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Choosing the Right Toolholder: Hydraulic Chucks vs. ER Collet Chucks, End Mill Holders, and Shrink-Fit Toolholders

4/16/2025

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by Bernard Martin
Optimizing Machining Performance with Techniks Triton Hydraulic Milling Chucks
Triton Rotary toolholder Hydraulic Chuck bladder diagram
Toolholder selection plays a critical role in achieving high accuracy, repeatability, and performance. Among the various options available, hydraulic milling chucks provide a versatile and efficient niche solution. But how do they compare to ER collet chucks, end mill holders, and shrink-fit toolholders? In this article, we'll delve into where hydraulic chucks fit as the best choice in some applications.
​
Why Choose Hydraulic Chucks?
Hydraulic toolholders are best suited for applications where precision, vibration damping, and high gripping force are essential. Their hydraulic expansion mechanism provides uniform clamping pressure around the tool shank, reducing runout and improving surface finish.

These benefits make them particularly well-suited for:
  • High-speed milling – Superior Total Indicated Runout (TIR) control enhances tool balance, reducing vibrations and extending tool life.
  • Finishing applications – Improved accuracy and rigidity result in superior surface quality.
  • High-precision holemaking – Consistent tool positioning ensures tight tolerances in drilling, reaming, and boring operations.
  • Five-axis machining – Low runout and uniform clamping pressure help maintain precise tool engagement in complex multi-axis toolpaths.
​
Hydraulic Milling Chucks tend to excel across various industries and machining tasks. They’re particularly well-suited for applications in:
  • Aerospace & Defense - Achieve precision in critical components where tolerances are non-negotiable.
  • Medical Devices - Produce intricate parts with confidence in accuracy and surface quality.
  • Mold and Die Manufacturing - Ensure flawless finishes on molds and dies for high-production environments.

Comparing Toolholding Solutions

Triton Hydraulic Chuck CAT40 Extended Hydraulic Holders SLIM line
Triton Hydraulic Chuck CAT40 Extended Hydraulic Holders SLIM line.
​Hydraulic Chucks vs. ER Collet Chucks
ER collet chucks are widely used in general machining applications due to their flexibility in gripping a range of tool diameters. However, they have inherent drawbacks when compared to hydraulic chucks:
  • TIR Control – Ultra-precision ER collets are available with TIR specifications of less than 0.0002" (5µm) with the right collet and careful operator set-up and installation in a presenter with a torque wrench, whereas hydraulic chucks can easily achieve runout as low as 0.00012" (3µm) at 3×D, with just a t handle wrench ensuring precise tool positioning and superior surface finishes.
  • Clamping Force – Hydraulic chucks distribute uniform pressure around the tool shank, preventing slippage and reducing micro-movements, unlike ER collets, which apply force from the sides and may introduce slight misalignment due to over torque (collet twisting) or under torque (tool slippage).
  • Setup Efficiency – Hydraulic chucks enable fast, tool-free setup, whereas ER collets require torque wrenches and careful tightening to maintain consistent holding power.

Hydraulic Chucks vs. End Mill Holders
​End mill holders provide the most secure mechanical grip using a set screw to hold the tool in place, making them an economical and widely used choice for milling applications. However, it goes without saying that they fall short in most other areas:
  • TIR and Concentricity – Set screw holders often introduce runout exceeding 0.0005” (12µm), which can reduce tool life and compromise precision.
  • Vibration Dampening – Hydraulic chucks significantly reduce cutting forces and chatter, leading to smoother operation and longer tool life.
  • Surface Finish – Reduced vibrations translate to improved finish quality compared to end mill holders, which can introduce chatter due to uneven clamping pressure.
As a general rule you should NEVER use an end mill holder for tools smaller than 5/8" diameter shank. 

