Different types of drill bits are used in part manufacturing and are classified into two main categories: coating and workpiece materials. Below is an introduction to the different drill bits that make up each category.
Coatings are materials applied on a part to give it better functional or aesthetic value and are one of the main categories of drilling bits. Below are the types of drill bits that fall under this category.
Drill bits coated with titanium nitride are hard, fast, have a longer lifespan, and are suitable for drilling hard and soft metal. Due to their properties, they have wide industrial applications. However, the only disadvantage is that it is not restorable when they lose its cutting edge unless the coating is reapplied.
These drill bits are similar to the titanium nitride drill bits. Consequently, they are slippery with a characteristic blue or purple color. However, they have enhanced hardness. As a result, they are majorly applicable in drilling through hard materials.
Drill bits coated with titanium aluminum have high stability and suitability for drilling stainless steel, steel, and other materials at high temperatures. However, they are not suitable for drilling aluminum.
Black oxide is an inexpensive coating applied on high-speed steel. They make the drill bits heat-resistant, rust and corrosion-resistant, and frictionless. Due to the lowered friction, drilling becomes easier.
Black oxide drill bits are suitable for drilling steel, PVC, acrylic, maple, nylon, etc., and are considered the best general-purpose drill bits.
Drill bits coated in diamonds have the highest hardiness in this category. Consequently, they are suitable for drilling into hard materials such as metals. Also, they are highly accurate and suitable for materials such as glass, sea glass, etc.
Many types of drill bits are categorized based on the materials they can make holes. Under this category, we have four common subcategories: universal, metal, wood, and others. Below are the different drill bit types under each subcategory and their applications.
Drill bits that fall under this subcategory are suitable for all materials. There are four common universal drill bits used in part manufacturing.
-Twist Drill Bit
These drill bits feature a cylindrical shaft and helical flute. As a result, they are similar to corkscrews and can drill quickly and accurately. The helical flute is a feature that allows them to control dust from the hole as they work.
Twist drill bits are the most common drill bits with a wide industrial application applicable in drilling holes into wood and walls.
-Step Drill Bit
A step drill bit is custom-made and has a conical shape and a running flute that can be straight or angled. The flute ensures that the chips are ejected during drilling.
Step drill bits are suitable for drilling soft materials such as aluminum. Furthermore, due to them being custom-made, they are expensive.
-Unibits
They are similar to step drill bits but with a straight running flute. Their design makes them applicable in hole enlarging and, like the step drill bits, ensures efficient ejection of chips during drilling.
Unibits are widely applicable in sheet metal fabrication and drilling through soft materials such as plywood.
-Hole Saw Drill Bit
Hole saws are drill bits with short open cylinders with saw teeth on the edge. They are applicable in drilling through thin materials such as wood and sheet metal.
Drill bits under this subcategory are suitable for working on metallic materials. The common ones used in part manufacturing include:
-Center and Spotting Drill Bit
Also known as Slocombe drill bits, these tools are suitable for making starting hole or a conical indentation on the workpiece.
-Core Drill Bit
Core drill bits do not have a cutting point and 3 to 4 flutes. Therefore, they are suitable for drilling into already made holes.
-Ejector Drill Bit
The ejector drill bit has a unique design. It is similar to a tube in a tube and has a carbide drill bit tip. They are suitable for making deep holes 19-102 mm in diameter.
-Indexable Drill Bit
These are expensive drill bits made from carbide or ceramic and are more prominent in CNC drilling. They are wear-resistant and has multiple coolant channel for a prolonged lifespan. They are suitable for cutting holes about five times their diameter and are preferred due to their speeding drilling process.
-Straight Fluted Drill Bit
This is similar to the twist drill bit. However, they have a parallel running flute. Due to the parallel flute, chips don’t pop out during drilling. Consequently, there is a limitation on the industrial application. Nevertheless, they are suitable for drilling soft materials such as brass, copper, etc., and are easy to use.
Other drill bits under this subcategory include the countersink, ejector, left-hand, and metal spade.
Drill bits under this subcategory are suitable for working on wood. The common ones used in part manufacturing include:
-Brad Point Drill Bit
Brad-point drilling bits have rubber cork which aids their accuracy to a certain depth. As a result, they are suitable for drilling materials that need a highly accurate hole and are available in 3-16mm diameters. They are suitable for wood and soft plastics.
-Center Drill Bit
The center drilling bit has a tapered and threaded bit tip. It is an important drilling bit for working with wood and involves turning it to bore a hole in the wood. They are made mainly using soft steel and are ideal as a hand tool.
-Wood Spade Drill Bit
The drill bit has a long shaft but a head shaped like a spade with a needled bit tip. They come in diameter from 6-36 and are suitable for rough boring wood.
-Auger Drill Bit
These drill bits make holes in strong and dry wood. With their special design, you don’t need to apply too much pressure when drilling through the thick wood.
Other drill bit types under this category include the gimlet, spoon, and hinge sinker.
Drill bits under this subcategory are suitable for working on other materials such as stones, concrete, and ceramic. The common ones used in part manufacturing include:
-Diamond Drill Bit
The drill bit has a design suitable to work only as a combination router and drill bit. It has a steel shell with a diamond embedded in a metal segment. They are suitable for cutting several materials but at relatively low speeds.
-Masonry Drill Bit
They are commonly used for making holes in concrete or stones. However, you must often substitute them due to the hard nature of the materials they drill through.
-Glass Drill Bit
Glass bits generate high temperatures. As a result, they have short longevity. However, they are applicable in cutting holes at low speed.
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