The drill chuck, also known as the APU tool holder, is a widely used tool in the field of mechanical processing, primarily for holding cutting tools such as drill bits, milling cutters, and reamers. It plays a crucial role in equipment such as CNC machines, machining centers, and lathes, ensuring the stability and precision of the tool during high-speed rotation.

1. Structure and Working Principle

The drill chuck typically consists of the following components:

• Chuck Body: Usually made of high-strength alloy steel or stainless steel, offering excellent wear resistance and fatigue resistance.

• Jaws: The part that holds the tool, usually with three or four jaws that can evenly clamp the tool.

• Locking Nut: By rotating the locking nut, the jaws can be tightened or loosened, allowing for the tool to be fixed or changed.

• Taper Shank: The tail of the drill chuck is usually designed in a tapered shape to fit tightly with the machine spindle. Common taper types include Morse Taper and BT Taper.

2. Main Types

Depending on the application requirements, drill chucks can be divided into the following types:

• Manual Drill Chuck: The tool is clamped or released by manually rotating the locking nut, suitable for small machines or manual operations.

• Automatic Drill Chuck: The tool is quickly changed via the machine's automatic tool changer (ATC), suitable for high-precision and high-efficiency CNC machining.

• Collet Chuck: Uses spring force to hold the tool, suitable for high-precision, small-diameter tool machining.

3. Application Areas

Drill chucks are widely used in the following fields:

• Metal Processing: Used for drilling, milling, reaming, and other machining processes.

• Woodworking: Used for drilling and milling wood.

• Plastic Processing: Used for drilling and cutting plastic products.

• Mold Manufacturing: Used for precision machining of molds.

4. Advantages

• High Precision: Ensures the stability and precision of the tool during high-speed rotation, reducing machining errors.

• Quick Tool Change: Automatic drill chucks allow for rapid tool changes, improving production efficiency.

• Wide Applicability: Suitable for various types of tools and machining materials.

5. Maintenance and Care

To ensure the long-term stable operation of the drill chuck, regular maintenance and care are required:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the chuck and jaws to remove chips and dirt, preventing clogging and wear.

• Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the locking nut and jaws to ensure their flexibility and service life.

• Inspection: Regularly inspect the wear of the chuck and taper shank, and replace damaged parts in a timely manner.