Metalworking offers its fair share of challenges, and shrink-fit tooling is one of them. However, using this method of toolholding instead of collet chucks could be the most efficient for your shop.
Shrink-fit tooling uses heat to expand a slightly undersize toolholder’s inner diameter to accept an oversize cutting tool. Contraction from cooling the holder then secures the grip on the cutting tool. The holder is reheated in order to remove the tool.
Shrink-fitting is performed offline using a shrink-fit machine that incorporates either an induction heating device or hot air to heat the toolholder.
You might wonder if having a special machine to create this toolholder is worth the investment. According to the results of a Techniks tool trial, the advantages of using shrink-fit toolholders outweigh using ER collet chucks. The company found that using shrink-fit toolholders increases tool life and improves surface finish and cutting ability. Less wear and tear on the toolholder shank and spindle bearings is another advantage to using shrink-fit toolholders.
Learn more about the shrink-fit process by reading a case history by Production Machining on the topic, called New Equipment Gives Students a Learning Boost. Read Horizontal Shrink-Fit Machine for Micromachining Applications to learn about a specialized shrink-fit machine. For further reading, check out Cool Shrink Fit System and Hot Air Actuates Shrink Fit Tooling.
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