Karl Roll has developed its new Focus solvent cleaning system for manufacturers that need to clean smaller quantities of components more frequently while meeting increasingly demanding cleanliness standards. The compact, cost-effective system provides an entry into high-quality parts cleaning with a relatively low investment. 

Operating under full vacuum, Focus can use hydrocarbons or modified alcohols and requires only an industrial power supply and compressed air connection. Its working chamber accommodates components up to 565 x 365 x 250 mm and weighing up to 50 kg. 

Designed as a plug-and-play solution, Focus incorporates features intended to deliver reliable and repeatable cleaning as standard. Two solvent tanks with separate circulation systems and bypass filtration can support pre-cleaning and fine cleaning where high cleanliness levels are required. Alternatively, one tank can be used for cleaning and the other for conservation. 

Ultrasonic cleaning is also integrated, with frequency adjustable to suit the application. A loading aid supports ergonomic operation and can be extended to automatic loading and unloading, while barcode scanning is available for unmanned operation. 

Energy and resource efficiency were key considerations in the system’s development. Vacuum pumps, heaters and drain pumps have been selected to provide an efficient balance between performance and consumption. An integrated distillation unit continuously processes the solvent, while automatic oil removal helps maintain cleaning performance and extend solvent service life. 

Further energy savings come from recovering heat from the distillation process and insulating heated components. A filtration system removes particulate contamination, while an optional automatic lid lock helps prevent solvent release during filter changes. 

By concentrating on the equipment required for high-quality cleaning, Focus provides a practical solution for manufacturers handling lower cleaning volumes without compromising process reliability or efficiency. 

More information www.karl-roll.de/en 

At last month’s IMTS 2026 exhibition in Chicago, ANCA demonstrated a connected regrinding workflow combining the ANCA MX7 Ultra, Zoller Genius measuring technology and AIMS Connect software to help manufacturers extend tool life, reduce carbide consumption and improve control of the regrinding process.  

With carbide prices having risen significantly in recent years, regrinding is becoming increasingly important to tool manufacturers. ANCA’s integrated workflow connects grinding, measurement and production data, reducing manual intervention while improving process visibility and traceability. 

At its centre is the MX7 Ultra, which combines precision grinding technologies including LaserUltra and runout compensation. Zoller Genius provides automated measurement before and after grinding, while AIMS Connect links machine, measurement and production data. ANCA says the system can deliver productivity gains of up to 20%. 

“Regrinding is no longer just a cost-saving option – in a high-carbide-cost environment it’s a strategic imperative,” says Edmund Boland, CEO at ANCA CNC Machines. “A well-executed regrind typically costs 30-40% of a new tool while delivering 85-95% of original performance.” 

ANCA also showcased the MicroX Ultra for high-volume production of micro tools down to 0.03 mm diameter, alongside the Zoller PomBasic MTI for measurement. The EPX-SF stream finishing machine demonstrated post-grinding processing, with before-and-after tool samples showing its effect on edge quality and surface finish. 

The booth also feature ANCA’s Tool of the Year 2026 competition, software and simulation solutions, ANCA Academy training, customer support resources and custom solutions for application-specific requirements. 

More information www.anca.com 

Grinding machine builder Fritz Studer AG is inviting young researchers from European universities and technical colleges to enter the eighth Fritz Studer Award, which recognises innovative research with the potential to advance machine tool technology. 

The competition is open to graduates whose student research projects, college work or dissertations have focused on scientific or applied research relevant to the machine industry. Entries can address areas including precision machine tool concepts, alternative construction materials, simulation of machine dynamics and thermal behaviour, control and sensor technology, digital solutions for grinding, or new manufacturing technologies such as grinding and hard turning. 

To qualify, applicants must be able to demonstrate substantiated results or partial results from their research. The jury will assess the scientific content, form and accuracy of submissions, as well as the originality of the approach and, importantly, the feasibility of applying the findings in the machine industry. 

“With the Fritz Studer Award, we want to give young researchers an opportunity to present innovative ideas that could contribute to the future development of machine tools,” says a Studer representative. 

The winner or winners will receive CHF 10,000, the Fritz Studer Award and a certificate. Entries will be assessed by a jury comprising: Dr Konrad Wegener of Inspire-IWF Machine Tools and Manufacturing at ETH Zurich; Fred Gaegauf, Board of Directors of Fritz Studer AG; and Dr Frank Fiebelkorn, Head of Research and Development at Fritz Studer AG. 

The award ceremony will take place in mid-February 2027. The competition provides young researchers with an opportunity to gain recognition for work that combines scientific innovation with practical potential for precision manufacturing. 

More information www.studer.com