What are the common deep hole drilling inserts and their applicable range?

Deep hole drilling is a specialized machining operation used to create holes with large length-to-diameter ratios.  It requires specialized cutting tools known as deep hole drilling inserts.  This article aims to provide an overview of common deep hole drilling inserts and their applicable ranges, highlighting their features, advantages, and suitable applications.

1) Solid Carbide Inserts:

Solid carbide inserts are made from a single piece of carbide material.  They offer excellent hardness and wear resistance, making them suitable for various deep hole drilling applications.  Key features and applicable ranges include:

Diameter range: Typically used for hole diameters ranging from 3 mm to 25 mm.

Material compatibility: Suitable for drilling a wide range of materials, including steels, stainless steels, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals.

Stability: Solid carbide inserts provide high stability and rigidity, ensuring accurate and precise drilling operations.

Suitable for high-speed drilling: Solid carbide inserts can withstand high cutting speeds, making them ideal for high-production drilling.

2) Indexable Inserts:

Indexable inserts consist of a carbide insert mounted on a toolholder.  They offer versatility and cost-effectiveness, as the inserts can be replaced when worn out.  Common types of indexable inserts for deep hole drilling include:

PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) Inserts: PCD inserts feature a diamond layer on the cutting edge, providing exceptional hardness and wear resistance.  They are suitable for drilling non-ferrous materials and composite materials.

CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) Inserts: CBN inserts are designed for drilling hardened steels and materials with high hardness.  They offer superior thermal stability and wear resistance.

Coated Carbide Inserts: Coated carbide inserts are carbide inserts with a thin coating layer.  The coatings, such as TiN, TiAlN, or TiCN, enhance wear resistance and extend tool life.

Each type of indexable insert has specific advantages and applicable ranges, depending on the material being drilled and the desired cutting conditions.

3) Gun Drills:

Gun drills are specialized deep hole drilling tools that consist of a carbide insert mounted on a long, slender shank.  They are designed for drilling extremely deep holes with high precision.  Key features and applicable ranges include:

Diameter range: Gun drills are suitable for drilling holes with diameters ranging from 2 mm to 40 mm or more.

Long hole drilling: Gun drills can achieve hole depths up to 100 times the diameter, making them ideal for deep hole applications.

Excellent straightness and precision: Gun drills provide exceptional hole straightness and surface finish, ensuring high-quality results.

Suitable for various materials: Gun drills can be used for drilling a wide range of materials, including steels, stainless steels, aluminum, and composites.

Deep hole drilling inserts play a crucial role in achieving accurate and efficient drilling operations.  Solid carbide inserts offer hardness and stability, while indexable inserts provide versatility and cost-effectiveness.  Gun drills excel in drilling deep and precise holes.  Manufacturers and machinists should consider the specific requirements of their drilling applications, such as hole diameter, material compatibility, and desired precision, to select the most suitable deep hole drilling inserts, ultimately optimizing productivity and achieving high-quality results.