Product Overview
An angle head is a precision machine tool accessory that enables the cutting tool to rotate at a specific angle relative to the main spindle axis. This attachment expands machining capabilities of vertical and horizontal machining centers, gantry mills, and boring machines without structural modifications. Angle heads are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and mold-making industries for complex multi-face operations. They eliminate repeated workpiece re-clamping, improving both accuracy and production efficiency.
Types and Features
Common types include right-angle heads, universal angle heads, extended-reach heads, and double-output heads. Right-angle heads orient the tool at ninety degrees for side milling and drilling in confined spaces. Universal angle heads allow adjustable cutting angles from zero to ninety degrees for complex five-axis machining. Extended-reach heads access deep cavities while double-output heads provide cutting from both sides for symmetrical tasks. Light-duty models under fifteen kilograms support automatic tool changing, while heavy-duty heads over fifty kilograms suit large boring operations.
How to Choose
Begin by identifying your machine tool parameters including spindle type, torque rating, and maximum speed. Verify the angle head shank matches your spindle interface such as BT30, BT40, BT50, HSK63, or CAT taper. Evaluate machining requirements to determine the angle type and torque capacity needed. Review dimensional drawings to check for interference between the head body and workpiece. Ensure the angle head weight falls within the tool magazine capacity for automatic changes.
Replacement and Installation
Standard angle heads install easily with no machine modifications required. For shank-connected types, install the pull stud into the spindle face and secure using the automatic tool clamping mechanism. Run the head at low speed for several minutes before first use to warm up internal gears and distribute lubricant. Verify the positioning block engages correctly with the spindle nose to prevent rotation during cutting. Perform a test cut and measure runout to confirm alignment within tolerance.
Maintenance Tips
Modern angle heads use sealed permanent grease lubrication and are essentially maintenance-free. Inspect regularly for unusual noise exceeding eighty decibels or heat above eighty degrees Celsius indicating internal problems. Keep mating surfaces and shank tapers clean from chips and coolant residue to maintain positioning accuracy. Store unused heads in dry environments with protective caps on all exposed surfaces.
