A tool holder is a device that holds the cutting tool in the spindle of the machine safely. The cutting tool is mounted into the holder and then tightened so it does not move during machining. One of the most common standards of tool holders is CAT. These tools were developed by an American company, Caterpillar®, and are used in CNC machinery.
Purpose and Functionality
CAT tool holders accept both Imperial and Metric-sized tools. CAT tapered tool holders are similar to BT tapered tool holders. The difference between CAT and BT is the flange style and thickness, as well as the thread for the pull stud being a different size.
CAT tooling uses Imperial (US customary) thread pull studs (retention knobs). Well-known among professionals and widely-used, CAT tooling can be found in different sizes: CAT30, CAT40, CAT45, CAT50, CAT60, etc. The number represents the size of the taper holder, which is standardized by the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The higher the number, the bigger the taper.
CAT tools are also known as Caterpillar “V-flange.” CAT tool holders are designed as flexible devices that will accommodate different tools within a certain range of sizes. They will accept both imperial and metric-sized tools. They consist of a taper (shank) and a holding head (flange). The Morse taper (male part) fits in the spindle’s female coupling, providing precise positioning of the tool and the ability to change it quickly.
The holding head usually uses collets that hold the tool in place, providing concentricity of the cutting tool, as they wrap around the circumference of the tool. They are perfectly balanced, which is the reason they are preferred and used by most professionals.
If you are using a tool holder with a collet, do not forget to clean it of debris after each use! CAT tool holders are quite durable, which makes them safe and reliable. However, they must be stored professionally and safely to keep them working as intended.
Cat50, Cat40, Cat30 ER Collet Chucks
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- Cat 30 Tool Holder
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- Cat 40 Floating TAP Tool Holder Tier 16
ER collet chucks handle a wide range of machining jobs without having to buy new tool holders. Simply choose the right size collet for the job, set the tool depth, tighten the collet nut, and pull the stud to the proper torque using a torque wrench and tightening fixture.
Collets are available for: drilling, milling, coolant thru, and high-speed applications. Special “DNA” (Dead Nuts Accurate) collets are used for small drills (6mm and smaller) to maintain Total Indicated Runout (TIR) at those sizes.
Use “Power Coat” nuts to increase the holding power and safety of your tool holders. High holding power extends cutting tool life and improves surface finish.
CAT tool holders do not provide the possibility for spinning the tool inside the collet. Nevertheless, they fit for ATC (Automatic Tool Change), if this technology is supported by your machine.
CAT standard is produced by a variety of companies and is easy to acquire.
Dimensions:
|
ANSI B5.50 (from Kennametal catalog 7060) |
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|
Size |
D–1 | D–2 | D–3 | Lgt | F–1 | F–2 min |
A |
G |
|
40 |
1.750 (44.45) |
2.500 (63.05) |
1.750 (44.45) |
2.687 (68.25) |
0.750 (19.05) |
1.375 (35.00) |
0.125 (3.18) |
5/8-11 |
|
50 |
2.750 (69.85) |
3.875 (98.41) |
2.750 (69.85) |
4.000 (101.60) |
0.750 (19.05) |
1.375 (35.00) |
0.125 (3.18) |
1-8 |
| 60 | 4.250 (107.95) |
5.500 (139.70) |
4.250 (107.95) |
6.375 (161.93) |
0.750 (19.05) |
1.500 (38.10) |
0.125 (3.18) |
1 1/4-7 |
|
ISO 7388-1, DIN 69871, NFE 62540 |
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|
Size |
D1 | D2 | D3 max | L | F1 | F2 min | A | G |
|
40 |
44.45 | 63.55 | 50 | 68.4 | 15.9 | 35 | 3.2 |
M16 |
| 50 | 69.85 | 97.5 | 80 | 101.75 | 15.9 | 35 | 3.2 |
M24 |
Tool holders built in those two types are usually interchangeable, but there are few differences. Keep this in mind when choosing the right one.
Bottom Line
CAT tool holders come in a variety of tapers and serve a vast number of purposes in the machine tooling industry. If you are not certain which type of Cat tool holders you should purchase for your lathe or CNC machine, please get in touch with us and have our service representatives to assist you in making the ideal selection for your immediate machine tooling needs.
Shop Superior Machine & Tool’s selection of CAT Tool Holders