The right tool is the most important part of every machining process. If we want to develop milled parts, we need milling tools with specific functions.
Therefore, CNC machining workshops have different tools for different operations. We may reuse some particularly reusable tools and replace old tools with advanced tools. We focus on quality and durability, which will expand its work capabilities (and reduce wear and tear). But, have you ever considered the shape of the tool?
If not, we will tell you why you should pay attention to the shape of the tool. Let us enter the bottom of the world of CNC machine tools!
Flat bottom drills can make life easier and the application at hand easier. When the application requires some form of flat-bottomed hole, usually manufacturers will polish the drill with a flat cutting edge to create this flat shape at the bottom of the hole.
Advantages of Flat Bottom Tools:
In the mechanical design department, we use a lot of tools, but flat-bottomed tools have undoubtedly won our hearts (and infrastructure). Here are the reasons why we would recommend it to you:
1. Reduce Machining Costs
As CNC employees, we all know that processing is not cheap. Coupled with tool maintenance and replacement costs, this will cost us more than ever. Although we cannot cut labor and operating costs, we can definitely save some costs by using flat-bottomed tools.
Now, how do they make it possible?
First, they eliminate extra runtime by being precisely installed in the desired location. Because of their shape, they are generally stronger than traditional processing tools. Carbide flat-bottomed tools beat all other tools in terms of durability.
2. They Are More Practical
These flat-bottomed tools play the role of heroes and have a series of drilling operations. Take the thin plate drilling as an example. When doing this, conventional tools often face irregularities by pushing material into the exit hole. This prevents us from achieving the desired perfection in drilling. Flat bottom augers are very advantageous here because their overall geometry can even withstand downward forces. Therefore, the surface is cleaner.
3. They Will Not Produce Burrs
Unlike traditional tools, using flat-bottomed drilling tools can help us avoid accidental (and undesired) burrs on the other side of the material. Reserve space for straighter and regular holes.
4. Even Suitable For Angle Function
Flat bottom drills are particularly suitable for irregular surfaces due to their geometry, especially when tilting or tilting operations are required.
5. Stable
When doing half hole drilling, it turns out that flat bottom drilling is extremely advantageous. This is because there is no material on both sides of the drill, so any other processing tools may go to the side of the material, causing extremely unfavorable situations. The flat-bottomed drill bit fits tightly over the entire cutting geometry, so half holes can be drilled perfectly even at the edge of the material.
You can definitely use flat-bottomed CNC tools to make our life (and processing process) easier. Easy to store, the pocket is light and durable.
Classification And Application Of Flat Bottom Tools
Flat Bottom Drill
Flat-bottomed drills are ideal for difficult drilling situations or to create flat-bottomed holes without secondary finishing. Consider using these specialized exercises for the following operations.
Thin Plate Drilling
When drilling a hole in a thin plate, the pointed drill is likely to push some material out of the outlet hole and produce underside burrs. Flat-bottomed drills are unlikely to encounter this problem due to their flat-bottomed geometry that produces greater downward force.
Borehole Drill
When drilling a hole that intersects the path of another hole, it is important to avoid burrs because it is difficult to remove burrs in such a cross section. Unlike drills with pointed ends, the design of flat-bottomed drills does not produce burrs on the other side of the through hole.
Irregular/rounded surface drilling
The flat bottom drill bit initially engages the irregular surface through its outer edge. Compared with the first contact with a standard drilling point, this makes them less likely to deflect or “walk” on inclined surfaces and are more capable of drilling straighter holes.
Angled Drilling
Even if the surface of the part is flat or regular, if a sharp drill bit engages with the part at a certain angle, it is easy to move around. This is called angled or inclined drilling. For the same reason, flat-bottomed drill bits are very suitable for drilling on irregular surfaces, and they are ideal for angled drilling.
Half Hole Drill
When drilling a half hole on the edge of the part, there is no material on both sides of the drill bit, which makes the operation unstable. In this case, the pointed drill can easily move around. The flat-bottomed drill is in contact with the entire cutting geometry, so it has greater versatility and stability when drilling half holes.
Flat-Bottomed Counterbore
It is an excellent choice when flat-bottomed holes are required and tools without flat-bottomed geometry are used to make flat-bottomed counterbores. Please prepare some of these tools to prepare for the following operations.
Bore & Finish Drilled Holes
The geometric design of the drill must first consider factors such as stability, rigidity and chip removal. Some holes will require a second finishing operation. The flat-bottomed counterbore is usually designed with a slow helix angle and a low rake angle, which helps to avoid part meshing and control the surface finish.
Straighten misaligned holes
Even experienced mechanics may drill one or two less than perfect straight holes in new and unfamiliar jobs. Fortunately, the flat-bottomed counterbore is great for straightening misaligned holes.
Spots and countersinks on irregular surfaces
The unique geometry of flat-bottomed countersinks allows them to effectively find irregular surfaces. Standard drills and spot drills are easy to walk on such surfaces, which may disrupt operation.
Remove Drill Points
When a standard drill bit forms a hole (rather than a through hole), it will leave a “drill bit” at the bottom due to its sharp geometry. This is fine for some holes, but holes that require a flat bottom will require a secondary operation from the flat bottom counterbore to remove the drill bit.
Remove End Mill Dish
Most standard end mills have dished corners to achieve proper end cutting characteristics and reduce full-diameter contact. However, these end mills naturally leave a small disk at the bottom of the hole created by the cutting operation. Like drill tips, flat-bottomed counterbores are great for making the bottom of the hole even.