A BIT OF KNOWLEDGE
Three tips to make your drill bits last longer.1. choose the right bit. A black oxide coated bit helps reduce friction and increase chip flow but shouldn’t be used on nonferrous materials. TiN is a titanium nitride with a gold color that can run faster than uncoated bits and increase tool life. TiCN is a titanium carbonitride material that has a blue-gray color that is great for stainless, cast iron and aluminum. TiALN is titanium aluminum nitride that has a violet color and used in high-alloy carbon steels, nickel-based materials and titanium; not for aluminum. 2. drill at slow speed. A small twist bit, less than 3/16”, can drill through most metals at 3,000 RPM. However, larger twist bits, 11/16” to 1”, should be used at a much slower rate: 350 to 1,000 RPM. 3. Lubricate using cutting fluid or a multipurpose oil.
Steve Rich
Sterling Bearing, Inc
April, 2018