Australian CNC machinery maker Anca announced that SJ Tools won its 2022 Tool of the Year award, making it the first Mexican entrant to earn that distinction. The tool earned the distinction for incorporating five features in a single tool.

“Every year I am delighted by the skill and creativity of our customers and how they apply the Anca technology to design and manufacture market-leading cutting tools,” said Patrick Boland, Anca co-founder.

Edwin Juarez, CEO of SJ Tools, said, “With this tool we could eliminate five tools and machine it with one. The first and second operation performed was roughing and a chip breaker on the tip to break the chip, giving better output and avoiding obstructions. The third operation interpolates to create a pocket. In the fourth and fifth we made two internal slots in which we did roughing and finishing, also super polishing and honing. At the same time, we managed to reduce cycle times, production cost and inventory cost.”

The winner of the main category was SJ Tools, followed by first runner-up ARCH Cutting Tools; second runner-up TDM Cutting Tools; and third runner-up JG Group. The winner of the virtual category was JG Group, followed by first runner-up Centrum Techniki MACRO Sp. z o.o.; and second runner-up Xiamen Golden Egret Special Alloy Co. Ltd.

Anca is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.