ANCA FX5
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
axes
c axis
a axis
Overview
The ANCA FX5 is a compact 5-axis CNC tool grinder engineered for precision production of small-diameter cutting tools. It occupies the niche between the entry-level EP5 and the production-focused FX7, targeting shops that demand FX7-class precision in a smaller, more economical machine optimized for tools under 16 mm diameter.
The FX5 is built around the same LinX linear motor technology that ANCA uses across its production lineup. Linear scales on all primary axes provide direct position feedback, eliminating ballscrew wear as a source of positioning error over the machine's lifetime. The design philosophy prioritizes accuracy and thermal stability over maximum material removal rate, making the FX5 an excellent choice for precision re-grinding and the production of high-tolerance micro tools.
Capacity covers tools up to 160 mm (6.3 in) diameter, with a maximum tool weight of 15 kg (33 lb). Z-axis travel is 250 mm (9.8 in), and the spindle delivers 15 kW (20 HP) peak power. The FX5 accepts grinding wheels up to 178 mm (7 in) diameter. A 4-station automatic wheel changer is standard on the FX5, an improvement over the EP5's 2-station standard and appropriate for the multi-operation sequences common in precision tool grinding.
Like all ANCA machines, the FX5 runs ToolRoom iGrind software, with full access to ANCA's geometry libraries for drills, end mills, reamers, taps, and custom profiles. The AutoSet laser measurement system is available as an option for in-process verification and automatic compensation.
New FX5 machines typically price in the $175,000-$260,000 range. Used units appear occasionally in the $85,000-$140,000 range.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Axes | 5 (X, Y, Z linear + A, C rotary) |
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| C Axis | 320-degree rotation |
| A Axis | 360-degree rotation |
| Max Tool Diameter Od | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 15 kg (33 lb) |
| Max Grinding Wheel Diameter | 178 mm (7 in) |
| Spindle Power Peak | 15 kW (20 HP) |
| Wheel Changer | 4-station standard |
| Axis Drives | LinX linear motors with linear scales |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,750 x 1,700 x 1,800 mm (68.9 x 66.9 x 70.9 in) |
| CNC Control | ANCA ToolRoom with iGrind software |
Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- LinX linear motor technology provides backlash-free positioning and exceptional geometric accuracy — the same precision platform as the larger FX7
- 4-station wheel changer included as standard allows complex multi-operation sequences without additional wheel changer investment
- Optimized for sub-16 mm tools where its thermal stability and axis precision deliver finished tool quality comparable to far larger machines
- Compact 1,750 x 1,700 mm footprint allows installation in smaller machine rooms and next to existing equipment
- Full iGrind software platform with geometry libraries for all standard and custom tool types means no compromise on programming capability
- AutoSet laser option enables in-process measurement and automatic compensation, supporting unattended precision grinding
Limitations
- 15 kW spindle limits cycle times for harder carbide grades and larger tool diameters at the edge of its capacity range
- 250 mm Z-travel is shorter than the RX7 (350 mm), restricting maximum tool length for drills and extended-reach tooling
- No robot loader integration, limiting the FX5 to manual-load operation without aftermarket automation solutions
- Tool weight limit of 15 kg is lower than the FX7's 20 kg, excluding heavier custom tools
- 178 mm maximum wheel diameter is smaller than FX7's 203 mm, reducing form capability for complex profiles
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The FX5 and FX7 share the same LinX linear motor platform and iGrind software, but the FX7 is larger in every dimension: more spindle power (19 kW vs. 15 kW), longer Z-travel (274 mm vs. 250 mm), larger maximum wheel diameter (203 mm vs. 178 mm), higher tool weight capacity (20 kg vs. 15 kg), and larger maximum tool diameter (200 mm vs. 160 mm). The FX5 is optimized for precision at smaller tool diameters; the FX7 covers more of the production tool grinding range.
02
Yes. The FX5 is designed for carbide tool grinding with diamond grinding wheels. Its 15 kW spindle and LinX linear motors maintain positioning accuracy during carbide grinding operations. For high-volume carbide roughing on larger tools, the FX7 or MX7 would provide faster cycle times, but for precision carbide grinding of tools in the sub-16 mm range, the FX5 performs excellently.
03
The FX5 has appeared in ANCA's lineup as a compact precision tool grinder. Availability and current production status should be confirmed with an ANCA distributor, as ANCA periodically refreshes its product lineup. The FX7 Linear is ANCA's current mainstream compact production offering, and the EP5 sits below it as the entry-level option.
04
New ANCA FX5 machines are typically priced between $175,000 and $260,000 depending on configuration and software options. The standard 4-station wheel changer is included. Used units appear occasionally in the $85,000-$140,000 range on the secondary market.
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