Whether requirements call for short-hole or deep-hole drilling, a number of factors can impact the quest for the perfect hole.
Drilling is one of the most common methods of metal removal. But as with any manufacturing process, there are a number of factors that can affect quality. When it comes to making the perfect hole, considerations range from hole depth and correct workpiece setup to coolant qualities and chip evacuation methods.
Normally, the first thing to consider when planning a drilling job is the print tolerances, says Karen Tucker, product manager of drilling at Carboloy Inc. (Warren, MI), a metal cutting tools vendor. What are the dimensions of the hole? What are the surface finish requirements? "There are a variety of types of drills that you would select based on those requirements," Tucker says.