A new deep-hole microdrill from BIG Kaiser's Sphinx line provides a time-saving option for creating wire EDM starter holes, averaging 5X faster per hole according to testing. The addition of this drill to a shop's toolbox replaces the demanding and time-consuming process of plunge EDM to establish a starter hole. This is especially true when a plate requires many starter holes, where they can be prepared on a standard machining center to shorten process times with no need to exchange tools.

With this drill, holes with a length/diameter ratio of up to 80x diameter are possible in the range of 0.25mm-1.50mm, in steps of 0.1mm for hole depths up to 20/40/60/80x diameter. A centering/pilot hole of 2x diameter is recommended to begin the process, with the deep-hole drill following with a peck-cycle until the hole is completed.

The Sphinx deep-hole microdrill has a flute- and cutting-edge geometry adapted to this difficult application. Taking in to consideration wear and tear, the drill is constructed of the appropriate high-quality carbide and optimum abrasion-resistant coating for drilling starting holes in high-strength alloyed tool steels.

Testing and development of this drill by BIG Kaiser's Swiss partner, Sphinx, was done in cooperation with clients specializing in moldmaking.