Portable smart drill: Drilling Performance

A device designed to travel brings electromagnetic and CNC technology to holemaking applications away from the machine shop.

Developed by Cleveland-based Zagar Inc., the Z-Mag portable CNC drill and tap machine, or DTM, can be taken to remote sites to assist with shipbuilding, bridge construction and other jobs for structures that are installed permanently or too large to move.

“Right now, what’s being used in the industry (for these applications) is either hydraulic or pneumatic drills that have no real precision,” said Brian Zagar, vice president of sales. “So I said, ‘What can we do as far as (developing) a portable CNC machine?'”

For machining at a job site, Z-Mag DTM features an electromagnetic base with 5,000 lbs. of hold-down force on any type of ferrous metal. In addition to drilling and tapping, the device can be used for reaming and combination tool operations. Although magnetic force firmly attaches the machine to ferrous structures, he doesn’t recommend using it in an inverted orientation due to the danger it could pose to people underneath if power to the unit unexpectedly is cut off.

Z-Mag DTM is not a standard item, so its specifications vary, but a base unit measures 10″ wide × 20″ high × 20″ deep and weighs 150 to 175 lbs. While designed to be portable, the unit is heavy enough that operators need a wheeled cart or dolly to move it around.

Portable and programmable, the Z-Mag CNC drill and tap machine can work in remote locations. Image courtesy of Zagar

Besides its electromagnetic base, Z-Mag DTM includes a sturdy cast-iron frame, a linear rail system and an HSK-style spindle adapter that lets operators use a variety of HSK toolholders. Key operational specifications include 13″ of stroke, 1,300 lbs. of force and spindle speeds up to 3,000 rpm.