Hydraulic Chucks vs. Shrink-Fit Toolholders
​Shrink-fit toolholders offer high rigidity and precision, making them a top choice for high-speed machining. Unlike shrink fit tool holding systems that require extensive setup or heating equipment, Hydraulic Chucks offer a straightforward setup process. Shrink fit also come with drawbacks in cost and handling:
  • Investment Cost – Shrink-fit systems require specialized heating and cooling equipment, increasing initial setup expenses, whereas hydraulic chucks offer similar precision and rigidity without the need for additional equipment.
  • Ease of Use – While shrink-fit holders require heating cycles to install and remove tools, hydraulic chucks allow for rapid tool changes with a simple tightening screw.
  • Heat Sensitivity – Shrink-fit holders can be susceptible to dimensional changes over time from thermal expansion and contraction, whereas hydraulic chucks maintain consistent clamping pressure at all times.

When compared to other toolholding methods, hydraulic chucks stand out for their ease of use, precision, and efficiency. Their locking mechanism simplifies tool changes, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for costly setup equipment like shrink-fit machines or precision presetters.
​
Unlike ER collet chucks, which require careful torque adjustments, or end mill holders, which can introduce excessive runout, hydraulic chucks provide consistent clamping pressure with minimal operator intervention. This streamlined setup not only enhances machining accuracy and tool life but also increases shop productivity, allowing machinists to focus on throughput without sacrificing quality.

The Economical Precision Solution: Techniks Triton Hydraulic Milling Chucks

Techniks Triton Hydraulic Milling Chucks provide an optimal balance of high precision, gripping power, and cost-efficiency. With ultra-low runout, vibration damping, and easy tool changes, they deliver near-shrink-fit performance at a fraction of the cost.

​Triton chucks feature bore walls up to 74% thicker than standard hydraulic holders, providing increased rigidity for demanding machining applications. Additionally, they offer 3.5X the clamping force of standard hydraulic chucks, further enhancing tool stability.
The Triton standard hydraulic tool holder system includes but is not limited to:
  • BT 30/40 Hydraulic Holders
  • CAT40 Hydraulic Holders
  • CAT40 Hydraulic Holders - Extended
  • CAT50 Hydraulic Holders
  • HSK 63A/F Hydraulic Holders
  • HSK100A Hydraulic Holders
  • Hydro Reduction Sleeves
Techniks triton Hydraulic Chuck competitor comparison graph
For shops looking to improve accuracy, tool life, and machining efficiency, Techniks Triton Hydraulic Milling Chucks are an excellent alternative to ER collet chucks, end mill holders, and shrink-fit toolholders. Their combination of precision, rigidity, and cost-effectiveness makes them the preferred choice for manufacturers seeking to optimize machine performance without unnecessary complexity or expense.
​
For shops looking to improve accuracy, tool life, and machining efficiency, Techniks Triton Hydraulic Milling Chucks are an excellent alternative to ER collet chucks, end mill holders, and shrink-fit toolholders. Their combination of precision, rigidity, and cost-effectiveness makes them the preferred choice for manufacturers seeking to optimize machine performance without unnecessary complexity or expense.

To learn more about Techniks Triton Chucks or to schedule some time test one, get in contact with our team at F&L Technical Sales.
Techniks Triton Hydraulic chucks availability
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IMTS Preview of Products fRom Blue Photon, Dorian, Horn USA, Mate Workholding and Techniks.

9/1/2022

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F&L Technical Sales Blue Photon Dorian Horn USA Techniks Parlec Mate workholding IMTS 2022
It's that time of year for IMTS!

​Here's a preview of some of the products that are going to be featured during the International Manufacturing Technology Show September 12-17.  You can see all of these new products and talk to the manufacturers in the Tooling & Workholding Systems Pavilion in the West Building Level 3. 

Blue Photon Workholding

 Booth 431392
Blue Photon is a manufacturer of adhesive workholding products.

Adhesive workholding is designed to hold parts for manufacturing and eliminating workpiece distortion due to clamping.

​Hard-to-hold parts that are easily distorted, brittle parts that are easily damaged, and composites are particularly suited to Blue Photon’s technology.
Blue Photon Workholding IMTS 2022 Booth 431

Dorian Tool

Booth 432474
Dorian Tool offers a wide selection of products for manual and CNC machines. From carbide inserts to toolholders; knurling tools to marking tools; machine tool accessories to automated turrets & rotary tables; tool setters to tool presetters.

