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A Buyer's Guide to Angle Head Shank Interfaces: BT, HSK and CAT

Company NewsJul 05, 2026
A Buyer's Guide to Angle Head Shank Interfaces: BT, HSK and CAT

An angle head redirects spindle drive to a new axis, but all of that torque still passes through the shank interface. Choosing the correct taper and size is the difference between rigid, low-runout cutting and chatter.

BT (and the near-identical MAS-BT) tapers are the most common on Asian and general machining centers, offered here in BT30, BT40 and BT50. CAT is the equivalent standard on many North American machines. Both are 7:24 tapers held by a pull stud.

HSK is a hollow, face-and-taper interface that grips at high speed with excellent repeatability, favored on high-RPM and 5-axis machines. If your spindle is HSK, an HSK-shank head preserves that rigidity.

Match the taper to your spindle first, then size for the cut: BT40 covers most work, BT30 suits compact high-speed heads, and BT50 handles the heaviest torque. Tell us your spindle and cutter and we will confirm the interface.

Need a clamping or inspection solution?

Talk to our engineers about your application.

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