CA02259018
1999-01-13
Abstract
A tool holder for high tolerance machining, especially for
high concentricity requirements, characterised by four discrete
clamping locations around the tool shank extending axially. The
tool holder has stiff and flexible portions, which by using
compression forces open the holder to change the cutting tool.
high concentricity requirements, characterised by four discrete
clamping locations around the tool shank extending axially. The
tool holder has stiff and flexible portions, which by using
compression forces open the holder to change the cutting tool.
Claims
We claim:
1. A tool holder system for machining applications,
comprising:
a cutting tool having a cylindrical shank portion defining a
continuous, uniform outer surface of substantially constant
diameter; and
a tool holder having a generally cylindrical body, said body
having a machine mount end and a cutting tool clamping end, said
tool clamping end having two opposing equal stiff portions and
two opposing equal flexible portions, both said portions
extending axially therein, said stiff portions oriented axially
at essentially right angle to the said flexible portions, said
stiff portions partially separated from said flexible portion by
essentially tangential grooves extending toward but not reaching
the outer surface of the tool clamping end, each said stiff
portion having a uniform inner surface of substantially constant
diameter, the diameter of the inner surface of the stiff portion
being slightly less than the diameter of the outer surface of the
shank portion of the cutting tool, said flexible portions being
essentially outwardly curved beams integral of the said body,
said beams not contacting the outer surface of the shank portion
of the cutting tool when flexed toward each other.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each said stiff portion
has a relief area of the inner surface, said relief area
providing clearance of the shank portion of the cutting tool,
said relief area located in substantially a symmetrical center of
said stiff portion and extended axially therein.
3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said machine
mount end is a cylinder having substantially constant outside
diameter.
4. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said machine
mount end is a conical taper being releasable mountable to a
rotating spindle of a milling machine.
1. A tool holder system for machining applications,
comprising:
a cutting tool having a cylindrical shank portion defining a
continuous, uniform outer surface of substantially constant
diameter; and
a tool holder having a generally cylindrical body, said body
having a machine mount end and a cutting tool clamping end, said
tool clamping end having two opposing equal stiff portions and
two opposing equal flexible portions, both said portions
extending axially therein, said stiff portions oriented axially
at essentially right angle to the said flexible portions, said
stiff portions partially separated from said flexible portion by
essentially tangential grooves extending toward but not reaching
the outer surface of the tool clamping end, each said stiff
portion having a uniform inner surface of substantially constant
diameter, the diameter of the inner surface of the stiff portion
being slightly less than the diameter of the outer surface of the
shank portion of the cutting tool, said flexible portions being
essentially outwardly curved beams integral of the said body,
said beams not contacting the outer surface of the shank portion
of the cutting tool when flexed toward each other.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each said stiff portion
has a relief area of the inner surface, said relief area
providing clearance of the shank portion of the cutting tool,
said relief area located in substantially a symmetrical center of
said stiff portion and extended axially therein.
3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said machine
mount end is a cylinder having substantially constant outside
diameter.
4. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said machine
mount end is a conical taper being releasable mountable to a
rotating spindle of a milling machine.