Drill holes in aluminium at high speeds

A range of tools for machining small holes in aluminium - with either two or three cutting edges - is capable of cutting speeds in excess of 300m/min and feeds of 0.5mm/rev/min.

When developing its 'CrazyDrill' high performance small drilling line, Swiss cutting tool manufacturer Mikron Tool produced a drilling range that delivers excellent chip removal, outstanding tool life, high productivity and an outstanding surface quality.

Distributed in the UK through Floyd Automatic Tooling, the new drilling line for machining small holes in aluminium is capable of cutting speeds in excess of 300m/min and feeds of 0.5mm/rev/min.

These are normal cutting parameters for the CrazyDrill, which is available with either two or three cutting edges.

The CrazyDrill is available in diameters from 0.4 to 4mm and lengths up to 15 x D.

Through coolant drills are available from 1.00mm.

However, these dimensions are not the limit for this tool.

In close partnership with customers, cutting tool specialists from Mikron Tool have developed drills to lengths of 30 x D with the high performance CrazyDrill cutting geometry.

Depending on the operation to be performed, the execution of these remarkable drills can be straight fluted or helix and also with stepped diameters.

The focus for the definition of all tools for aluminium machining is always based on the operation to be performed and the quality and the quantity of parts to be produced.

An example of the CrazyDrill's exceptional performance has been demonstrated by an automotive subcontractor.

The subcontractor manufactures die cast gear rings (GD-AlSi9Cu3) and these were machined with a standard CrazyDrill Alu at set parameters of n=15'000min, f=0.3mm/rev/min and fc=450mm/min.

Working to these conditions the subcontractor drilled 36 holes in each workpiece at a diameter of 1.5mm and a depth of 5mm.

The performance of the CrazyDrill has enabled the automotive company to obtain a tool life of 150,000 holes per drill.

This outstanding performance reduced the customers tooling costs, improved productivity and improved surface finish of the components.

The CrazyDrill was well received at the recent MACH exhibition and it will undoubtedly be a success in the UK.

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