 and MX7 but compatible with ANCA's EP5-specific wheel packs. A 2-station wheel changer is standard; a 4-station is optional.

The EP5 runs ANCA's ToolRoom iGrind software, the same package used on all ANCA machines. This means a shop that starts on the EP5 can later move operators to an FX7 or MX7 without retraining, and programs written on the EP5 transfer directly to larger machines for scaled production.

The EP5 is positioned for small cutting tool manufacturers, tool and die shops, and training environments where the full scope of 5-axis tool grinding is needed at a reduced entry price. New EP5 machines typically price between $150,000 and $220,000. Used units are occasionally available in the $70,000-$110,000 range.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Axes	5 (X, Y, Z linear + A, C rotary)
X-Axis Travel	380 mm (15 in)
Y-Axis Travel	380 mm (15 in)
Z-Axis Travel	220 mm (8.7 in)
C Axis	320-degree rotation
A Axis	360-degree rotation
Max Tool Diameter Od	160 mm (6.3 in)
Max Tool Weight	10 kg (22 lb)
Max Grinding Wheel Diameter	152 mm (6 in)
Spindle Power Peak	13 kW (17.4 HP)
Wheel Changer	2-station standard, 4-station optional
Machine Dimensions	1,650 x 1,600 x 1,750 mm (65 x 63 x 68.9 in)
CNC Control	ANCA ToolRoom with iGrind software

Specifications sourced from machines.anca.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Lowest entry price in ANCA's 5-axis lineup puts full simultaneous grinding capability within reach of smaller shops and tool and die operations
Runs identical iGrind software as the MX7 and FX7, so programs and operator skills transfer seamlessly to larger machines
Compact 1,650 x 1,600 mm footprint fits in smaller machine rooms and training facilities where larger ANCA models cannot
5-axis simultaneous capability handles complex helical tools, step drills, and form tools that 4-axis machines cannot produce
ANCA's established service and applications network supports the EP5 with the same depth as higher-tier models
Ideal as a learning machine for apprentices and CNC grinding students before moving to higher-throughput platforms

Limitations

13 kW spindle limits material removal rate, making cycle times longer than FX7 on tools that push the EP5's capacity
220 mm Z-travel is the shortest in ANCA's lineup, restricting maximum tool length for drills and extended-reach applications
152 mm maximum wheel diameter is smaller than FX7/MX7, limiting face width and form capability for complex profiles
No robot loader integration available, so the EP5 is essentially a manual-load machine without automation options
2-station wheel changer restricts operations requiring frequent wheel changes; 4-station upgrade adds cost
Tool weight limit of 10 kg excludes heavier shanked tools and larger form tools that even the FX7 handles comfortably

Best For

Small tool and die shops adding in-house tool grinding capability for the first time without large capital commitment Technical schools, apprenticeship programs, and CNC grinding training centers where the full iGrind platform is needed at educational pricing Shops grinding primarily small-diameter tools (under 12 mm) where the EP5's capacity fully covers the product range Companies evaluating ANCA's platform before committing to FX7 or MX7 investment, using the EP5 as a proof-of-concept machine Tool regrinding operations with lower throughput requirements where cycle time per tool is less critical than capital efficiency

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the ANCA EP5 a full 5-axis machine or a 4+1?

The EP5 is a true 5-axis simultaneous machine. All five axes — X, Y, Z linear plus A and C rotary — interpolate simultaneously under CNC control. This makes it capable of grinding complex helical geometries, clearance angles, and profiled cutting edges that require coordinated motion across all axes. It runs the same iGrind software as ANCA's production machines, with no functional difference in geometry capability.

02 Can I automate the ANCA EP5 for lights-out production?

The EP5 is designed primarily for manual loading. ANCA does not offer the same Fanuc robot integration for the EP5 that is available on the FX7, RX7, and MX7. For shops requiring unattended production, stepping up to the FX7 with robot loader is the recommended path. The EP5 is best suited for lower-volume work or batch production where an operator is present.

03 What is the ANCA EP5 price?

New ANCA EP5 machines typically price between $150,000 and $220,000 depending on the wheel changer configuration (2-station standard or 4-station optional) and software packages included. This makes it the most affordable entry into full 5-axis CNC tool grinding in ANCA's lineup. Used units occasionally appear in the $70,000-$110,000 range.

04 How does the EP5 compare to the FX5?

The EP5 and FX5 are both compact ANCA tool grinders positioned below the FX7 in the lineup, but the FX5 is typically a newer design with updated construction and slightly different capacity targeting. The EP5 is explicitly positioned as an entry-level 5-axis machine for lower-volume and training applications, while the FX5 offers a more refined precision focus. A dealer comparison based on your specific tool range is recommended.