Key cutting machine with improved key holder

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

• a key cutting component configured to cut a key blank based on a set of master key bitting information;
• a key holder assembly configured to receive and support a key blank for cutting by the key cutting component, the key holder assembly having a common key blank opening configured to receive a multiplicity of key blank types, the key holder assembly comprising:
• a key holder block;
• a first angled ramp and a second angled ramp, at least one of the first and second angled ramps 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 key blanks;
• at least one first biasing member providing a first biasing force to bias at least one of the first and second angled ramps toward the other angled ramp, wherein as a user inserts a key blank into the key blank opening a front edge or tip of the key blank engages the first and second angled ramps to overcome the first biasing force and displace at least one of the first and second ramps 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 generally orthogonal to the first biasing force;
• wherein the first and second biasing forces serve to hold an inserted key blank in a desired position as a prelude to cutting operation.