Category: Machine Tool Accessories / Technical Guide
Author: OLICNC Team
For machine tool distributors and CNC shop owners, selecting the right tool holder is crucial for balancing cost and performance. A common question we receive at OLICNC is: "What is the actual difference between a standard HSK-ER tool holder and an HSK-GER tool holder?"
While they may look similar at a glance, the differences in design, speed capabilities, and application are significant. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of machine tool accessories in China, OLICNC is here to break down the technical details to help you stock the right products for your customers.
1. The Core Difference: "G" Stands for High Speed & Precision
The most basic distinction is in the naming.
- HSK-ER: The standard industrial collet chuck. Reliable, versatile, and cost-effective.
- HSK-GER: The "G" typically refers to "High Speed" (or G-Type). These are upgraded versions designed for high-precision and high-RPM applications.
2. Visual Identification: Look at the Nut
The easiest way to tell them apart is by the clamping nut structure:
- HSK-ER (Standard): Uses a standard Hexagon Nut or a Slotted Nut (Castellated). You will see slots or flat sides for a standard hook wrench or open-end wrench.
- Drawback: These slots create air resistance (wind drag) and uneven weight distribution at high speeds.
- HSK-GER (High Speed): Uses a Smooth, Full-Round Nut (G-Type Nut). There are no slots on the outer diameter.
- Advantage: The smooth surface reduces wind noise and vibration.
- Note: You must use a specialized Roller Bearing Wrench to tighten these nuts.
3. RPM and Balancing (The Performance Gap)
This is where the price difference is justified.
- HSK-ER: Typically balanced to G6.3 @ 12,000 - 15,000 RPM.
- Best for:General machining, drilling, roughing, and standard milling where the spindle speed is below 15,000 RPM.
- HSK-GER:Precision balanced to G2.5 @ 20,000 - 30,000 RPM.
- Best for:High-speed finishing, mold making, and high-gloss surface machining. The superior balance protects the spindle bearings and ensures a mirror-like finish on the workpiece.
4. Runout Accuracy
- HSK-ER: When paired with OLICNC’s standard ER collets, it offers excellent reliability for general tasks (System runout ~0.005mm - 0.01mm).
- HSK-GER:The body and nut are ground to tighter tolerances. When used with high-precision (UP/AA grade) collets, the system runout can be controlled within 0.003mm, ensuring maximum tool life for small end mills.
Comparison Summary Table
Feature | HSK-ER (Standard) | HSK-GER (High Speed) |
Nut Design | Slotted or Hexagon | Smooth Round (No slots) |
Required Wrench | Hook / Open-end Wrench | Roller Bearing Wrench |
Balancing | G6.3 @ 15,000 RPM | G2.5 @ 25,000+RPM |
Application | Roughing, Drilling, General Milling | Finishing, High-Speed Cutting, Mold Making |
Cost | Economy / Low | Premium |
Why Source Tool Holders from OLICNC?
Whether your market demands the economical HSK-ER or the high-performance HSK-GER, OLICNC has you covered.
As an ISO9001-certified supplier, we specialize in providing High Volume, Cost-Effective solutions for global distributors. Here is why dealers choose olicnctools.com:
From HSK63A and HSK100A to BT and ISO standards, we supply the full range of holders and accessories (Collets, Pull Studs, Vises).
Leveraging our "Made in China" manufacturing capabilities, we offer mid-range market pricing that allows distributors to maintain healthy profit margins.
Need your logo laser-marked on the holders? Need a specific dynamic balance grade? We support OEM/ODM requests.
We understand that lead time is money. We keep a substantial stock of common sizes for quick shipment.
Ready to upgrade your inventory?Contact OLICNC today for a catalog and wholesale price list. Let us be your partner in precision.