​Their tool selection has become the First Choice Technology for thousands of small and large shops around the world.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Dorian Tool IMTS 2022 Booth 432474
Dorian Tool Jet Stream through coolant system IMTS 2022
  • Jet Stream Double through coolant
  • Kool Cut Modular system
  • Milling Solution Tool No vibration boring bar
  • Solution Tools no vibration boring bar

Horn USA, Inc.

Booth 431722
HORN serves North America with customized tooling solutions and more than 27,000 standardized metal cutting products. 

​The pro-active and highly skilled workforce provides tools to improve your processes and extend tool life through increased accuracy and technical expertise.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
PH Horn USA IMTS 2022 Booth 431722
Horn USA Supermini Set IMTS 2022 new product
Supermini Set. Horn USA is featuring the Supermini tool holder system with face clamping as a set, in response to customer requests for different tooling system heights. With this holder variant, clamping is not carried out via the lateral surface of the cutting insert but via a clamping wedge on the face. This results in a greater holding force on the insert and thus high rigidity of the entire system. This increases repeatability when changing the insert and provides better utilization of the available space. This is a big time saver on Swiss-type lathes, as the user can change the cutting insert without removing the tool holder.

Horn USA DAH8 IMTS 2022 New products
New carbide grades for system DAH8 - Horn USA is expanding its range of carbide grades for its DAH milling system to enable its use for machining a wider range of materials. The new grades SC6A and IG6B complement the tool system for high-feed milling. The SC6A grade is suitable for machining the ISO M material group, as well as ISO S materials as a secondary application. Horn has developed the IG6B grade for machining the ISO P group, while it is also suitable as a multipurpose grade for other material groups.


Mate Workholding

 Booth 432146 
Mate’s 52/96 workholding technology of vises, bases and mounting systems maximize holding power in a compact, quick-change modular design that reduces setup time and process variability.

​These workholding technology systems are designed for 3-, 4- and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
Mate 52 96 Workholding IMTS 2022 Booth 432146

Techniks Tool Group

 Booth 432239 
Techniks Tool Group (TTG), the parent company of Techniks and Parlec, is one of North America’s largest providers of best-in-class tooling solutions for CNC machining centers.

​Combing the strengths of Parlec’s New York manufacturing operations and Techniks broad range of high-quality solutions
Techniks Parlec IMTS 2002 Booth 432239
FEATURED PRODUCTS
  • Parlec Shrink Fit Holders – Made-in-USA shrink fit tooling that matches the gage lengths and nose diameters of popular international standards for plug-and-play simplicity
  • Triton Hydraulic Chucks - Finally, a hydraulic chuck built for heavy material removal applications
  • ERos (ER On-Size) Collet System – Extreme 3-micron accuracy from an easy-to-use collet-based system
  • Made-in-USA Shrink Fit Machines - Fully automated operation makes incorporating shrink fit easy
  • Parlec Micron Milling Chucks - The most accurate milling chucks on the market!
  • M-Style Milling Chucks - Narrow nose clearances and long reaches in a milling chuck
  • MicroFLOAT Tapping System - Extending tap life by 300%
  • SFS12 Modular Shrink Fit System - Superior rigidity at extended lengths
  • sPINner Deburring - Automating small parts deburring
  • EEPM Electro-Permanent Workholding - Fast part changover, incredible holding power
  • HVC Face Mill Holders - 6X the coolant delivery for enhanced chip evacuation and faster feed rates
  • SlimFIT Collet System - Narrow nose clearances and extended reaches in an easy-to-use collet system
  • DNA (Dead Nut Accurate) Collet System - Perfect for smaller diameter tools

If you would like to learn more about any of these products or to see a demonstration, get in contact with us and we'll set up some time with you to visit your shop!
Contact F&L
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Download Your Rotary ToolholDer CAD Drawings from Techniks

7/13/2022

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Techniks Parlec Toolholder Collet CAD drawings
Techniks is excited to announce that they have compiled 2D and 3D model files for each product available on www.techniksusa.com.

That’s almost 4,800 total SKUs, 9,600 2D and 3D model drawings added for your convenience!

The addition of downloadable CAD files is just the next phase in our continued development of our site to improve its user-friendliness.

​You can now find your specific drawings through directly searching for the part number in the “Drawings” section of the main menu or by navigating directly to the product page. 

