Is there a better Shrink Fit System?

by Steve McBride, Product Specialist, OSG Tap & Die

There are a variety of Shrink Fit Toolholding Systems on the market, all of which use thermal contraction to grip cutting tools. However, while most Shrink Fit holders are one-piece type, OSG has improved upon this design with our “hybrid” Shrink Fit System. The word “hybrid” is defined as “something of mixed origin or composition” and this is what OSG has accomplished with our shrink fit system, as our holders have the accuracy and rigidity of Shrink Fit Holders, but the versatility of Collet Chucks.

HOW DOES THE "HYBRID" SHRINK FIT SYSTEM WORK? OSG’s Shrink Fit System consists of Base Holders and Shrink Fit Collets:

• BASE HOLDER: The Base Holder fits in between the machine spindle and the Shrink Fit Collet. It has a precision-ground tapered bore and a draw-bar type system to securely and accurately hold the Shrink Fit Collet. OSG stocks Base Holders in standard steep taper (BT and CT) and HSK styles.
• SHRINK FIT COLLET: The Shrink Fit Collet locks into the Base Holder and grips the cutting tool. To insert the cutting tool, the collet must be heated up using OSG’s hot air Shrink Fit Unit. As it cools, it grips the cutting tool with a tremendous amount of gripping force and accuracy. Collet sizes range from 3 to 12mm (or 1/8” to 1/2”) and are available in Standard, Slim, and Coolant-Thru configurations.

HOW ACCURATE IS IT?
Since all surfaces are precision ground, OSG’s Shrink Fit System maintains a runout accuracy of 5 microns (0.0002”) or less. This accuracy is consistently repeatable, since our Shrink Fit Collets are made of a stainless steel alloy (rather than tool steel) and our hot air Shrink Fit unit keeps the heat to a manageable level. This high level of accuracy helps the customer to machine the part to a finished state without worry.

WHAT ABOUT REACH?
This is a question that many shops struggle with when analyzing a job. OSG’s Shrink Fit System is the answer, as we can reach it if the part has at least three degrees of draft. All of OSG’s Shrink Fit Collets feature a three degree draft angle, and our Slim Type Collets have the smallest nose diameter of any Shrink Fit system on the market. 

Using the OSG’s Shrink Fit Holders with standard cutting tools (rather than EDM or special extended-length cutting tools) save customers considerable money. OSG’s Shrink Fit Collets can also be modified to fit extremely tight spaces

FLEXIBILITY
In addition to accuracy and reach, OSG’s Shrink Fit System offers flexibility that others do not. One Base Holder can accommodate a variety of Shrink Fit Collets, allowing customers to keep initial investments low. Also, since Shrink Fit Collets can be used in any Base Holder, customers can use OSG’s Shrink Fit System in multiple machines simply by purchasing new Base Holders. This is particularly helpful since a shop can get greater versatility out of existing tooling when they purchase new machines.

MAXIMUM COST SAVINGS
OSG’s Shrink Fit System provides maximum accuracy, reach and flexibility, all of which contribute to increased productivity and cost savings. Your customers should consider our system not only for new tooling purchases, but also for improving productivity on existing jobs.