What to Ask When Selecting the Right Feed Unit
Zagar Inc. Feed Units can make all the difference in the speed, efficiency and accuracy of a production line. To determine spindle-nose and toolholder requirements, ask yourself the following questions:
- What style is the tool shank?
- Do I need a specially configured tool shank to use this feed unit?
- What style is the spindle nose?
- What style of tool holder do I need to connect the two?
- How is the tool held and adjusted (if applicable)?
- Do I need a driver?
- Do I want to use quick-change toolholders?

Some additional manufacturing requirements to bear in mind when selecting a feed unit are ease of setup, flexibility, precision, power-supply needs, and your plant’s specific production methods.
If the feed unit is to be used for a long-run dedicated job, ease of setup should not be a major priority. If, however, the unit is to be used in situations involving frequent part changeovers, a ballscrew feed unit will serve you best, since it can be more easily relocated to new applications because of its programmability.