​Simply navigate to the appropriate product table, locate the item you need, and click on the drawing file format you require. You will see a links to the 2D DWG and 3D STP files in the right-hand columns.

Option 1: DOwnload from the tab

Picture
Just click on the DRAWINGS tab in the top navigation on the website

Option 2: Download from the Item

Techniks Toolholder CAD Drawing Download 2
You can just click on the .dwg or .step file to begin the download right from the product page.

Option 3: Download from Search

Techniks Toolholder CAD Drawing Download 3
If you have the toolholder or packaging in hand, just type the EDP/ SKU/PART NUMBER in the search bar and you can download it from the results page.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Techniks is adding more drawings every day, but if you do not find the drawings you
need let them know at [email protected] and they'll prioritize your request to get you the drawings you need, FAST!

As you begin to take advantage of their available CAD files, please don't hesitate to continue to provide feedback on your website experience. It’s been with your help that Techniks is able to provide the highest levels of customer service.
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Techniks New Catalog Features New Products: MegaFORCE retention Knobs and Triton Hydraulic Holders

4/13/2021

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The 2021 Techniks Catalog is available for download now!!  It features the MegaFORCE Retention Knobs that we talked about in our February Article as well as the new Triton Hydraulic Holders. 
Techniks MegaFORCE Retention Knobs
The only thing standing between a job well done and catastrophic failure is the retention knob. MegaFORCE Retention Knobs are designed to deliver superior performance and enhanced safety for the critical connection between your machine spindle and the tool holder.  Retention Knobs are subjected to extreme pulling forces of up to 5,000 ft. lbs. Over time, this stress exploits weaknesses in the retention knob and can lead to breakage.

MegaFORCE Retention Knobs have been designed and manufactured to increase the strength and durability of this critical connection.

​The longer overall length engages threads deeper in the tool holder, reducing taper swelling and maximizing taper/spindle contact for the most rigid connection. MegaFORCE also features a redesigned, blended radii for improved overall strength, making MegaFORCE the strongest high-torque retention knob in the market.
Techniks Triton Hydraulic Chucks
The Triton Hydraulic Holders by Techniks feature a new hydraulic design to provides excellent vibration damping properties, so tools run longer and quieter and produce superior surface finishes. Triton provides 3.5X clamping force of standard hydraulic chucks.

Triton hydarulic chucks are charged with hydraulic fluid in a vacuum chamber to eliminate air and gas from the system. Coupled with a redesigned oil sealing system, Triton chucks are built to provide maximum holding power for years!


You can page view or download the new catalog below!
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Don't Take Your Retention Knobs for Granted

2/12/2021

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by Bernard Martin
Retention Knobs are the critical connection between your machine tool and the tool holder and they are the only thing holding a steep taper tool holder in the machine’s spindle.

​Techniks has recently introduced their MegaFORCE retention knobs that have some rather unique features when compared to standard pull studs.  Before delving into the features of the MegaFORCE pull studs, let's review some things that you may not know, or think about, on a daily basis. 
Retention knob pull stud casues of failure

Retention knobs go through thousands of tool changes which means that they are subjected to the very high pulling forces from the spindle’s drawbar.

This force can be up to 2300 ft. lbs. for 40 taper toolholders and up to 5000 ft. lbs. for 50 taper toolholders. According to Haas, you should expect a service life of about 6000-8000 hours for a retention knob.  

​Most all rotary toolholder manufacturers state that you should be replacing your pull studs at least every three years.

However, if you're running multiple shifts, 24-7, making lots of tool changes, making very heavy cuts with long reach or heavy cutting tools, and/or have ball lock style grippers instead of collet type grippers used on the retention knob, you will probably need to replace your studs at least every six months.

Given the spindle speeds that we are running at to remain competitive, retention knobs are not an item that you want to take a chance on breaking.  I can tell you firsthand that 5 pound toolholder with a drill in it flying out of the spindle at 23,000 RPM is not something you want to experience. 

