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Development of KM4X e original Boeing-inspired KM design was renamed a few years back as KM4X100—a spindle platform popular with a number of machine builders, as well as machine shops looking for high rigidity in demanding machining conditions. Kennametal recently added a 63-mm version to its product line aimed at a broader machine tool platform. Based on feedback from several machine builders regarding the KM4X product offering, the company continues to expand the portfolio, now including shrink-fit toolholders, HydroForce hydraulic chucks, TG and ER collet chucks and a variety of other spindle tooling, clamping units and modular adapters. e most recent additions have been extensions in the 80- to 200-mm range and centerline turning tools to support mill-turn applications. According to Bill Redman, global product manager, tooling systems, KM4X's rigidity allows for greatly increased gage lengths, allowing customers to reach much further without having to buy a special tool. Restricting Bending Capacity When machining tough materials such as titanium, cutting speeds are relatively low because of thermal effects on cutting tools. e latest spindles have been designed with abundant torque at low rotational speeds to better perform in these demanding applications. e spindle connection must provide torque and limited bending capacity compatible with machine tool specifications and the requirements for higher produc- tivity. It becomes obvious in end-milling applications, where projection lengths are typically longer. e limiting factor is the spindle interface's bending capacity. As an example, an indexable helical cutter with 250-mm (9.84- inch) projection from spindle face, 80 mm (3.15 inches) in diameter, generates 4620 Nm (3407.5 foot-pounds) of bending moment and less than 900 Nm (663.8 foot- pounds) of torque. e most critical parameters of a taper-face spindle connection are the clamping force and radial interfer- ence. Maximizing clamping force and selecting appro- priate values of interference can further improve connection rigidity. For more information from Kennametal Inc., call 800-446-7738 or visit kennametal.com. :: The KM4X clamping mechanism includes four ball tracks instead of two. On the system size 63, this design provides 50-percent higher clamping force than PSC, and 150-percent higher clamping force than HSK63. TECH BRIEF productionmachining.com :: 29