As a manufacturer of mechanical components, you must be familiar with the various drill bit options available. It’s impossible to make parts without drill bits.
However, drill bits are quite specific equipment, and you cannot use one for every drilling need. That’s why we’ve stocked up on a wide variety of drill bits, so you can get the right one for the job.
What are Drill bits?
Drill bits are unique cutters that can bore through many different materials. They are built of high-strength materials like high-speed steel or carbide and feature a sharp tip, a body, and a shank.
They have numerous applications in the building and manufacturing industries, but may also be used around the house for things like hanging artwork and putting together furniture.
They allow for the drilling of holes to be made with precision and efficiency, making them a vital tool for machinists and manufacturers.
What Makes Up a Drill Bit?
Point: The drill bit’s sharp, pointed tip is called the point, and it’s utilized to pierce the surface and initiate the hole. To ensure a long service life, it is usually fabricated from a material that is harder and more wear-resistant than the remainder of the drill bit.
Body: Between the tip and the shank, the drill bit’s body is the most important part. As the drill bit spins, it removes debris from the hole.
Flutes: Drill bits have features called “flutes,” which are grooves or channels that span the length of the bit. As the drill bit works, they are lowered into the hole to collect the cuttings and other debris.
Shank: The shank of the drill bit is the component that locks into the drill chuck. In order to prevent the drill bit from falling out of the chuck, it is usually cylindrical in shape but may have a hexagonal or square cross-section.
Tang: The tang of a drill bit is the pointed end of the shank that is used to secure the drill bit in the chuck of the drill. It is typically a cylindrical or conical shape that fits into the chuck of the drill and is tightened to hold the drill bit in place. The tang may also have a hexagonal or square cross-section to help prevent the drill bit from slipping in the chuck as it rotates.
Cutting edges: The cutting edges of a drill bit are the parts that come into contact with the material being drilled. They may be straight or helical in shape and are responsible for removing material from the hole as the drill bit rotates.
Relief: Relief refers to the angled or curved surfaces on the flanks of the drill bit
Drill Bit Varieties
Drill bits are indispensable in the industrial sector since they are used to bore accurate holes in a wide range of materials. A wide variety of drill bits are available, each optimized for a certain set of tasks or material kinds.
Drill Bit Coating Varieties
Titanium Nitride Drill Bits
If you’re looking for a drill bit that can stand up to even the toughest materials, then you need a titanium nitride drill bit. These bits are made with a special coating that helps them last up to five times longer than standard drill bits.
The coating helps reduce friction, so the bit can glide through the material more easily. And because they’re less likely to overheat, they can actually be drilling for longer periods without losing their edge.
Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) drill bit
If you’re looking for a drill bit that can handle just about anything, you want a Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) drill bit. TiCN is one of the hardest materials on the market, making it ideal for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel and titanium.
It’s also effective on softer metals like aluminum and brass.
Drilling with a TiCN bit is different than using a traditional drill bit. The cutting action is much smoother, so you won’t have to apply as much pressure to the drill. You’ll also find that TiCN bits run cooler than other types of bits, which means they last longer.
Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TAN) drill bit
Several things make TAN drill bits different from other types of drill bits. This material is harder than most others on the market. This means that it will stay sharp longer and won’t wear down as quickly.
TAN won’t overheat when you’re using it, even on tougher materials. Also, TAN drill bits are also coated with a special coating that helps to reduce friction. This makes them ideal for drilling through tough materials without causing too much wear and tear on the bit itself.
You can’t use these drill bits to make holes in aluminum, though.
Black oxide drill bits
The coating helps to increase the drill bit’s accuracy and polish, therefore they are frequently employed in applications that demand a high standard of precision.
In addition to their durability and performance, black oxide drill bits are also relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for many manufacturers.
Diamond Drill Bits
Drilling through exceptionally hard materials like stone, ceramic, and glass requires a specific type of drill bit known as a diamond drill bit. They are made with a layer of synthetic diamond particles bonded to the surface of the drill bit, which provides a strong, wear-resistant cutting edge.
When you are manufacturing parts from hard materials, diamond drill bits can be a valuable tool to have in your toolbox. They can withstand the high levels of heat and friction generated during drilling and can create clean, precise holes with a smooth finish.
However, diamond drill bits are also much more expensive than other types of drill bits, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits for your specific application.
Workpiece Material-Specific Drill Bits
Harder materials like metal and concrete need larger, more powerful bits, whereas softer materials like wood and plastic need smaller, less aggressive bits. Learn more below:
Universal drill bits
Twist drill bits
They have a cylindrical shape and a pointed tip that is used to start the hole. The body of the drill bit consists of flutes, or grooves, that run along its length and are used to remove chips and debris from the hole as it is drilled.
Step drill bits
A step drill bit is the instrument of choice for drilling through thin materials. The drill bit’s stepped design allows it to be used for making holes of varying diameters.
Unibits
Unibits have a straight running flute and are used for hole enlarging and efficient chip ejection during drilling. They are typically put to use in the manufacture of sheet metal and the boring through of pliable materials like plywood. They are a modified version of step drill bits.
Hole saw drill bits
They have a circular shape and a pointed tip that is used to start the hole and a series of teeth along the edge of the drill bit that cut into the material as it rotates.
