CNC Floating Tap Holder
When engineers first invented the CNC machine in the 1940s, the game changed for machinists. This groundbreaking computer-assisted device streamlined the work process significantly, but designers are always looking for ways to improve. Some of the biggest innovations in this industry have to do with the accessories used for specialized tasks such as the CNC floating tap holder. If you’re looking to add one of these special tool holders to your collection, you have a lot of choices at your disposal. Here are a few things you should look for when debating between different products.
Radial Float
The floating tap holder is used to compensate for any misalignment between the tool and the surface being cut. With rigid models, any errors in alignment could cause damage to the surface or the cutter, which is why you want holders that are capable of making up for differences in any direction. If you aren’t getting a full 360 degrees of radial float out of your tap holder, you might want to consider a different model.
Coolant Options
When a piece of metal comes into contact with another material at high rates of speed, friction is one of the results. This physical force is what makes cutting possible, but it also generates a lot of heat. To compensate for the extreme thermal energy, coolant is introduced into the area, which can prevent damage from occurring. When you’re looking for a new CNC machine tool holder, take a look at the options for cooling to make sure it meets your needs.
Variety of Shank Choices
The function of a tap holder is to keep a tool in place while the machine is running, and it does it using a device called a shank that clamps down around the outside of the bit. Different tools are designed with specific shanks in mind, which is why you should look for a vendor that offers plenty of choices. Once you find a model that checks off all of your preference boxes, you can rest assured it’s available to fit any tool in your arsenal.
Quick Change Ability
The CNC machine was an important invention because it allowed workers to perform hours of work in a matter of minutes. If you’re using this device to save time, why would you purchase accessories that add unnecessary minutes for tool changes? Look for holders that cut change time down to a few seconds so your people can seamlessly move between tasks.
Quality Materials
CNC machines move at thousands of revolutions per minute, and that puts a lot of stress on the bits used for cutting as well as the holders used to keep them in place. You could save some money by purchasing accessories made out of cheaper materials, but you’ll only end up replacing it more often when it breaks. Even worse, a damaged holder could send the tool flying, which could cause a dangerous situation in your shop or damage your machine. Instead of pinching pennies on inferior workmanship, give yourself peace of mind by buying a quality piece the first time.
Choosing the Right Special Tool Holder
These are just a few of the things you should keep in mind when looking for a floating CNC holder but don’t hesitate to ask for advice from a professional. When it’s time to buy new holders for your machine shop, let the experts at T.M. Smith help you with quality products and professional advice. We’ve been leaders in the quick-change tool holder industry for more than 60 years and we’re ready to work with your business. To ask for recommendations or learn more about any of our products, contact us online or call our office today at 1-800-521-4894.
