CNC VDI Driven (Live) Tool Holder / Block

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CNC VDI Driven (Live) Tool Holder / Block


CNC VDI Driven (Live) Tool Holder / Block


CNC VDI Driven (Live) Tooling

📌 Purpose:

CNC VDI Driven (Live) Tooling is a powerful enhancement for CNC lathes, enabling them to perform not just turning, but also milling, drilling, and tapping—all in a single setup. This dramatically boosts productivity and flexibility in machining operations.

v  What Is Driven (Live) Tooling?

Ø  Unlike static tools, live tools rotate using power from the machine’s turret or spindle.

Ø  They’re mounted in VDI tool holders, which are standardized for quick-change and precision alignment.

Ø  Commonly used in CNC turning centers with live-tool turrets.

v  Types of VDI Live Tool Holders

Ø  Axial Live Tool Holders: Tool axis is parallel to the spindle (ideal for face drilling).

Ø  Radial Live Tool Holders: Tool axis is perpendicular to the spindle (used for side milling or drilling).

Ø  Adjustable Angle Holders: Allow custom tool orientation for complex geometries.

v  Key Features

Ø  Quick-change design: One-screw locking for fast tool swaps.

Ø  High precision: Serrated shafts and anti-rotation pins ensure alignment and rigidity.

Ø  Custom fit: Designed to match specific turret assemblies and bolt-hole patterns.

Ø  Durability: Made from hardened alloy steel for long service life.

v  Benefits

Ø  Reduces setups: Perform multiple operations without moving the part.

Ø  Improves accuracy: Less repositioning means tighter tolerances.

Ø  Saves time: Faster cycle times and fewer tool changes.

Ø  Expands capabilities: Enables complex part geometries on a lathe.

🏗️ Machine Compatibility:

CNC live tooling systems can be seamlessly integrated with:

v  CNC turning centers & CNC lathe with live tooling facility – enabling milling, drilling, and tapping operations alongside turning.

v  Modern CNC turn-mill machines – designed for high-rigidity live tooling (BMT/PTI) and quick-change systems (VDI).

v  CNC machining centres for specific applications

v  Common manufacturers that support live tooling – Haas, DMG-Mori, Mazak, Okuma, Emag, LMW

🎯 Types of Live CNC Drive Systems

Drive Type

Standard / Origin

Key Features

Typical Applications

Baruffaldi Drive

Italian manufacturer (Baruffaldi)

Proprietary high‑precision drive system; compact, rigid, optimized for heavy milling

Found in premium CNC lathes and turn‑mill centers requiring strong torque transmission

DIN 5480

German DIN standard

Involves involute splines for torque transmission; standardized dimensions

Widely used for turret–tool coupling in European CNC machines

DIN 5482

German DIN standard

Similar to DIN 5480 but with different spline geometry (shorter engagement, finer pitch)

Applied in lighter or more compact live tool interfaces

DIN 1809

German DIN standard

Defines polygonal drive connections (triangular/hexagonal forms) for precise centering and torque

Used in specialized live tooling systems where repeatability and rigidity are critical

v  Notes on Compatibility

Ø  Baruffaldi is a proprietary system, so tooling must match the machine builder’s turret design.

Ø  DIN 5480 & DIN 5482 are spline‑based standards, ensuring interchangeability across machines that adopt them.

Ø  DIN 1809 polygonal drives are less common but provide excellent centering accuracy and torque transfer.

v  Summary

Ø  Baruffaldi → proprietary, high‑rigidity drive.

Ø  DIN 5480 → standard involute spline drive.

Ø  DIN 5482 → variant spline drive for compact setups.

Ø  DIN 1809 → polygonal drive for precision alignment.

⚠️ Important Note (Rewritten for Clarity):

Before placing an order, please select the desired type of VDI Drive End for the VDI Driven Tool Holder. > 💡 Prices may vary depending on the selected drive end type.



