Key cutting machine with improved key holder

A key cutting machine for cutting key blanks, the key cutting machine comprising:

• a key cutter configured to cut one of the key blanks based on a set of master key bitting information;
• a key holder assembly configured to receive and support the one key blank for cutting by the key cutter, the key holder assembly having a key blank opening configured to receive a multiplicity of key blank types, wherein a blade of the one key blank is configured to be inserted in an insertion direction into the key blank opening, the key holder assembly comprising:
• a key holder block;
• a first angled ramp angled relative to the insertion direction;
• a second angled ramp angled relative to the insertion direction, the second angled ramp being slidingly supported by the key holder block, wherein the first and second angled ramps face opposite one another and are configured to define in part the key blank opening for receiving the one key blank;
• at least one first biasing member providing a first biasing force to bias the second angled toward the first angled ramp, wherein as a user inserts the blade of the one key blank into the key blank opening, a front edge or tip of the blade of the one key blank engages the first and second angled ramps to overcome the first biasing force and displace the second ramp to separate the first and second angled ramps to further receive a body of the inserted key blank into a holding area;
• and
• at least one second biasing member configured to exert a second biasing force on the inserted key blank, the second biasing force being in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the first biasing force and that is transverse with respect to the insertion direction;
• wherein the first and second biasing forces serve to hold the one inserted key blank in a desired position as a prelude to and during the cutting of the inserted key blank via the key cutter.