Metal Fatigue: Why they fail

Pull studs encounter catastrophic failure as a result of metal fatigue. The metal fatigue can be caused by a number of reasons including poor choice of base material, engineering design, machining process, poor heat treatment, and, sometimes, they have just met or exceeded their service life. We're going to dig into each of these reasons below but first let's look at some threading fundamentals.
The threads on your retention knob will stretch slightly when load is applied and the loading borne on each thread is different. When you apply a tensile load on a threaded pull stud, the first thread at the point of connection sees the highest percentage of the load.

The load on each subsequent thread decreases from there, as show in the table. Any threads beyond the first six are purely cosmetic and provide no mechanical advantage. 

Additional threads beyond the sixth thread will not further distribute the load and will not make the connection any stronger. 
Percentage of Load on a Retention Knob Thread
Percentage of Load on each thread of a Retention Knob.
That is why the length of engagement of the thread on a pull stud is generally limited to approximately one to one & a half nominal diameter. After that, there is no appreciable increase in strength. Once the applied load has exceeded the first thread's capacity, it will fail and subsequently cause the remaining threads to fail in succession.

Retention Knob design

Repetitive cycles of loading and unloading subject the retention knob to stress that can cause fatigue and cracking at weak areas of the pull stud.
What are the weak areas of a standard retention knob?  

​For the same reason we put corner radiuses on end mills, sharp corners are a common area of failure for any mechanical device.

​The same holds true with your pull studs:  The sharp angles on the head of the retention knob and at the minor diameter of the threads are common locations of catastrophic material failure.
Retention Knob Metal Fatigue
These are the two weakest points of any retention knob.
The most common failure point for a retention knob is at the top of the first thread and the underside of the pull stud where the grippers or ball bearings of the drawbar engage and draw the toolholder into the spindle.

Remember, bigger Radii are stronger than sharp corners. ​More on that soon.
Styles of Retention Knob for Rotary Toolholders
Styles of MegaFORCE Retention Knobs from Techniks.

Material

Not all retention knobs are made from the same material, however, material alone does not make for a superior retention knob. Careful attention to design and manufacturing methods must be followed to avoid introducing potential areas of failure.

MegaFORCE retention knobs are made from 8620H. AISI 8620 is a hardenable chromium, molybdenum, nickel low alloy steel often used for carburizing to develop a case-hardened part. This case-hardening will result in good wear characteristics.  8620 has high hardenability, no tempering brittleness, good weldability, little tendency to form a cold crack, good maintainability, and cold strain plasticity.

There are some companies making retention knobs from 9310. The main difference is the lower carbon content in the 9310. 9310 has a tad more Chromium, while 8620 has a tad more nickel.  Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) is the force at which a material will break. The UTS of 8620H is 650 Mpa (megapascals: a measure of force). The UTS of 9310H is 820 Mpa. So, 9310H does have a UTS that is 26% greater than 8620H.

​That said, Techniks chose 8620 as their material of choice because of the higher nickel content.  Nickel tends to work harden more readily and age harden over time which brings the core hardness higher as the pull stud gets older. The work hardening property of 8620 makes it ideally suited for cold forming of threads on the MegaFORCE retention knobs.


​It should be noted that some companies are using H13. H13 shares 93% of their average alloy composition in common with 9310. 

Rolled Threads vs. Cut Threads

Retention knob cut thread vs rolled thread
A cut thread, image 1, has a higher coefficient of friction due the the cutting process, while a roll formed thread, image 2, has a lower coefficient of friction which means that it engages deeper into the toolholder bore when subjected to the same torque. You will notice that Cutting threads tears at the material and creates small fractures that become points of weakness that can lead to failure. Rolled threads have burnished roots and crests that are smooth and absent of the fractures common in cut threads.
Rolled threads produce a radiused root and crest of the thread and exhibit between a 40% and 300% increase in tensile strength over a cut thread. The Techniks MegaFORCE retention knobs feature rolled threads that improve the strength of the knob by 40%.  
Fette Tri Lobe Thread Rolling
Fette F2 Thread Rolling Head
​In cold forming, the thread rolls are pressed into the component, stressing the material beyond its yield point. This causes the component material to be deformed plastically, and thus, permanently.

There are three rollers in the typical thread rolling head that maintain better concentricity by default than single point cutting of the threads.

​Also, unlike thread cutting, the grain structure of the material is displaced not removed.