🎯 VDI Disk-Type Turret

This infographic illustrates the configuration and capabilities of a VDI Disk-Type Turret system used in CNC machining (specifically turning centers). It focuses on "Live Tooling," which allows a lathe to perform milling, drilling, and tapping operations by driving the cutting tool while the workpiece is positioned by the main spindle.

The image is divided into two main sections: operational types and toolholder orientation.

1. Operations with Disk-Type Turret (Top Section) : This section contrasts the two primary ways live tools interact with the workpiece based on how the tool holder is mounted.

Radial Operation

v  Orientation: The tool approaches the workpiece from the side (perpendicular to the spindle axis).

v  Tool Holder: Uses radial tool holders with a 90° angle. The drive mechanism inside the holder translates the rotation 90 degrees to power the tool.

v  Application: Used for milling flats on the side of a cylinder, cross-drilling holes, or engraving on the outer diameter.

v  Safety Note: Mind interference circles! This is a critical warning. Because radial tools stick out sideways, the operator must calculate the clearance to ensure the tool or holder does not crash into the machine enclosure, sheet metal, or adjacent tools during rotation.

Axial Operation

v  Orientation: The tool approaches the workpiece from the front (parallel to the spindle axis).

v  Tool Holder: Uses axial tool holders (straight version). The tool points directly toward the spindle face.

v  Application: Used for face drilling, tapping, or milling features onto the face of the part (off-center or on-center).

2. Right and Left Hand Versions (Bottom Section) : This section visualizes the geometric orientation of the tool holders relative to the machine's coordinate system.

v  Coordinate System: The diagram maps out the machine axes:

Ø  Z-axis: Parallel to the main spindle (longitudinal).

Ø  X-axis: Vertical (cross-slide movement).

Ø  Y-axis: Often a virtual or actual axis for off-center milling.

Ø  C-axis (C1): The rotational axis of the main spindle, allowing for precise indexing of the part.

v  Handedness (Left vs. Right):

Ø  Left Hand: The tool holder is mounted on one side of the turret disk face.

Ø  Right Hand: The tool holder is mounted on the opposing side.

Ø  Significance: Selecting the correct "hand" is essential for ensuring the cutting tool rotates in the correct direction relative to the workpiece and for avoiding collisions with the chuck or machine components. It often dictates which direction the turret disk must index.

Summary : This graphic serves as a quick-reference guide for CNC programmers and setup machinists. It reminds them that a Disk-Type VDI turret is versatile—capable of both face (axial) and diameter (radial) work—but requires careful selection of tool holder "handedness" and strict attention to clearance zones (interference circles) to prevent machine crashes.



🎯 VDI Star-Type Turret

This infographic is a guide for CNC configuration, specifically focusing on complex multi-turret and dual-spindle turning centers. Unlike the previous "Disk-Type" turret, a Star-Type turret mounts tools on the outer diameter of the turret body, radiating outward like the points of a star.

The guide is split into two critical sections: the machine layout configuration and the specific tool holder dimensions.

1. Multi-Spindle & Multi-Turret Configuration (Top Section) : This complex diagram illustrates how tool holder "handedness" (Left vs. Right) changes depending on where the tool is mounted in the machine workspace.

v  Machine Architecture:

Ø  Main Spindle (Left): Controls the primary workpiece using axes Z1 (longitudinal) and C1 (rotational).

Ø  Sub Spindle (Right): Controls the secondary workpiece (for backside machining) using axes Z2 and C2.

Ø  Upper & Lower Turrets: The machine features both an Upper Turret and a Lower Turret. This allows for "pinch turning" (cutting with two tools simultaneously) or machining on both spindles at the same time.

v  Tool Orientation Logic: The diagram acts as a matrix for selecting the correct tool holder:

Ø  Upper Turret (Main Spindle): Shows how Right and Left-hand tools position the cutter relative to the chuck.

Ø  Lower Turret (Main Spindle): Because the lower turret is inverted relative to the upper one, the tool holder selection often mirrors the upper setup to achieve the same cutting direction.

