CNC Collets: Types and Maintenance Tips
If you are from the manufacturing or construction industries, the term “collets” is probably familiar
If you are from the manufacturing or construction industries, the term “collets” is probably familiar
OEM-Level Quality Parlec has been making BMT65 tool holders for one of the largest machine
It’s been estimated that a tool with a run-out of 50% of the tool’s chip
The ER collet system is a tried-and-true tool holding system used by just about every
Milling in tight corners or deep cavities present machinists with a lot of different tooling requirements and machining parameters to consider. According to this article from cnccookbook.com, the first step is simply addressing the common challenges of deep pocket milling; including tool deflection, which can lead to excessive machine chatter, wall taper, poor wall finish, and generally poor tool life and part quality.
Deep Pocket machining will almost always require multiple stepdown passes to reach the bottom of the cavity. The worse the tool deflection issues, the more passes will be required. It’s advised to focus on limiting the stickout, or projection, of the cutting tool from the holder as much as possible. We are speaking in the context of extended lengths, so this is relative to your part’s operation and desired wall depth.
“In cases where you have flutes the full length of the tool, they’re going to be rubbing and potentially cutting the walls created by previous passes. That needs to be minimized, and the right way to do that is to use tool shanks that have been relieved so they don’t contact the wall.”
While multiple stepdown passes are inevitable, machining parts with high walls require extended reach holders and end mills in order to mill at your required depths. Once your tooling is configured to reach your desired depth, we want to limit witness marks as much as possible, with each pass, in order to achieve the highest quality part. Techniks Extended length tools and SlimFIT holders provide the reach you need to get into the tightest spaces, combined with high quality, precision cutting tools, you can finally improve your deep pocket machining.
DNA collets provide shorter projection from the collet chuck for better rigidity and when clearance is needed. The DNA collet and nut system provides better rigidity and are more accurate than ER for small
diameter shanks.
SlimFIT collets are longer overall than ER collets and feature a 4˚ taper, delivering better engagement between collet and tool shank, resulting in better accuracy and balance than ER systems.
If you do high speed, or high torque machining you should seriously consider the benefits of shrink fit technology. Shrink fit uses the expansion and contraction properties of metal to provide extremely powerful tool holding.
The M-style mold chuck’s narrow-nose design allows for
deep, hard-to-reach machining; perfect for cutting deep
die molds and any application where reach and clearance demand enhanced precision and performance.
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info@techniksusa.com
9930 East 56th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46236
Techniks Inc. prides itself on delivering the industry’s best service & support, and providing a wide array of cost effective, high production cnc toolholding solutions.
Forming Techniks Tool Group with our partnership with Parlec has enabled us to deliver the most responsive customer service, and provide a one-stop-shop for cost-effective as well as high-precision, customizable CNC tool holding solutions for the Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, and Mold & Die industries.