Tool clamp

Tool clamps are one of the most important elements of a spindle. Tool-guiding spindles usually come with drilling and milling tools. Depending on the respective function of the tools, these are often equipped with different interfaces. Two variants in particular have established themselves as standard. On the one hand, there is the steep taper as the receiving machine element. On the other hand, there is the hollow shank taper.

Regardless of the type of holding element - the tool clamp is of great importance

The respective cones are used to hold the tools and must be one hundred percent accurate. There is a simple reason for this. While the machine is working, the tools sometimes have to be changed several times. Ideally, this happens automatically. It also happens that the same tools have to be clamped several times in different work steps. Here, it is particularly important that the positioning of the tools is absolutely identical each time so that the results are uniform in the end and the finished product is actually of high quality in terms of processing.

The hollow shank taper is the first choice for high speeds

If you want your machine to work at high speeds, the hollow shank taper is more the standard. With the right tool clamp with a low rotational mass, speeds of up to 45,000 revolutions per minute can be achieved. The high speed also increases the clamping force, as this is further increased by the centrifugal force of the clamping elements.

Different versions of tool clamps

To secure the tools, they are fastened in the tool-guiding spindle using tool clamps. Here too, there are actually various options. A distinction is made between hydromechanical tool clamps and mechanical systems. The latter work with pure spring force. The partial spring clamp is the more robust version and is used most frequently.

If you want to release your tool from the clamp, actuate the release unit. This can be hydraulic or pneumatic. When the machine is at a standstill, the release unit presses against the suspension, allowing the tool to be released.

Did you know?

In addition to the tool clamps mentioned above, more and more clamps with a gas pressure spring have been developed in recent years. However, these machines are still in the test phase and are not yet available from traditional tool and machine dealers.

A tool clamp also needs regular maintenance

The springs in a tool clamp can wear out over time and the strength of the tensioner could suffer if used continuously without regular maintenance and adjustment. For this reason, you should ensure that your tool spindle and, in particular, your tool clamps are serviced at regular intervals.