Shrink fit tool holders

[Dan B]

Does anyone work with heat shrink tool holders? Is this the preferred method for speeds above 12,000 RPM?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

[Scott_bob]

Yes, they are the best...

This technology is getting cheaper too, competition is bringing the prices down, every one of the holder suppliers is offering their own.

We use this unit:
http://www.shrinkfit.com/package.htm

works great!
increased feeds by 30%
increased tool life by 70%

Carbide only though, so if someone puts say an Inserted End Mill holder in one of these, you won't get it out easily.
All is not lost though, you can pressurize the cavity between the tool and the retension knob by filling it with oil, then heat it up. Messy though...

You should check out the shrink fit stuff by Iscar...
cheaper yet and modular...

Scott

[Dan B]

Thanks Scott.


Dan

[tschuett]

I feel pretty strongly that the Haimer shrink units are potentially best because of the computerized cycle time for inductive heating and because of their refrigerated cooling. Total cycle to heat and cool to room temperature is about a minute and a half to two minutes. I was recently in a shop that bought a cheaper inductive unit and it overheated the holders, distorted the taper, and left the holders on the bench to cool over 20 minutes. The long cycle time makes it more costly to use by wasting time. The potential damage to holders also increases operating cost. In addition, I have a safety issue with hot holders setting out.

[tschuett]

An afterthought to my last post...

Scot is absolutely right about increased tool life and performance gains. Accuracy and finish also improve a lot.

The potential economy of the modular systems is interesting, but for optimal performance when practical, I think a direct shrink fit in one-piece holder is best to minimize inaccuracy and to maximize rigidity. Modular is good, but one-piece still seems optimal to me.

The Haimer shrink machine has one other worthwhile feature. It's programmable heating allows use with the OSG and Teknara holders made by MST. Their stainless steel alloy seems troublesome for other inductive units. That flexibility for all makes of holders helps make it a sound investment.

[Scott_bob]

tschuett,

How is the price of the Haimer system, Is there a website?
Can they do HSS tools?

One other really nice thing about shrink fit:
No set screws! No flats to grind on the shank of a tool.
And as long as the diameter of the shank is the right size (I've never found one u/s) these shrunk fit holders will never let go of your tool, never...

Not with the 360 degree clamping force they exert...

Scott

[tschuett]

Scott:

The Haimer system is a bit pricey at $12,000, but I know several using it and they all love it; no regrets. It's a one-shot investment that you can buy and use with pleasure. It will change your taste in workholding.

Yes, it will do high speed.

The factory in Germany is www.haimer.com. The USA operation is located here in Addison Illinois and their site is www.haimer-usa.com.

Their holder prices are quite good and once in use, you won't mind having paid the price for the shrinker.

[Dan B]

It is the Haimer unit that we are looking at. We were quoted a price of $12,500, which sounds about right.

I was impressed with the refrigerant cooling system. After about 90 seconds, the tool and holder were back to room temperature.

Dan

[Klox]

Dan B,
It's the first time i hear of heat shrink toolholders....hmmm interesting!
Tell me more, as i am a novice on this concept...

Klox

[HuFlungDung]

We're sorry, Dan B is busy serving other customers. Your inquiry is important to us. Please stay on the internet, for the next available agent.



Hi Klox,

First, they made a batch of toolholders that came out of the grinder with the hole too small. Then, some wise guy decided, if he built an induction coil to heat the thing up, it would expand enough that he could quickly shove the cold endmill in it. Voila, a new product. Then, they proceeded to sell these second grade toolholders as if they were something new and exciting. Phooey, and they charge you extra for the goof-up.

[Scott_bob]

Huflungdung,

do i hear you right, you are not a believer in the advantages of shrink fit holders?

Scott_bob

[BIG AL]

Don't mean to rain on anyone's parade, Folks this is a vary old method of fitting parts togather. I first became aware of this method durning my days in aero-space maching, putting helocopter short shafts togather. If you don't want to spend a ton of money and just have a little fun, Get a blank tool holder bore it under size to the tool you want to mount (you have to play with going under size here). Think this out now, our goal temp is 50 to 60 below 0 dec f. We can get to that and below with dry ice or for those of you who have access to a bottle of nitrogen,regulator, some plumbing, a container like and old ice chest you are there. "Don't forget some heavy gloves". And did I say have Fun?