Rollomatic ShapeSmart NP5

The ANCA FX7 is a more general-purpose tool and cutter grinder handling workpieces up to 200 mm diameter, while the NP5 specializes in small-diameter parts under 12.7 mm. For micro-tools below 1 mm, the NP5's linear motor drives and integrated camera system deliver significantly better accuracy and surface finish. The ANCA FX7 is the better choice for shops grinding a wide range of tool sizes. The NP5 wins decisively for dedicated micro-tool and medical component production.

Rollomatic offers integrated robotic loading systems that enable unattended production. The robot handles part loading and unloading from palletized trays, typically providing 4-8 hours of unattended runtime depending on cycle times and pallet capacity. The automation package adds approximately $100,000-$150,000 to the base machine cost but dramatically reduces operator labor cost per part in high-volume production.

Yes. The NP5 is primarily designed for grinding tungsten carbide, HSS, cermet, and CBN tool blanks. Diamond grinding wheels are standard for carbide work. The machine's rigid construction and linear motor positioning are specifically optimized for the interrupted cutting forces encountered when grinding carbide, which is harder and more brittle than steel. Wheel dressing is integrated into the grinding cycle for consistent wheel geometry.

Cycle times vary with tool complexity, but a typical 1 mm diameter, 2-flute carbide end mill with standard geometry grinds in 2-4 minutes on the NP5. Complex geometries with multiple reliefs, chip breakers, or corner radii can extend to 6-8 minutes. The 3-wheel simultaneous grinding capability reduces cycle times by 20-30% compared to single-wheel machines that must change wheels between operations.

Rollomatic provides a standard 2-week training program at their facility or on-site covering machine operation, VirtualGrind Pro programming, wheel dressing, and maintenance. The proprietary software is purpose-built for grinding operations and is generally considered easier to learn than adapting general-purpose CNC skills. Most operators with prior grinding experience become productive within 4-6 weeks after training.

The NP5 uses a precision oil-based coolant system with programmable nozzles that direct coolant to the grinding zone with high accuracy. Oil coolant is preferred over water-soluble in micro-grinding because it provides better lubricity and surface finish at the sub-micron level. The machine includes a fine filtration system to remove grinding swarf and maintain coolant cleanliness, which is critical for consistent surface finish quality.