Shown here is a Fette F2 Rolling Head cold forming a thread. Note how the three roller forms center and maintain near perfect concentricity of the pull stud shaft.
Rolled threads produce grain flows that follow the contour of the threads making for a stronger thread at the pitch diameter which is the highest point of wear. 

The cold forming process also cold works the material which takes advantage of the nickel work hardening properties of 8620.
By comparison, cut threads interrupt the grain flow creating weak points.
Fette Turning Concepts Thread Rolling Magnaflux
Photo courtesy Mike Roden at Fette Tool. www.turningconcepts.com

megaFORCE GeomEtric design

Overall Length
There are some claims that a longer projection engages threads deeper in the tool holder preventing taper swelling. While a deeper thread engagement can help prevent taper swelling, applying proper torque to the retention knob is an effective way to reduce taper swelling.

An over-tightened retention knob may still cause taper swelling regardless of how deep it engages the threads of the tool holder. Additionally, the longer undercut section above the threads presents a weak point in the retention knob.
MegaForce Retention Knob features vs standard pull stud
Blended Radii
With the new MegaFORCE pull studs, stress risers of sharp angles have been eliminated through the blended radii on the neck where the gripper engages under the head of the pull stud.  

Ground Pilot
There is a ground pilot, underneath the flange, which provides greater stability. The pilot means the center line of the tool holder and pull stud are perfectly aligned.
Techniks MegaFORCE Pull Studs
Techniks MegaFORCE Retention Knobs
Magnetic Particle Tested
Each MegaFORCE retention knob is magnetic particle tested to ensure material integrity and physical soundness. MegaFORCE retention knobs are tested at 2.5X the pulling forces of the drawbar.
MegaFORCE Technical Specifications
  • Material: SAE8620
  • All knobs are case carbrized, hardened, and tempered to:
    • Case depth: 0.025” – 0.030”
    • Surface hardness: HRc 56-60
    • Core hardness: HRc 44 minimum
Torque Specs
The following are the guidelines for torquing your pull studs according to Techniks.
  • BT 30 36 ft. lbs.
  • ISO 30 - 36 ft. lbs.
  • 40 taper - 76 ft. lbs.
  • 50 Taper - 100 ft. lbs.

​Retention Knob Best Practices

In order to maximize the life of your retention knob and prevent catastrophic failure here are some technical tips to keep your shop productive and safe.
  • Regularly inspect retention knobs for signs of wear. Wear may appear as dimples or grooves under the head or visible corrosion anywhere on the retention knob.
  • If the retention knob demonstrates any signs of wear replace it immediately. 
  • Make sure to properly torque the retention knob to the manufacturer’s specifications. Use a torque wrench and retention knob adapter to ensure proper torque.
Broken Pull Stud
Remember to change out your pull studs before the end of their service life to prevent this kind of catastrophic failure.
  • Overtightening can overly stress the retention knob leading to premature failure and can cause the tool holder taper to swell leading to a poor fit between the machine spindle and the tool holder.
  • Apply a light coat of grease to the retention knob MONTHLY to lubricate the drawbar. If you use through-spindle coolant (TSC), apply grease to the retention knobs WEEKLY.

indication marks on Pull Studs
​is not normal

Damaged Retention Knob
There have been some who claim that drawbar gripper fingers and/or ball marks that appear on retention knob head after several tool changes is normal.

It is NOT.  THAT IS FALSE. 


According to Haas CNC, ball or gripper marks on the edge of the pull stud indicate that the drawbar does not open completely. If you see these indication marks you should check your drawbar and replace these pull studs immediately.

Special thanks for Greg Webb at Techniks and Mike Roden from Fette Tools/ Turning Concepts, for providing technical insights. 
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Coolant Supply Options in Steep Taper Toolholders

11/14/2018

1 Comment

 
Tech Tip: Techniks and Parlec
Getting coolant through the toolholder and to your cutting tool can be accomplished in two ways with Parlec and Techniks toolholders. Coolant is delivered from the spindle by two methods:
  • Through the Spindle
  • Through the Flange Entry (DIN B)

Through Spindle Coolant Delivery

Through holes are standard in all Parlec and Techniks toolholders. Solid and through hole retention knobs are
available to accommodate coolant and non-coolant applications. This is the most common method of coolant delivery.