Metal Working Drill bits
Center and spotting drill bits
They have a single flute running the length of the cylindrical body and a sharp, short point at the end. Their versatility makes them useful for a wide range of materials.
Core drill bits
They have a hollow center and a series of cutting teeth along the edge of the drill bit.
Ejector drill bits
Ejector drill bits are used for drilling through materials such as metal and plastic and are designed to automatically eject the chips and debris that are produced during drilling.
They have a hollow center and a series of flutes that run along the body of the drill bit to remove chips from the hole as it is drilled.
Indexable drill bits
Indexable drill bits are a type of drill bit that has a removable cutting edge. This allows the user to easily replace the cutting edge when it becomes worn or damaged, extending the lifespan of the drill bit.
Straight fluted drill bits
Straight fluted drill bits are a type of drill bit that has straight flutes, or grooves, running along the body of the drill bit.
Woodworking Drill Bits
Brad point drill bits
They have a sharp, pointed tip that helps to guide the drill bit and keep it on track as it cuts into the wood.
Center drill bits
Center drill bits are used for creating a starting hole or center point in a woodwork piece. They have a short, pointed tip and a cylindrical body with a single flute.
Auger drill bits
These drill bits have a long, sharp point at the end and a helical flute throughout the length of the tool. Auger drill bits are available in a range of sizes. They are commonly used for drilling through thick or hardwoods and are often used in carpentry and woodworking applications.
Drill Bits for Other Materials
Diamond Drill bits
They are made with a layer of synthetic diamond particles bonded to the surface of the drill bit, which provides a strong, wear-resistant cutting edge. Diamond drill bits are suitable for drilling through a variety of hard materials, including granite, marble, and ceramic tile.
Masonry drill bits
They are typically made from high-speed steel or carbide and have a pointed tip and a series of cutting edges along the body of the drill bit and are used to penetrate through concrete, brick, and stone.
Glass drill bits
They are typically made from carbide or diamond and have a pointed tip and a series of cutting edges along the body of the drill bit. Glass drill bits are a specialized type of drill bit that is used for drilling through glass and other brittle materials.
Materials Used in Making Drill Bits
There are many different materials used in the manufacturing of drill bits, depending on the type of bit and the intended application. Here are the details:
High-speed Steel
Drill bits made from this material can be used for drilling a wide variety of materials, making it a particularly desirable option.
It’s common practice to use these bits when drilling through thin materials or when making holes of a very specific diameter. They are widely used because of their low cost and versatility.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a type of steel that is made with a small percentage of carbon. It is known for its strength and durability and is often used in the construction of tools and equipment.
Carbon steel is an ideal material for drill bits that will be used for drilling through tough, hard materials such as metal or concrete.
It is also suitable for drilling through softer materials such as wood, although it may not provide the same level of precision and finish as other materials such as high-speed steel or cobalt.
Carbon steel drill bits are typically more affordable than other types of drill bits.
Cobalt Steel Alloy
Carbon steel alloy is a type of steel that is made with a combination of carbon and other elements such as chromium, vanadium, or molybdenum. This can enhance the strength and durability of the steel, making it an ideal material for use in drill bits and other tools.
Carbon steel alloy drill bits are suitable for drilling through a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
Tungsten Carbide
They are known for their high resistance to heat and wear, making them a good choice for drilling through tough, hard materials or for applications where the drill bit will be subjected to high levels of heat and friction.
Cobalt steel alloy drill bits may be more expensive than other types of drill bits, but they can provide better performance and longer lifespan in certain applications.
Polycrystalline Diamond
Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) is a type of synthetic diamond that is made up of small, interconnected diamond crystals.
They are most commonly used for drilling through extremely hard materials such as stone, ceramic, and glass, and are known for their ability to create clean, precise holes with a smooth finish.
PCD drill bits are typically more expensive than other types of drill bits, but they can provide excellent performance and a long lifespan in certain applications.
Which Drill Bit Should You Use?
Choose A Drill Bit Made From the Right Materials
Different materials are suitable for different applications, so it’s important to choose a drill bit that is made from a material that is appropriate for the material you will be drilling through.
For example, high-speed steel is a good choice for drilling through metal, while carbide or diamond is better for drilling through hard materials such as stone or ceramic.
Coatings
Improved durability and resistance to corrosion and heat are just a few of the side effects of using a drill bit that has been coated. Choosing a drill bit with the right coating can help to extend its lifespan and improve its performance.
Materials
Selecting a drill bit also depends on the substance of the workpiece you intend to bore through. For example, wood requires a different type of drill bit than metal or concrete.
Geometry/Specification
The geometry and specification of the drill bit, such as the shape and number of flutes, can also affect its performance and suitability for a particular application.
Sizes
Because drill bits exist in a wide range of sizes, it is important to select one that is suitable for the hole you need to create. Be careful you choose a drill bit that is appropriately sized for the task at hand.
Conclusion
When you want to get the job done quickly and effectively, you need to use the correct drill bit.
By considering factors such as the material and coating of the drill bit, the material of the workpiece, the geometry and specification of the drill bit, and the size of the drill bit, you can ensure that you select the best drill bit for your specific needs.
