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Metalworking & Multipurpose Drill Bits

 

Drill bits are cutting tools used to make holes in a wide range of materials. They are used in machines such as handheld portable drills, drill presses, machining centers, and lathes.

Drill bits come in a variety of lengths. Short length bits work best for… Learn More

When selecting the right drill bit for a given application, consider cutter material, finish, drill point type, tool flute type, shank type, cutter size, special features, special applications, and standards.

Drill bits are made of durable cutter materials such as high-speed steel (HSS), carbide and cobalt. Some drill bits are uncoated or bright; others have a finish – either a surface treatment or a coating -- to enhance the bit’s performance on specific material types or in certain applications. A surface treatment is an oxidizing process using heat and steam; examples include black and gold oxides. A coating is bonded to the surface by processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and are made from titanium nitride (TiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN).

Drill point styles vary based on application. They have different point angles and style of cutting edges. One of the most common is called the conventional. The most common conventional style has a 118-degree point angle and is a good compromise between performance and price across a wide range of materials. Other styles include split (also called crankshaft), notched, ADX, 4- or 6-facet, and thinned point. Some vendors have proprietary designs or styles for increased performance in some drilling applications. Each style offers specific performance characteristics in different materials and drilling applications.

Flutes are helical (curved) or straight grooves cut or ground into the body of the drill bit to provide cutting edges, enable removal of chips (also called swarf), and to allow cutting fluid or coolant to reach the cutting edges. Twist or spiral drill bits have helical flutes with varied helix angles (rates of twist). Fast spiral drill bits provide greater chip-lifting power but are weaker than a regular helix angle, and are used primarily to create deep holes. Slow spiral drill bits are stronger than a regular helix angle but have less lifting power for chip removal. Regular twist drill bits are a compromise of fast and slow spirals. Straight flute design has increased edge strength and produces a smoother finish inside the hole than twist drill bits, and are good for drilling in lathes.

Another feature to consider is the shank, the portion where the drill bit is held by a tool holder. The shank transfers the torque to the drill bit. Shank variations include tapered (also called Morse); threaded; flats ground on the shank; and others with tangs for increased holding power. Morse tapers have a secure fit in the tool holder and provide good transfer of torque to the drill bit. Threaded shanks can easily screw onto the tool holder for quick change operations. Drill bit diameter is the measurement around the bit’s shank.

Drill bit cutter sizes are described by various sizing standards such as inch (English), metric, wire gauge (80 to 1), and letter (A to Z). This reflects the size of the hole being drilled. Standards ensure that dimensions are the consistent across manufacturers.

Among the special features available are double-ended bits and bits with shorter flutes. Others bits have the ability to deliver coolant or cutting fluids through holes in the drill bit, extending the life of the tool.

There are drill bits that are used for special applications. Core drill bits enlarge existing holes, while spotting drill bits create pilot holes. Drilling micro-sized holes requires very stiff and hard drill bits usually made of carbide.

Some drill bits conform to various standards such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), German Institute for Standardization (DIN), and the National Aerospace Standard (NAS).

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