122 CNC Machining
Cutter Mounting
Milling cutters are mounted into the spindle of a CNC machine with
arbors or adapters. Three commonly used methods of cutter mounting are
adapter mounting, end mill adapter mounting, and collet chuck adapter
mounting.
• Adapter mounting. With adapter mounting, the cutter is mounted on
a piloted adapter that uses drive keys. The cutter is held in place by a
lock screw or socket head cap screw. See Figure 6-2. This mounting is
used for cutters six inches or less in diameter.
• End mill adapter mounting. In end mill adapter mounting, the cutter
is held with a lock screw against a Weldon shank. This mounting is
used for general-purpose work. See Figure 6-3.
• Collet chuck adapter mounting. With collet chuck adapter
mounting, the collet reduces runout. This provides better part finishes
and size control. See Figure 6-4.
Face mill
Slotting
cutter
Thread mill
End mill
Roughing
end mill
Face mill
Shell end mill
Figure 6-1. Various holders using carbide
inserts. (Kennametal)
Shell mill
adapter
(V-flange)
Spindle
2 drive
keys
Lock
screws
Figure 6-2. Shell end mill holder showing drive keys
and a single lock screw. (Kennametal)