When running an Optimized Tool Path like VoluMill DynamicMill or iMachining it is not only important to use a High Performance Variable Pitch End Mill but also a High Performance Holder with Strong Holding Power to prevent Tool Pull Out as well as Low Runout to give the Best Tool Life and Part Finishes.
Most Shops have End Mill or Set Screw Holders, these holders give great holding power (there is not issue of tools pulling out with an End Mill Holder) but the set screw naturally produces runout and 1 flute will do more of the cutting than the other flutes causing the tool to wear out quicker. An ER Collet Chuck will give great tool runout (or TIR) but is designed to handle axial pressure of drills and reamers but the radial pressure a Optimized Tool Path will create and is not recommended for Optimized Tool Paths. Between these 2 options the End Mill Holder is the Better Choice but there are High Performance Holders designed for Optimized Tool Paths that will give you the best combination of Holding Power and Runout:
BC Bearingless Chuck: Best for 1/2", 5/8" & 3/4" End Mills
The BC Bearingless Chuck will give you .0002" TIR at 2XD Overhang along with Extremely Strong Radial Holding Power giving you the Runout of an ER Collet Chuck along with the Holding Power near that of an End Mill Holder (Set Screw). Plus it has a small Nose Diameter of 1.380" for 1/2" End Mills, 1.500" for 5/8" End Mills & 1.730" for 3/4" End Mils. This is our first choice for 1/2", 5/8" & 3/4" End Mills (just not 3/4" Diameter or Larger 40°-45° High Helix End Mills for Aluminum, these will pullout at that high of speeds/feeds, you will want to go with the Non-Pull Out Model of this Holder for those applications, contact us for info). Click the links below to view these holders in all Tapers:
CAT40 Bearingless Mill Chuck Holders
CAT50 Bearingless Mill Chuck Holders
BT30 Bearingless Mill Chuck Holders
BT40 Bearingless Mill Chuck Holders
HSK63A Bearingless Mill Chuck Holders
Hydraulic Chuck (Slim Nose): Best for 1/4", 5/16" & 3/8" End Mills
A Hydraulic Chuck will give you .00012" TIR at 3XD along with Strong Holding Power (not as strong as a Mill Chuck but Stronger than the VX Chuck Below) making it ideal for 1/4", 5/16" & 3/8" End Mills. It is also Low Profile with a 1/4" ID Holder Nose Diameter of .787", 5/16" ID Holder Nose Diameter of .866" and 3/8" Holder ID Nose Diameter of .945". Click the Links below to view these Holders in all Tapers:
CAT40 Slim Hydraulic Chuck
CAT50 Slim Hydraulic Chuck
BT30 Slim Hydraulic Chuck
BT40 Slim Hydraulic Chuck
HSK63A Slim Hydraulic Chuck
VX Mini Chuck: Best for 1/8" to 3/8" End Mills
The VX Chuck gives you .0001" TIR at 4XD with Great Holding Power with the Front Locking System giving you better Runout than a ER Collet Chuck along with the Holding Power Necessary to handle the radial forces generated in Optimized Tool Paths. This system also has a Low Profile with a Nose Diameter of 1/2" for VX06, .787" for VX08 and 1" for VX12. The VX System uses a MX 8° Collet that allows you to hold a range of sizes in each Collet Range, here are the ranges and Links to the Holders/Collets:
VX06: .079" to 1/4" Diameter Range
VX08: 1/8" to .394" Diameter Range
VX12: .1/8" to 1/2" Diameter Range
CAT40 VX Mini Chucks
CAT50 VX Mini Chucks
BT30 VX Mini Chucks
BT40 VX Mini Chucks
HSK63A VX Mini Chucks
MX06 Collets
MX08 Collets
MX12 Collets
If you have any questions or have an application in mind let us know and we can help you out!
