Clamping device for holding a collet

A clamping device for holding a collet, the clamping device comprising:

• a first clamping segment having a first mounting flange and a tubular member extending axially away from the first mounting flange, a first bore defining an interior surface extending through the first mounting flange and the tubular member, the tubular member having an exterior surface, and the first mounting flange being configured for attachment to a rotatable spindle of a machine tool;
• a draw bar assembly comprising an elongate shaft that extends axially from a first end to a second end thereof, the elongate shaft extending through the first bore of the first clamping segment;
• a biasing unit mounted in engagement with the interior surface or the exterior surface of the tubular member;
• and
• a locking member removably secured to the elongate shaft of the draw bar assembly between the first end and the second end such that the biasing unit is compressed between the locking member and a portion of the first clamping segment, such that the locking member contains the biasing unit on or in the tubular member when the locking member is secured to the elongate shaft and such that the biasing unit is released from the elongate member when the locking member is removed from the elongate shaft;
• wherein the biasing unit remains compressed when the first clamping segment is separated from the spindle of the machine tool.