Contact Details
Link Industries released a "revolutionary" drilling tool, the 2+1 Spot-Drill-Countersink x 82°. This newly patented design strategically combines spot, drill and countersink actions in a single tool made from HSS for high-speed machining aluminum. Like most Link Industries tools made from HSS, this drill performs at carbide-like speed and feeds, with HSS toughness.
The 2+1 Spot-Drill-Countersink x 82° has a unique geometry with a 2-flute drill transition into a “1-flute” through-hole. The scallop cutting edge from the through-hole creates the countersink. Designed to support multiple-operational machining processes, the tool cuts and countersinks a hole in a workpiece in a single, streamlined motion.
By eliminating the need to switch tools throughout the machining process, companies can save time, improve accuracy and, ultimately, cut costs. Further, when companies are able to machine at an increased speed, they gain overall process capacity.
To enable faster drilling with a smoother finish, the drill is designed with a 30° helix instead of a 7-8° helix and has a self-center point and a thinner web. In addition, the tool can run at 12,000 rpm, compared to 1,200 to 1,800 rpm for a regular HSS drill.
As with most groundbreaking tool developments, the 2+1 Spot-Drill-Countersink x 82° was created to solve a customer problem. One of Link Industries’ customers was experiencing repeated failures with their standard 2-flute drill. A machine builder for aluminum extrusion processing, this company had upgraded their machine from a 6,000-rpm spindle to an 18,000-rpm spindle, without understanding how the upgrade would affect their tooling.
To mitigate the problem, Link Industries engineers started researching the market and experimenting with designs. Their initial consultations with professionals experienced in aluminum machining revealed that many did not think it was possible to come up with a viable solution. Despite the challenge, the engineers researched and experimented with potential designs utilizing Inventor 3D software. After three prototypes, they hit a home run.
Jeff Veryser, the general manager of Link Industries, said, “The design of this tool highlights the value of connecting with your customers and staying in touch with their issues and needs. Link Industries’ long-standing success is built on serving our customers and continually improving our processes, designs and capabilities. The unique design and efficiency demonstrated in 2+1 Spot-Drill-Countersink x 82° is a result of listening to our customer and persevering until we delivered a solution.”
Related Glossary Terms
- countersink
countersink
Tool that cuts a sloped depression at the top of a hole to permit a screw head or other object to rest flush with the surface of the workpiece.
- drilling tool ( drill or drill bit)
drilling tool ( drill or drill bit)
End-cutting tool for drilling. Tool has shank, body and angled face with cutting edges that drill the hole. Drills range in size from “microdrills” a few thousandths of an inch in diameter up to spade drills, which may cut holes several inches in diameter. Drills may have tapered shanks with a driving tang and fit directly into a spindle or adapter, or they may have straight shanks and be chuck-mounted. The rake angle varies with the material drilled. Styles include twist drills, straight-flute drills, half-round and flat drills, oil-hole drills, indexable drills and specials.
- extrusion
extrusion
Conversion of an ingot or billet into lengths of uniform cross section by forcing metal to flow plastically through a die orifice.
- high-speed steels ( HSS)
high-speed steels ( HSS)
Available in two major types: tungsten high-speed steels (designated by letter T having tungsten as the principal alloying element) and molybdenum high-speed steels (designated by letter M having molybdenum as the principal alloying element). The type T high-speed steels containing cobalt have higher wear resistance and greater red (hot) hardness, withstanding cutting temperature up to 1,100º F (590º C). The type T steels are used to fabricate metalcutting tools (milling cutters, drills, reamers and taps), woodworking tools, various types of punches and dies, ball and roller bearings. The type M steels are used for cutting tools and various types of dies.
- through-hole
through-hole
Hole or cavity cut in a solid shape that connects with other holes or extends all the way through the workpiece.
- web
web
On a rotating tool, the portion of the tool body that joins the lands. Web is thicker at the shank end, relative to the point end, providing maximum torsional strength.