Ø  Sub Spindle Operations: The diagram repeats this logic for the Sub Spindle (Upper Turret-2 and Lower Turret-2), ensuring the operator selects a holder that points the tool toward the sub-spindle face.

2. Dimensional Accuracy & Safety (Bottom Section) : This section highlights the specific geometry of the tool holders and safety constraints.

Right vs. Left Hand Versions

v  Visual Identification: The diagram clearly distinguishes the casting and motor orientation for Left Hand vs. Right Hand holders.

v  Dimension H:

Ø  The red brackets highlight Dimension H. This is the distance from the tool holder's mounting base (the VDI shank interface) to the cutting tool's centerline.

Ø  Importance: The operator must program this specific offset into the CNC controller. If "Dimension H" is incorrect in the tool library, the tool will not be on center, resulting in broken tools or parts with "pips" on the face.

Safety Warning :  "Please check interference circles with fixed tools!"   In a Star-Type turret, space is extremely tight. Because tools stick out radially:

v  Collision Risk: The motor of a live tool (the boxy part of the holder) might be wide enough to hit a static tool (like a boring bar) mounted in the adjacent station.

v  "Interference Circle": This refers to the swept diameter of the turret when it rotates. The operator must ensure that long tools do not crash into the sheet metal, the slide covers, or the opposing spindle during tool changes.

Summary : This chart is essential for Process Engineers and Setup Machinists. It serves two main purposes:

  1. Procurement/Setup: Ensuring the shop buys or selects the correct "hand" of tool holder depending on whether they are machining on the Main or Sub spindle, and whether they are using the Upper or Lower turret.
  2. Programming: Reminding the programmer to account for the specific "H" offset and to simulate the tool path carefully to avoid collisions in the crowded Star-Turret environment.

Two Types of Cooling Methods for CNC Tool Holders

  1. External Cooling – Uses nozzles to direct coolant onto the cutting area from outside the tool holder.
  2. Through-Tool (Internal) Cooling – Delivers coolant directly through the tool holder and cutting tool, reaching the cutting edge more efficiently.

🎯 How to Read the Height Dimension of Live Tools

This infographic provides a critical guide for CNC programmers and setup machinists on how to correctly measure and input the "H" dimension (Height offset) for driven (live) tools. Getting this dimension wrong can lead to tool collisions or incorrect machining depths.

The image differentiates between two main types of live tools: Radial (Angle) and Axial (Straight).

1. Radial (90°) Tool Holders

v  Configuration: The tool output is at a 90-degree angle to the mounting shank. These are used for operations like cross-drilling or milling on the diameter of a part.

v  H Dimension Definition:

Ø  "On an angle style tool the H dimension is the distance from the flush mounting face to the centerline of the collet."

v  Visual Reference: In the top diagram, the red arrow marked H = 72 mm starts at the flat face where the holder mounts to the turret and ends exactly at the center axis of the rotating collet nut. This value effectively tells the machine "how far out" the center of the drill or mill is from the turret face.

2. Axial (0°) Tool Holders

v  Configuration: The tool output is straight, in line with the mounting shank. These are used for face drilling or tapping.

v  H Dimension Definition:

Ø  "On a straight style tool the H dimension is the distance from the flush mounting face to the end face of the collet."

v  Visual Reference: In the bottom diagram, the red arrow marked H = 55 mm measures the total length from the turret mounting face to the very tip of the collet nut.

v  Important Note: Unlike the radial tool where you measure to a centerline, here you measure to a face. This offset usually needs to be added to the length of the drill bit itself to get the total tool length offset (Geometry Offset).

Summary for Setup

v  Radial (Angle): H = Distance to Centerline.

v  Axial (Straight): H = Distance to Face (Nut).

Correctly identifying these values in the tool catalog or measuring them on the bench is essential for populating the CNC machine's tool offset page correctly.


🧰 TACO VDI Driven (Live) Tool Holders

Ø  Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) Tool Holders: Tool axis is parallel to the spindle (ideal for face drilling).

