ISO 12164-2:2023

Overview

ISO 12164-2:2023 defines dimensional and design requirements for receivers (spindle noses) with taper and flange contact surfaces that mate with HSK (hollow taper shank) tool holders. It covers three receiver types (A, C and E) that fit HSK shanks of types A, AB, C, CB and EB, and applies to machine tools used for turning, drilling, milling, grinding and combinations of these operations.

Key Topics

• Receiver types and function
  • Type A: for automatic tool change (fits HSK-A, AB).
  • Type C: for manual tool change only (uses radial holes in receiver and shank; fits HSK-C, CB).
  • Type E: for automatic tool change (fits HSK-EB).
• Dimensional specifications
  • Detailed dimensions and tolerances for HSK nominal sizes 20–160 are given (figures and Table 1). Cones follow ISO 3040; geometric tolerances follow ISO 1101; unspecified tolerances use ISO 2768-1 (class “m”).
• Design and materials
  • Recommended materials: tempering or case-hardening steel with a minimum core strength of 800 N/mm and minimum surface hardness of 50 HRC after heat treatment and finish grinding.
• Clamping and performance
  • Annex A provides practical recommendations for clamping systems, required clamping forces and guidance on torque/speed data from manufacturers.
  • Flange face contact is decisive for torque capacity; the flange typically receives at least 75% of the effective clamping force.
  • Example clamping forces (Table A.1): HSK-20 = 1.2 kN, HSK-25 = 2.8 kN, HSK-32 = 5 kN, … up to HSK-160 = 115 kN.
• Designation
  • Standardized naming (e.g., “Receiver ISO 12164-2 - HSK-A 63”).

Applications

• Machine tool spindle designers and manufacturers specifying spindle noses for CNC lathes, mills, and grinding machines.
• Tooling suppliers and adapters creating compliant HSK receivers or matching tool holders.
• Production and maintenance engineers selecting interfaces for automatic tool change (ATC) systems or manual tool-change setups.
• Standards and quality engineers ensuring interchangeability, safety and repeatable clamping performance across machines and tool systems.

Related Standards

• ISO 12164-1 - Shanks of types A, AB, C, CB, EB (complements Part 2)
• ISO 1101 - Geometrical tolerancing
• ISO 3040 - Cones dimensioning and tolerancing
• ISO 2768-1 - General tolerances (linear/angular)

ISO 12164-2:2023 is essential when specifying or validating HSK hollow taper interfaces, ensuring consistent dimensional interchangeability, reliable clamping force transmission and compatibility across machine tools and tool holders.