Short answer: `R8-ER40` is a R8 machine-taper holder fitted with an ER40 collet chuck; it holds tools from 1 mm to 26 mm shank diameter. The R8 end goes into the spindle (R8 shank, common on Bridgeport-type milling machines), the ER40 end grips the tool.

Collet range is set by DIN 6499. A 12 mm end mill needs ER40 or larger; an ER40 will not close on a shank outside 1–26 mm.