Tooling for CNC Aggregate Heads
An aggregate head will expand the capabilities of your CNC router and can turn a 3-axis machine into 5-Axis efficiency without effort . An aggregate head attaches to the router spindle in similar fashion as your tool holder does. It is locked into the spindle via a torque arm, that is machine specific. An intricate internal mechanism converts the spindle output of the aggregate head to perform applications such as horizontal, or angled sawing, routing and drilling. If you have a CNC machine and need horizontal or angled cutting ability, our selection of precision German-made aggregate heads will give you options for sawing, routing, drilling, planing and much more.
Often times aggregate heads will require a custom cutting tool to complete the task at hand. Lower weight aluminum tool bodies, that respect the weight restrictions of the aggregate head itself are generally custom production, and even saw blade or grooving applications need a tool modification to fit on the aggregate. We offer a wide variety of saw blades for grooving and sawing, complete with the required counter-sunk holes for mounting on an aggregate head connection. Special application tooling such as V-grooving, rebating or lock mitre cutters can often be modified from standard executions to fit an aggregate head connection. Whether the application is for Bead Board production, grooving heads for the Lamello Clamex P system or something else…let us help! Contact us at 800-544-8436 or email us at sales@gdptooling.com!
FAQ
A CNC aggregate head is an accessory driven by the CNC spindle that changes the direction or function of the cutting tool. Depending on its configuration, an aggregate can enable horizontal drilling, right-angle routing, grooving, sawing, sanding and other operations that cannot be performed with a conventional vertical tool.
An aggregate head can allow a 3-axis CNC to perform certain operations normally associated with additional machining axes, including horizontal and angled machining. It does not turn the machine into a fully simultaneous 5-axis CNC, but for many specific applications it can provide the additional machining capability required without investing in a new 5-axis machine.
Aggregate heads can be configured for drilling, routing, milling, grooving, slotting, sawing, sanding and specialized angle machining. The appropriate configuration depends on the machine, material, cutting tool and operation.
Compatibility depends on the CNC manufacturer and model, spindle/tool interface, torque-arm connection and aggregate requirements. GDP Tooling confirms the machine’s torque-arm connection individually with each aggregate order to help ensure correct compatibility.
Aggregate heads are available for many popular CNC machining centers and routers, including Homag/Weeke, Biesse, SCM/Busellato, Holz-Her, Onsrud and Felder, as well as other CNC and point-to-point machines
Yes. Horizontal drilling is one of the most common applications for CNC aggregate heads, particularly in cabinet, furniture and component manufacturing, where holes must be machined into the edges or sides of a workpiece.
Yes, when the aggregate is specifically designed for a sawing application. GDP Tooling also offers CNC saw blades designed for aggregate heads, so the aggregate and blade can be matched to the application. Your existing site already cross-links that blade product to this aggregate page, which is a good internal relationship to preserve.
Start with your CNC manufacturer and model, spindle/interface, material being machined and the operation you need to perform. Details such as tool type and diameter, machining angle, speed requirements and production parameters can then be used to determine the appropriate aggregate configuration.
Aggregate heads are available in many standard executions, but the correct configuration depends on the CNC machine and application. Machine compatibility, torque-arm connection, tooling and operating requirements should be confirmed before ordering.
When only certain operations require horizontal or angled machining, an aggregate head can allow a manufacturer to expand the capabilities of an existing CNC rather than purchasing another machine solely for those operations. The economics depend on the application and production requirements, but aggregates can be a highly practical way to add specialized machining capability.
