{{Short description|Modular part of a tool that is held and acts directly on the workpiece}} [[File:Voron extruder complex.jpg|thumb|upright|Printhead on a Voron 2.4 3D printer, containing the hotend and direct-drive extruder ]] [[File:2023_Bity.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A selection of common screwdriver bits ("toolheads"), including Phillips, Torx, slotted, and hex drive types]] [[File:Keyless hammer drill chuck.JPG|thumb|right|Drill bit ("toolhead") in a chuck ]]
A '''toolhead''' is a component of a machine or tool that is held and acts directly on the workpiece. Toolheads can allow for a modular assembly or easier change of tools for different tasks or maintenance. Toolheads can be subtractive and/or additive,<ref>[https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/e3d-launches-subtractive-toolhead-for-desktop-hybrid-manufacturing-173976/ E3D launches subtractive toolhead for desktop hybrid manufacturing - 3D Printing Industry]</ref> that is add or remove material during operation. The position of a toolhead in a machine is important for repeatability, and in numerically controlled machines its position is often calibrated in a process called homing during a machine's startup procedure.
Some examples of toolheads are: * Printhead (printing),<ref>[https://blog.ricoma.com/2024/09/03/what-is-a-printhead/ What is a Printhead? Understanding the Heart of Your Printer - Ricoma Blog]</ref> component of a printer responsible for transferring ink (inkjet printhead), toner (laser printhead) or heat (thermal printhead)<ref>[https://techweb.rohm.com/product/printhead/printheads/23767/ What is a printhead? | What is a printhead? | TechWeb]</ref> onto the print medium, such as paper, fabric, or plastic * Robot end effector, also called toolhead, the device at the end of a robotic arm that interacts with the environment * Screwdriver bits, sockets and drill bits, interchangeable toolheads enabling use of screwdrivers, socket wrenches and other tools with "bit-drivers" on fasteners with different screw heads by using the corresponding bit * Toolhead (3D printing) or printhead,<ref>[https://3dprinting.com/news/new-toolhead-enables-aerospace-composite-3d-printing/ New Toolhead Enables Aerospace Composite 3D Printing - 3D Printing]</ref> component of a 3D printer responsible for transferring material onto the onto the workpiece, for example via filament, powder or resin. One of the main movable parts of a 3D printer which contans the hotend (heating the filament) and, if applicable, also a direct-drive extruder (which performs feeding of the filament). * Toolhead (handloading), assembly sometimes used on handloading that holds a die, enabling change between different dies without losing their adjustment, thereby increasing output * Toolhead (machining), part of a milling machine, lathe or other machine tool that holds the cutting tool itself, such as a drill bit or other tools for shaping materials (via a chuck, collet or faceplate)
== References == <references/>
Category:Machine tools Category:Clamps (tool)