Tooling System for Milling

CNC tooling systems normally of three components: the

automatic tool changer, toolholders and cutting tools.

Automatic tool changer

The automatic tool changer (ATC) is the mechanism
that automates the selection and changing of a number
of cutting tools under the control of the part program. A
typical ATC system consists of a tool magazine and tool
gripper. Tool change action is illustrated in the following
figure (fig. 7.2).
 Toolholders for machining centres
Modern CNC machining centres provide a standard
spindle nose taper and size for insertion of toolholders.
(Fig.7.3)
 Retention knob

Retention knob: allows the locking drawbar to pull the

tool firmly into the spindle and to release it automatically.
Main features include

• the flange type (V or BT)

• the taper size
• the thread size and type
• the knob size
 Tapered shank and Adaptors

Tapered shank: allows for fitting the toolholder to the

spindle. The ANSI standard defines six basic tapered
shank sizes: #30, #35, #40, #45, #50, #60, for small to
large machines.

Adaptors: allow to use different types of cutting tools.

Toolholders are often named according to their adoptor
type, such as end mill holders, face mill holders, tap
holders, boring bar holders, etc.. (Fig. 7.5)
 Flange
Flange: allows the toolholder to be grabbed by the tool gripper or
the machine spindle. V-flange toolholders are normally used in
North America. They use inch-based threads foe the retention
knob and hold cutting tools dimensioned in inches. The BT-flange
toolholders have metric threads for the retention knob, but their
adaptors are designed to accommodate a wide range of inch-
dimensioned cutting tools. (Fig. 7.4)
 Selection of toolholders
The three factors that determine the selection of
toolholders for a job include flange type, spindle taper
number, and cutting tool to be used. In selection of an
adaptor, the following three dimensions must be
considered (Fig. 7.6)

• Gauge distance
• Diameter of cutting tool shank
• Adaptor outside diameter
Toolholder for milling