Drilling Hard Metal
Drilling Hard Metal
(OP)
We just screwed up. The drilled hole pattern in some gray iron castings was off just enough to not work properly. It was decided to weld the holes closed and redrill. The castings were welded with mig wire instead of nickel rod. The attempt to drill thru the welded spot with a carbide jobbers drill failed. Our radil arm drill was probably a factor in the failure. Our only 'sturdy' drilling option is a Milwaukee knee mill, but the spindle doesn't feed. Redrilling on that machine would be too expensive. We sure would enjoy any ideas anyone would wish to share with us about drilling the hard metal we created. Several years ago an ad illustration in a card deck showed a tri-lobe, straight flute drill, drilling thru a file - if I remember correctly. Does anyone else remember something like that? All ideas, suggestions, and comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, K.





RE: Drilling Hard Metal
Got a friend with an EDM machine?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
There are diamond drill bits that aren't insane expensive:
http://www.emuge.com/technical/pdf/cbn_pcd.pdf
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
Under the present circumstance, best advice is to use EDM.Any force used on the casting might lead to cracks.
" All that is necessary for triumph of evil is that good men do nothing".
Edmund Burke
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
" All that is necessary for triumph of evil is that good men do nothing".
Edmund Burke
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
these days the drills if used properly would cut through 60Hrc. But as u mentioned it has to be on a sturdy machine will very low but constant feeds...
alternatively u can use a brazed tip drill...the steel bosy gives it strength and can be used on ur not so good radial drill too..!!!
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
RE: Drilling Hard Metal
Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.
www.carbideprocessors.com