ANCA Tool of the Year 2026 Focuses on Virtual Tool Design

Cutting tool challenge Anca opens entries for Tool of the Year 2026

2026-06-30 Source: Anca 2 min Reading Time

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Virtual tool design takes centre stage in Anca’s 2026 awards programme. The company has opened entries for #AncaTooloftheYear2026, focusing on digitally developed cutting tool concepts, while also continuing its Female Machinist of the Year award to recognise women advancing precision manufacturing.

Nayeli Martínez, winner of the Anca Female Machinist Award 2025, second from right.(Source: Anca) — Nayeli Martínez, winner of the Anca Female Machinist Award 2025, second from right.
(Source: Anca)

Anca CNC Machines has opened the submission phase for #AncaTooloftheYear2026. Tool manufacturers, programmers and developers from around the world are invited to present their ideas, technical expertise and digital design skills as part of the competition.

In 2026, the focus is on virtual tool development. This year, the competition is centred exclusively on the “Virtual Tool” category. Against the backdrop of fluctuating costs for carbide and raw materials, users are invited to develop cutting tool concepts using the Tool Room and CIM3D software platforms, without having to manufacture a physical tool.

In parallel with this competition, the company is once again presenting the “Female Machinist of the Year” award. The award recognises women in the industry who contribute to the advancement of precision manufacturing through technical skill, leadership, creativity and innovation.

“Manufacturers around the world are under pressure due to fluctuating costs for carbide and raw materials. That is why this year we are focusing on innovation, simulation and design expertise,” says Pat Boland, co-founder of Anca. “The ‘Virtual Tool’ category enables participating companies to test creative geometries, grinding strategies and new concepts digitally. The ‘Female Machinist of the Year’ award also recognises women who contribute to the development of our industry.”

Focus on virtual cutting tools

The Anca Tool of the Year competition recognises the precision, craftsmanship and innovation of tool manufacturers worldwide. For 2026, the focus is exclusively on the “Virtual Tool” category. Participants develop and simulate virtual tools using ToolRoom and CIM3D. The emphasis is on software proficiency, precision and creativity.

The jury will assess entries according to the following criteria:

Creativity

Visual presentation

Use of the features and flexibility of Anca’s Tool Room and CIM3D software

Female Machinist of the Year: award for women in manufacturing

The “Female Machinist of the Year” award honours women in the industry who contribute to progress in the precision tooling sector through technical excellence, leadership, creativity and innovation.

Sarah Falk, Marketing Director at Scientific Cutting Tools in California and a jury member for the “Female Machinist of the Year” award, underlines the importance of the programme in recognising women in manufacturing: “I am excited to support Anca’s ‘Female Machinist of the Year’ programme as a judge. Giving visibility to women who advance manufacturing through technical expertise, innovation and leadership is an important contribution to strengthening our industry. I look forward to recognising individuals whose work sets standards and encourages more women to pursue careers in machining.”

“Manufacturing is evolving, and the industry benefits when diverse talent becomes more visible,” adds Boland. “We hope this award will encourage more women to pursue career paths in engineering, CNC machining and advanced manufacturing.”

Entries for #AncaTooloftheYear2026 and the “Female Machinist of the Year” award are open from 22 June 2026 until 11 August 2026.

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