The coolant is delivered
from the spindle through the knob and exits through the cutting tool. Coolant through knobs are sold separately.
Picture

Through-Flange/ DIN B Coolant Delivery

Combined with solid retention knobs "Through the Flange" holes go through the flange to deliver the coolant from the spindle.

This is sometimes referred to as "DIN B" or "Form B". 

Picture
With Screws:Coolant delivered from the spindle through the knob and exits through the cutting tool. Coolant through knobs sold separately.
Picture
Without Screws:Coolant delivered from the spindle through the flange and exits through the cutting tool. Solid knob required. Solid knobs sold separately.
Through Flange/ Form B  is an available standard for many tools and available as a standard modification for most toolholders.

Form B convertible or AD/B (BC) is available in many sizes. The AD/B (BC) style can be used as either through the spindle , as supplied, or converted to Form B, through the flange. Flange entry is enabled by removing two screws
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Evaluating Your Rotary Toolholders for Wear

3/14/2018

1 Comment

 
Tech Tip: Techniks and Parlec
Modern CNC machines feature high-capacity tool changers that automatically swap toolholders in and out of the spindle as needed, by means of a high speed swing arm or a rotary carousel. Periodically, toolholders should be examined for wear and if necessary replaced to maintain cutting performance.

New operators should be taught how to properly evaluate toolholders so they can recognize when toolholders need to be replaced to prevent premature cutting tool failure, or even expensive damage to the spindle.
Tool Life loss from Runout GraphYou lose 10% of cutting tool life for every “tenth” (0.0001”) of runout
Many operators do not know why it is necessary to replace their tooling, or have the experience to tell when it is time to do so.

Determining if toolholder components need to be replaced is not a difficult task, but does require that the operator knows what to look for.

A worn out holder will not provide good accuracy and will
quickly wear out your cutting tools. Worn tooling causes poor surface finish, and may damage your spindle.

This article will discuss the following types of causes and types of wear.
  1. Spindle Mouth Wear
  2. ATC Alignment Issues
  3. Taper Wear / Fretting

Checking For Spindle Mouth Wear

A worn spindle can cause runout issues that affect tool-holder accuracy and reduce cutting quality and productivity. This is a condition known as bell mouthing. If toolholder issues can be eliminated by bench checking T.I.R., then the source of the problem is often a worn out spindle mouth. A trained professional will be required to check and repair bell mouthing.
Techniks USA Measuring Runout
T.I.R. (total indicator runout) is the measurement of axial deflection of the cutting tool in the toolholder assembly. Techniks toolholders are manufactured to minimize runout and extend cutting tool life.

ATC Alignment Issues

It’s crucial to maintain proper ATC swing arm alignment. If the ATC does not insert the toolholder perfectly, damage to the spindle and toolholder may result.

Poor cutting
tool performance and reduced tool life will be evident.
Automatic Tool Changer  ATC Alignment Issues

Taper Wear / Fretting

Check the taper for signs of wear or damage where it contacts the spindle mouth. Any problems with the taper will have a direct effect on machining accuracy. If there are any imperfections on the taper, the toolholder should not be used. If noticeable marking is evident on the taper a condition called fretting may be occurring.
Fretting happens when two steel parts (holder and spindle mouth) are rubbing against one another. 

Once a toolholder is fretted it can pass the fretting to other spindles.  A spindle with fretting can pass the fretting to other toolholders.  Fretting in this sense if akin to sexually transmitted diseases and it should be considered just a seriously.

Rotary Toolholder Fretting
Fretting is evident from the bronze discoloration on the toolholder taper. It will also be present on the spindle. It can spread to other toolholders.
Fretting is believed to be caused by imperfect mating between tooholder taper and spindle, creating vibration and heat which develops the fretting. It is visible as small copper colored pits or marks on the taper. This is evidence that the toolholder is becoming worn. Fret-ting is easily mistaken for rust, but it is not. Once noticeable fretting develops the toolholder should be replaced. New toolholders that quickly develop fretting, or toolholders that stick in the spindle, may indicate a spindle that needs to be reground.
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