Toolholder Optimizes Chip Removal

Three years ago, SCHUNK, Inc. (Morrisville, NC) launched the slim hydraulic expansion toolholder TENDO Slim 4ax, which received great attention. Its precision mounting combines the outside geometry of heat shrinking mountings according to DIN 69882-8 with the proven qualities of their hydraulic expansion technology. They are now launching a version with cool-flow technology that allows for highly effective cooling via tool mountings.

The TENDO Slim 4ax cool-flow toolholder, offers various advantages when it comes to machining of steel, aluminum, and plastic. The coolant or water jet does not depend on the unclamped length and always optimally adapts to the metal-cutting process. In contrast to heat shrinking mountings, the jet of the TENDO does not bounce back along the whole unclamped length of the tool shank, but instead fully surrounds the tool shank up to the cutting edge. This is a benefit for cooling the cutting edge, improving the chip removal, and increasing efficiency of the overall process. Pilot applications in the field of tool making show that the vibration-absorbing mounting cool-flow technology particularly pays off in the form of an excellent surface quality when roughing, pre-finishing and finishing. Moreover, reworking measures and tool costs are reduced.

In contrast to heat shrinking toolholders, the TENDO Slim 4ax seamlessly fits into the company’s proven program of hydraulic expansion technology with its permanently precise run-out accuracy of < 0.003 mm at an unclamped length of 2.5 x D, and a balancing grade of G 2.5 at 25,000 RPM. Moreover, the shape and positional tolerances can be met precisely. Like all their hydraulic expansion toolholders, it is also proven in terms of perfect vibration damping and a rapid tool change by using an Allen key. Investments into expensive peripheral equipment are not required.

Since the precision mounting of conventional heat shrinking toolholders can be easily replaced by plug-&-work without having to reprogram the outside contour, their advantages can be directly tested or permanently used. The slim mounting with cool-flow technology will be available in the lengths of 90 mm and 120 mm for the interfaces HSK-A63 between ø 6 mm up to ø 32 mm. The interfaces for SK 40 with ø 6 mm up to ø 32 mm will be available in mid-2020. Further interfaces such as BT 40 and length variants with 160 mm are being planned.

SCHUNK, Inc., 211 Kitty Hawk Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560, 800-772-4865, Fax: 919-572-2818, www.schunk.com/us.