
HSK hollow-stub taper shanks are a widely used DIN standard for machine tools. HSK tools have a simultaneous 1:10 taper, which generates two surface contact areas: face and taper. Compared with traditional steep-taper shanks, HSK shanks are shorter, hollow, and clamp from the inside. They also incorporate drive keys that engage milled key-slots in machine spindles and offer higher static and dynamic stiffness than standard steep taper tooling. HSK tooling includes seven toolholder shank forms: A, B, C, D, E, F, and T. Various machine-spindle receivers are available for each. However, the choice of form depends on application requirements such as torque and spindle speed.
HSK-B HSK-A for general-machining service greater flange support than form A for heavier work
| Form A | Form B |
| Form A for automatic tool change is the most common shank, typically used on new | Form B is also for automatic tool change. It is similar in appearance to form A |
| machining centers and for general service. Form A has a drive slot in the small end | but dimensionally different. Form B provides greater flange support for heavy |
| of the tapered shank and features coolant through the center, using a coolant tube | machining, even though its taper shank size is smaller than form A. This style of |
| thread mount inside the shank cavity. In many applications, wrench access holes | shanks have drive slots in the flange and drive keys in the taper. Coolant for form B |
| are provided through the taper as an option for manual clamping and automatic tool | is fed through ports in the flange. Mounting holes for an electronic chip are also a |
| change shanks. Form A shanks have mounting holes for an electronic chip. | feature of form B. |
| There are eight different sizes of form A ranging from 32–160mm (1.260–6.299") | For form B there are seven different shank sizes from 40–160mm (1.575–6.299") |
| flange diameter. | flange diameter. |
HSK-C HSK-D similar to form A but for manual tool similar to form B but for manual tool change applications change applications
Forms C and D Forms C and D for manual tool changes are variations of forms A and B, but the There are six different shank sizes for form C ranging from 32–100mm gripper groove and chip holes are eliminated. These two forms always have their (1.260–3.937") flange diameter. Form D has five different shank sizes from access holes through the taper for manual clamping. These manual forms are 40–100mm (1.575–3.937") flange diameter. typically used on transfer lines and non-rotating applications for NC lathes.
(continued)