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) PTI Tool Holders: 


¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) PTI Tool Holders  


Model [ Description ] Live

VDI

PTI

ØD

L1

L2

L3

W

H

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Axial PTI4 [C4]

30

C4

82

75

55

62

70

41

1:1

5000

40

Ø12X6X7

VDI-30 Axial PTI‐5 [C5]

30

C5

98

85

55

62

75

49

1:1

4000

70

Ø13.5X8X7

VDI-30 Axial PTI‐6 [C6]

30

C6

116

95

55

62

85

58

1:1

3000

100

Ø13.5X8X7

VDI-40 Axial PTI4 [C4]

40

C4

82

75

63

72

70

41

1:1

5000

40

Ø14X8X6.5

VDI-40 Axial PTI‐5 [C5]

40

C5

98

85

63

72

75

49

1:1

4000

70

Ø14X8X6.5

VDI-40 Axial PTI‐6 [C6]

40

C6

116

95

63

72

85

58

1:1

3000

100

Ø14X8X6.5

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders:


¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ Square ]

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ DIN 1809 ]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range 

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

F

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

3-13

30

94

62

50.5

30

30

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

3-16

30

98.5

62

50.5

30

30

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

3-16

30

98.5

66.5

55

30

30

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

3-20

40

123

72

56

41

41


Model [ Description ] Live

G

H

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

30

28

1:1

6000

ER20

40

Ø12X6X7

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

30

28

1:1

6000

ER25

40

Ø12X6X7

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

30

28

1:1

6000

ER25

40

Ø13.5X8X7

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

43

40

1:1

5000

ER32

70

Ø14X8X6.5

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ DIN 5480 ]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range 

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

F

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

3-13

30

94

67

55

30

30

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

3-16

30

98.5

67

55

30

30

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

3-20

40

123

75

63

41

41


Model [ Description ] Live

G

H

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

30

28

1:1

6000

ER20

40

W16 X 0.8 X 30X 18-9b

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

30

28

1:1

6000

ER25

40

W16 X 0.8 X 30X 18-9b

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

43

40

1:1

5000

ER32

70

W20 X 0.8 X 30X 24-9b

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ DIN 5482 ]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

F

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

3-13

30

94

55

45

30

30

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

3-16

30

98.5

55

45

30

30

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

3-20

40

123

63

53

41

41


Model [ Description ] Live

G

H

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

30

28

1:1

6000

ER20

40

B15X12-9b

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

30

28

1:1

6000

ER25

40

B15X12-9b

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

43

40

1:1

5000

ER32

70

B17X14-9b

 

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ Round ]

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ DIN 1809 ]

 

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ DIN 5480 ]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

3-16

30

99.5

67

55

68

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

3-20

40

120.5

75

63

83


Model [ Description ] Live

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

1:1

6000

ER25

40

W16 X 0.8 X 30X 18-9b

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

1:1

5000

ER32

70

W20 X 0.8 X 30X 24-9b

¨       VDI Turret Axial (0 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [ DIN 5482 ]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range 

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

3-13

30

94

55

45

68

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

3-16

30

98.5

55

45

68

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

3-20

40

121

63

53

83


Model [ Description ] Live

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Axial ER-20

1:1

6000

ER20

40

B15X12-9b

VDI-30 Axial ER-25

1:1

6000

ER25

40

B15X12-9b

VDI-40 Axial ER-32

1:1

5000

ER32

70

B17X14-9b


 

Ø  Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) Tool Holders: Tool axis is perpendicular to the spindle (used for side milling or drilling).

¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) PTI Tool Holders:


¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) PTI Tool Holders:



Model [ Description ] Live

VDI

PTI

L1

L2

L3

L4

L5

W

H

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Radial PTI4 [C4]

30

C4

51

75

75

55

62

30

38

1:1

5000

40

Ø12X6X7

VDI-30 Radial PTI‐5 [C5]

30

C5

53

85

82

55

62

40

41

1:1

4000

70

Ø13.5X8X7

VDI-30 Radial PTI‐6 [C6]

30

C6

55

95

92

55

62

50

55

1:1

3000

100

Ø13.5X8X7

VDI-40 Radial PTI4 [C4]

40

C4

51

75

75

63

72

30

38

1:1

5000

40

Ø14X8X6.5

VDI-40 Radial PTI‐5 [C5]

40

C5

53

85

82

63

72

40

41

1:1

4000

70

Ø14X8X6.5

VDI-40 Radial PTI‐6 [C6]

40

C6

55

95

92

63

72

50

55

1:1

3000

100

Ø14X8X6.5


¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders:

¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders


¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [DIN 1809]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

F

G

H

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

3-16

30

84

62

50.5

63

96.5

49

33

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

3-16

30

84

66.5

55

63

96.5

49

33

VDI-40 Radial ER-32

3-20

40

91

72

56

80

106.5

43

43


Model [ Description ] Live

J

K

ØL

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

119

40

8

1:1

6000

ER25

40

Ø12X6X7

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

119

40

8

1:1

6000

ER25

40

Ø13.5X8X7

VDI-40 Radial ER-32

131

63

10

1:1

5000

ER32

70

Ø14X8X6.5

Note: The above table data represents the Right-hand version. A Left-hand version is also available.

¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [DIN 5480]

Model [ Description ] Live

Range / Capacity

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

F

G

H

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

M3-M16

30

89

67

55

63

96.5

49

33

VDI-40 Radial ER-32

M3-M20

40

98

75

63

80

108.5

43

43


Model [ Description ] Live

J

K

ØL

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

124

48

8

1:1

6000

ER25

40

W16 X 0.8 X 30X 18-9b

VDI-40 Radial ER-32

138

56

10

1:1

5000

ER32

70

W20 X 0.8 X 30X 24-9b

Note: The above table data represents the Right-hand version. A Left-hand version is also available.

¨       VDI Turret Radial (90 Degrees) Driven (Live) ER Tool Holders: [DIN 5482]

Model [ Description ] Live

Collet Range

Ød VDI

A

B

C

E

F

G

H

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

3-16

30

89

55

45

63

96.5

49

33

VDI-40 Radial ER-32

3-20

40

98

63

53

80

108.5

43

43


Model [ Description ] Live

J

K

ØL

I [Ratio]

Nmax RPM

S [ER]

T Nm

P

VDI-30 Radial ER-25

124

40

8

1:1

6000

ER25

40

B15X12-9b

VDI-40 Radial ER-32

138

63

10

1:1

5000

ER32

70

B17X14-9b

Note: The above table data represents the Right-hand version. A Left-hand version is also available.

“Live Tooling is provided upon request at a specified ratio.”

RATIO EXAMPLE

in RPM

out RPM

1:1

6000

6000

1:2

6000

12000

1:3

5000

15000

2:1

6000

3000

⚠️ Important Note (Rewritten for Clarity):

Before placing an order, please select the desired type of VDI Drive End for the VDI Driven Tool Holder. > 💡 Prices may vary depending on the selected drive end type.

📌 Important Ordering Note – Live Tooling

v  Availability: Live Tooling is supplied only upon request.

v  Specification: Orders must specify the required ratio along with all relevant technical parameters.

v  Lead Time: Additional processing time may be required; please confirm delivery schedules in advance.

v  Customization: Any variation from standard ratios must receive prior approval before order confirmation.

v  Responsibility: Incomplete or unclear order details may result in delays.

v  Production: Manufacturing will commence only after receipt of advance payment and final drawing approval.

v  Order Requirement: Customers must provide Turret technical details (Drive/Coupling specifications) to finalize product design.


TOOLS AND APPLIANCES CORPORATION

BLOCK NO.: 135/2, BILESHWARPURA, P.O. CHHATRAL - 382729,

TA. KALOL ( N.G.), DIST. GANDHINAGAR.

MO. 6355213404, 6355251586,

Email :- taco@imitoolsindia.com, salestaco@imitoolsindia.com.

TACO