Precision Dormer has recently announced an expansion to their solid carbide replaceable-head drilling program. Offering high productivity across a wide range of materials and applications, the range, branded Hydra, is an innovative alternative to solid carbide drills.

Two head types are available; the R960 has been developed specifically for drilling operations in stainless steel and cast iron, but is also recommended for use in titanium and nickel. The R950 — now available in diameters up to 42.0mm — is ideal for machining carbon and alloy steels. Both head types incorporate a self-centering 140-degree four-facet split point. This feature ensures low thrust forces throughout the drilling cycle, promoting consistently high performance.

Fabio Sala, Product Manager at Dormer Tools, comments, "One major benefit of the Hydra range is that the heads can be quickly and easily changed without removing the body from the spindle, thus reducing machine downtime. The high speed steel construction of the bodies ensures an extremely cost-effective solution. Indeed, the impact of the lower raw material costs is even more apparent with the new, larger diameters added to the range."

Each head is available with a range of drill bodies to support drilling depths to 3xDiameter (H853), 5xDiameter (H855) and 8xDiameter (H858). One body can accommodate multiple head sizes with no compromise on structural integrity.