A U-drill, or indexable insert drill, is a high-efficiency tool for CNC milling and turning that uses replaceable carbide inserts instead of a solid blade. It is designed for high-speed, high-precision drilling, and its body features internal cooling channels and a rigid structure that allows for deeper holes (up to 5×D to 8×D) than conventional drills. U-drills are cost-effective because worn inserts can be replaced without the need for sharpening, and they are versatile enough for various drilling operations and materials, including steel, aluminum, and cast iron.
How it works
- A U-drill has a hardened steel body with a center and a peripheral carbide insert, which provides stable, straight holes.
- Coolant is channeled through the body directly to the cutting edges, maintaining temperature control and helping to evacuate chips.
- The inserts have multiple cutting edges, and once one is worn, it can be indexed or replaced, reducing downtime and costs associated with sharpening.
Key features and benefits
- High efficiency: Capable of higher feed rates compared to traditional drills.
- Cost-effective: Replaceable inserts save time and money compared to sharpening traditional drill bits.
- High precision: Delivers excellent hole quality and surface finish, with very low tolerances.
- Deep hole drilling: Can drill deep holes without the need for pilot drilling, with depth-to-diameter ratios of 2×D to 5×D or more, depending on the specific tool design.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of materials, including steel, cast iron, and aluminum.
- Versatile operations: Can be used for spot drilling, step drilling, and drilling at angles.
Common applications
- High-volume production in the automotive and aerospace industries.
- Creating precision holes in hard materials like stainless steel and alloy steels.
- General purpose drilling on CNC machining centers.
