When it comes to milling and turning processes, you have a lot of choices for tool holders. Many people like collets because they grip tighter than three-jaw chuck applications and offer advantages over standard end mill holders. However, which collet chuck should you use? Here is helpful information to get you started.
What are Collets?
Collets use an inner sleeve system to slide completely around machining tools. They hold extremely well and are easy to use. Changing tools is simple and doesn’t need a lot of effort. Collets are self-centering, and this makes them perfect for precision work. They are not likely to loosen during use, even when vibrations are present.
ER Collets
The ER collet chuck is the most popular tool holder system in the world. Both the inside and outside sleeves have 16 slots. This lets them shrink as they grip, to hold many types of shanks. The ER design has a universal appeal because it holds metric and standard size shanks with no problems. This is an important consideration if you do a lot of machining work.
ER chucks can handle smooth shaft tools and threaded end tools. As long as the outside shaft diameter is not too large or small, you’ll have no problems setting up your machine. It’s a simple matter of installing the tool, collar and then tightening down the collar with a c-spanner wrench.
Here are some more types to consider:
- Coolant collets – designed to dispense coolant right on the tool cutting surface.
- R8 – made especially for milling and they have no external nut.
- C5 – made like the R8 but primarily used for holding so workpieces can pass through them.
These are only a few of many choices. If you need help choosing the best collet chuck, turn to a trusted source for shop tools and equipment.
