Tool Holder Selection

The process of machining materials to a net shape in an efficient and cost-effective way is an ongoing challenge for industries across the globe. The challenge is exacerbated when placed in the context of machining hard metals in a high labour cost country as seen within the EU. There are a number of factors that influence the cost of machining, one of the most easily influenced is that of tool wear. 

In relation to tool wear, vibration is known to be a key factor driving premature failure. Industry has worked to address this by developing various tool holding technologies which have been shown to have a positive impact on tool wear. Due to the varying types and costs of tool holders, the challenge for companies is the selection of suitable tool holders which will guarantee an ROI.

In today’s machining environment we see a myriad of tool holder types and the price can vary from €45 up to €650 for a standard length tool holder. When selecting tool holders for a large machine tool with automation capability there typically be anything up to 180 tool holders the price difference becomes very relevant. Selection of tool holders is becoming more challenging for companies.