The HSK HANDBOOK, a new publication issued by
Intelligent Concept (West Bloomfield, MI), is an indispensable resource in understanding
this system.
"HSK" is an abbreviation designating a tooling interface
standard, which was develop in Germany to define shanks DIN 69893 and spindle receivers
DIN 69063. Industry began utilizing HSK tools in Europe during the early '90s as
non-proprietary solutions to tool holding problems. They have since become extremely
popular in Europe and North America, particularly for high-speed application. In fact, the
HSK spindle is now considered a default standard in machine tool specifications of many
major automotive, aviation, and aerospace companies.
Manufacturing today is demanding higher speeds and feeds, greater
accuracy, and faster tool changes than ever before to remain competitive and profitable.
Producers all over the world have looked at various ways of achieving these goals. The
tooling system offers users a standard approach to realizing faster material removal
rates, higher accuracy, and greater rigidity.
It is important to note that HSK working group did not adapt a specific
product design, but rather a set of standards that defines HSK toolholders for different
applications. In considering design alternatives, developers had a specific set of
performance criteria in mind. Altogether, they created six separate standards for HSK
shanks and six standards for HSK matching spindle receivers.
The debut of this technology in the metal cutting industry is
stimulating a progressive evaluation and overhaul of the way tools are being held and
interfaced in machining applications. It has forced a revision of production environments
and rethinking of manufacturing methods. Currently there are more than 50,000 spindles
equipped with the HSK interface operating worldwide.
However, some end users and companies recently joining (or planning to
join) the "HSK Club" have experienced some difficulties in applying this new
technology. A lack of sufficient information and partial misunderstanding in properly
utilizing this tooling still remains. The HSK HANDBOOK bridges
this gap by explaining the
fundamental principles of the HSK interface. It describes the history and the reasons for its development, a general overview of how the HSK interface works, and what is happening when an HSK shank is
clamped.
The handbook also contains the most recent information available with
recommendations and guidelines for the proper application of this tooling system. This
handy reference gives the reader a clear idea about the "physics and the
"philosophy" of the technology. Subsequent chapters are involved in explaining
each type of shank and tool receiver, including: recommendations for their particular
application; recommended loads,
torques, and speeds for each HSK shank; drawings for all HSK shanks and receivers in ANSI standard; and
recommendations for clamping forces for all HSK shanks.
An important part of this book is an analysis of material selection for HSK shanks. In the conclusion there are general
recommendations for end users in selecting HSK products, as well as suggestions for troubleshooting common problems. HSK HANDBOOK was
developed in consideration of ANSI standards (third angle of projection) and domestic
measurement units (inch, pound, etc.).
The HSK HANDBOOK is recommended reading for
anyone involved in tooling and machine tools, including distributors of CNC centers with
HSK spindles, tooling departments responsible for specifications, developers of of
equipment, and professionals looking for new tooling solutions for high speed/high
rigidity machining. This book is very practical, making it easy to read and understand, as
well as being valuable in training sales personnel involved in marketing HSK products.
Intelligent Concept.
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