ANCA GX7
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Max Workpiece ⌀
Accuracy
Overview
The ANCA GX7 is a specialized 5-axis CNC grinding machine designed primarily for the production and resharpening of skiving cutters, hobs, and other gear cutting tools. While ANCA's FX7 and MX7 handle general-purpose tool grinding, the GX7 fills a critical niche for shops that manufacture and recondition gear cutting tools, a market segment that demands extreme precision in profile geometry, lead accuracy, and surface finish.
The GX7 features axis travels of 500 mm (19.7 in) in X, 350 mm (13.8 in) in Y, and 250 mm (9.8 in) in Z, with a C-axis headstock providing continuous rotation and an A-axis with ±30 degrees of swivel. The grinding spindle delivers 24 kW (32 HP) peak power at speeds up to 8,000 RPM, using a direct-drive motor for smooth acceleration and vibration-free operation at all speeds. Maximum grinding wheel diameter is 254 mm (10 in), and the machine accepts workpieces up to 250 mm (9.8 in) diameter and 500 mm (19.7 in) length.
The GX7 uses ANCA's LinX linear motor technology on the X and Y axes for backlash-free positioning, combined with precision ballscrews on the Z-axis. This hybrid approach delivers the positioning accuracy needed for gear tool profiles, typically ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in), while maintaining the damping characteristics beneficial for grinding operations. The machine includes integrated probing for automatic wheel qualification and in-process measurement.
The machine runs on ANCA's dedicated gear tool grinding software, which handles the complex mathematics of involute profiles, lead modifications, and protuberance grinding that general-purpose tool grinding software cannot address efficiently. The software integrates with gear measurement data from Klingelnberg, Gleason, and other gear metrology systems for closed-loop quality control. New GX7 machines typically price in the $350,000-$500,000 range. Used units are uncommon due to the specialized nature of the market.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Axes | 5 (X, Y, Z linear + A, C rotary) |
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| C Axis | Continuous rotation (headstock) |
| A Axis | ±30° swivel |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Length | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Max Grinding Wheel Diameter | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Spindle Power Peak | 24 kW (32 HP) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
| Axis Drives | LinX linear motors (X, Y) + ballscrew (Z) |
| CNC Control | ANCA CNC with gear tool grinding software |
| Probing | Integrated automatic wheel and workpiece probing |
Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Purpose-built gear tool grinding software handles involute profiles, lead modifications, and protuberance grinding that general-purpose grinders cannot match
- LinX linear motors on X and Y axes provide backlash-free positioning essential for maintaining gear tooth profile accuracy within ±0.002 mm
- Integrated probing system enables automatic wheel qualification and in-process measurement, reducing operator intervention and scrap
- Closed-loop integration with Klingelnberg and Gleason gear measurement systems enables data-driven quality control
- 24 kW direct-drive spindle provides vibration-free grinding at all speeds, critical for achieving the surface finishes gear tools demand
- Handles both new production and resharpening of gear tools, providing flexibility for captive gear shops and commercial tool grinding services
Limitations
- Highly specialized application limits resale value and market; the machine cannot be easily repurposed for general tool grinding
- Gear tool grinding software requires specialized training and expertise that goes beyond standard CNC grinding knowledge
- Limited availability of used machines means most buyers must purchase new, with no lower-cost entry option
- 8,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is lower than general-purpose tool grinders, limiting effectiveness on very small diameter tools
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New ANCA GX7 machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on configuration, automation options, and software packages. The specialized gear tool grinding software is included in the base price. Used GX7 units are rare due to the niche market; when available, they typically sell for $200,000-$350,000. The investment is justified by the premium pricing that gear tool grinding commands in the market.
02
The FX7 and MX7 are general-purpose tool and cutter grinders designed for end mills, drills, and similar rotary cutting tools. The GX7 is purpose-built for gear cutting tools, with dedicated software for involute profile grinding, lead correction, and protuberance geometry. The GX7's workholding, axis configuration, and grinding cycles are optimized for the unique requirements of hobs, skiving cutters, and shaper cutters that general-purpose machines handle poorly.
03
Yes, the GX7 handles both new production and resharpening of gear cutting tools. For new production, the machine grinds the full profile, flutes, and relief angles from heat-treated blanks. For resharpening, it re-grinds the cutting faces while maintaining the original profile geometry. The integrated probing system measures the existing tool geometry before resharpening, ensuring accurate stock removal and profile restoration.
04
The GX7 grinds a comprehensive range of gear cutting tools including: involute hobs (spur and helical), skiving cutters for internal and external gears, shaper cutters, chamfer and deburring tools, worm gear hobs, and specialized profile tools. The machine handles modules from 0.5 to approximately 10 depending on tool diameter and the specific grinding wheel configuration. Both pre-hardened HSS and carbide-tipped tools are supported.
05
The GX7's software can import measurement data from Klingelnberg, Gleason, and other gear metrology platforms in standard data formats. This enables a closed-loop workflow: grind the tool, measure it on a dedicated gear measurement machine, import the results back into the GX7 to make profile corrections, and re-grind. This iterative process achieves the DIN/AGMA accuracy classes that high-precision gear manufacturing demands.
06
Operating the GX7 requires knowledge of both CNC grinding fundamentals and gear engineering principles. Operators need to understand involute geometry, gear nomenclature (module, pressure angle, lead, profile modifications), and grinding wheel selection for different tool materials. ANCA provides comprehensive training programs, but most shops find that existing gear manufacturing engineers adapt to the GX7 more quickly than general CNC grinding operators.
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