Toolholding & Workholding

Articles • October 1, 1998 • Robert Eade

Fixturing Advances Hold New Promise

This article reviews the fixturing innovations users are beginning to see on the market. Some of the discussion focuses on the design criteria that has emerged out of an ongoing NIST-funded study.

Articles • September 1, 1998 • Dr. Eugene Kocherovsky

The Secrets of HSK

Some North American end users have been disappointed in the performance of their HSK toolholders. This article discusses why and looks at ways the toolholder design developed in Europe for high-speed milling may need to be adapted for machining practices in the United States.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Alan Baker

Workholding Goes to Great Lengths

When shouldered parts are held for turning with a draw-in collet, length-control problems can result. This article provides directions for making collet add-ons that allow the machinist to locate the part against the spindle face, providing a consistent length from part to part.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Dann Rypka

Getting a Grip on Productivity

This article guides the reader through the many decisions that must be made when selecting and installing a hydraulic workholding system. Basic hydraulic system design principles and maintenance also are discussed.

Articles • August 1, 1997 • D. Fred Smith

Ball-Drive Superiority

This article makes the argument that ball-drive quick-change tapholders, which transfer torque through hardened-steel balls fitted into mating detents, are more reliable than tang-drive units. The technology behind ball-drive tapholders and the design's benefits are explained.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Martin Eastman

Shrink-Fit Toolholding

A toolholder that uses metal's natural thermal expansion and contraction to hold tools does not suffer from many of the drawbacks of other toolholding mechanisms, according to this article. In addition to outlining the benefits of this "shrink-fit" toolholding system, the article also explains the technology and describes how shops have benefited from it.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Patrick Manthey

HSK Leads the Way

HSK toolholders were designed with high-speed machining in mind. This article explains the features of the toolholder that make it perform well in modern machining centers at high spindle rpm. It also discusses the toolholder's handling and maintenance requirements.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Martin Eastman

Will Work for Sales

Machine tool builders and distributors are trying to distinguish themselves by selling customers complete turnkey packages that are ready to make good parts from the day they are installed. This article discribes the services being offered and the process that puts a turnkey system on a shop's floor.

Articles • October 1, 1996 • Bob Madewell

The Flexibility of Modular Fixturing

Modular fixturing offers a flexible and reusable alternative to dedicated fixtures. This article discusses the benefits of modular fixturing and the types of jobs for which a modular system makes economic sense. A description of typical modular fixturing components and how they are used is also provided.

Articles • September 1, 1996 • Mark McCollom

High Performance at High Speeds

The economic benefits of high-speed machining can be lost if the wrong tools are used. This article describes the types of solid-carbide drills and endmills that can ensure long-running performance. It also covers the proper handling and setup of these tools.

Articles • April 1, 1996 • Mike Castner

Modular Moneymakers

Modular toolholding systems save shops money in several ways, according to this article. By making it possible to use the same tools on several machines, for example, a modular toolholding system can allow a shop to reduce its tool inventory. This article explains many other savings in addition to tool inventory reduction.

Articles • March 1, 1995 • Roy Leverenz

A Simple Groove

This article discusses the trend among insert makers to consolidate chipbreaker designs and carbide grades. The result is the three-chipbreaker/three-grade matrix many insert makers have adopted in some form. The evolution of the chip-forming groove is also traced, and an ANSI proposal for a grade identification system is described.