CNC Tool Breaking at the Collet
Overview
If a CNC cutting tool breaks at or near the collet, this is almost always related to tooling setup, cutting parameters, or mechanical conditions rather than software or G-code issues. This article outlines the most common causes and recommended checks when experiencing repeated tool breakage at the collet.
Important Note
Tool breakage at the collet is not typically caused by Mozaik-generated G-code. Mozaik outputs standard toolpath motion and does not independently alter spindle behavior in a way that would cause tooling to snap at the collet.
Common Symptoms
- Tool snaps cleanly at the collet or just below it
- Multiple tools breaking in different materials
- Breakage occurs mid-cut rather than at tool entry
- Compression bits breaking unexpectedly
Most Common Causes
Collet or Tool Holder Condition
This is the most frequent cause of breakage at the collet.
Check for:
- Dust or debris inside the collet
- Worn or bell-mouthed collet
- Incorrect collet size (metric vs imperial mismatch)
- Tool bottomed out in the collet instead of backed off slightly
- Excessive spindle runout
A damaged or contaminated collet can cause repeated tool failures.
Tool Stick-Out
Excessive tool exposure increases leverage and bending stress at the collet.
Best practices:
- Use the minimum stick-out required for the cut
- Ensure the compression section of the bit is properly engaged
Feeds, Speeds, and Chip Load
Improper cutting parameters can cause overheating and excessive side load.
Common issues:
- RPM too high
- Feed rate too slow (causing rubbing instead of cutting)
- Depth of cut too aggressive
Compression tooling is especially sensitive to incorrect chip load.
Material Considerations
While material inconsistencies can affect cutting, repeated tool failure across multiple materials usually indicates a setup or tooling issue rather than a material defect.
Tool Tightening
Over-tightening a tool by hand is extremely unlikely to cause breakage.
More common risks include:
- Under-tightening
- Improper seating in the collet
Less Common Causes
- Defective tooling
- Manufacturing flaws in the bit
While possible, defective tools are less likely when multiple bits fail under similar conditions.
What This Is Not
Tool breakage at the collet is generally not caused by:
- Mozaik G-code errors
- Toolpath logic issues
- Software updates
A software-related issue would typically present as unexpected motion, incorrect depth changes, or collisions.
Recommended Troubleshooting Checklist
- Inspect and clean the collet thoroughly
- Replace the collet if wear is suspected
- Verify correct collet size
- Confirm proper tool stick-out
- Review feeds, speeds, and depth of cut
- Ensure proper chip evacuation
Result
Once tooling setup and cutting parameters are corrected, tools should cut reliably without breaking at the collet.
If tool breakage persists after completing these checks, contact your tooling supplier or the Mozaik Help Desk for further assistance.