Angle Head

An Angle Head, used on vertical machining centers, is a special tool-holding system that transfers the rotational motion of the machine’s main spindle to a different angle, most commonly 90°, allowing machining operations to be performed on the side surfaces of a workpiece. On a standard vertical machining center, the spindle operates parallel to the Z-axis. When an angle head is used, the rotational motion is redirected to a horizontal or angled axis through a bevel or spiral bevel gear mechanism inside the head. This makes it possible to perform operations such as drilling, milling, tapping, slotting, spot facing, and boring on side surfaces without removing or repositioning the workpiece.