This year’s competition was entirely dedicated to virtual tool design. Using ANCA software, participants developed tool geometries, grinding strategies, and design concepts without
incurring the material costs associated with a physical tool. The awards recognize the expertise of the toolmakers and programmers who drive innovation in cutting tools.

The winning entry from ARCH Medical Grinding was developed by Mark Delaney and Ryan Alderfer with an eye toward the future of robot-assisted surgery. The cannulated tool combines drilling, reaming, and thread cutting. It also features a milled pocket for a Nitinol wire and a screwdriver at the opposite end. By combining multiple functions into a single tool, the aim is to reduce tool changes during robot-assisted procedures. The team designed the tool using ANCA’s ToolRoom and CIM3D software, incorporating realistic cutting geometries and additional milling operations. They then machined the tool on an ANCA MX7 and tested its functionality. In doing so, the team applied proven design principles for cutting tools to an application where precise geometry, concentricity, and cutting performance are becoming increasingly important.

Mark Delaney, Vice President of Operations at ARCH Medical Grinding, explained: “It’s an honor to win a competition against such talented toolmakers from around the world. It means even more to us because, to my knowledge, we’re the first winners from the medical technology sector. It also shows that the mentors from my past continue to shape the next generation of toolmakers, like Ryan and others. I wanted to showcase our talented young team and Ryan’s design skills—with
a focus on what I believe surgical instruments will look like in the future.”

According to the jury, TDM’s second-place entry impressed with a strong final presentation. The simulation ran without any collisions—a sign of careful programming and a solid understanding of realistic grinding processes. The tool combines right- and left-hand flutes with clean geometry, giving it the characteristics of a practical end product. TDM accepted the award at the ANCA booth at Maktek 2026.

Third place went to Roder Ferramentas from Brazil. The JG Group’s entry was also among the finalists.

In addition, ANCA honored Jessica Kuenn of Gorilla Mill as Female Machinist of the Year 2026. Kuenn transitioned from an office position to the shop floor. Since then, she has developed her skills as a tool grinder and is now expanding her knowledge into programming. Another finalist in this category was Kajal Shrikant Ghule of Accusharp Cutting Tools Pvt Ltd.