From Cutting Tool Engineering
(Compiled and edited by Brad Lewis,
Associate Editor)
Abrasive Technology Inc. has been awarded a U.S. patent that allows the Lewis Center, Ohio, company to manufacture a new type of polycrystalline diamond twist drill.
The patent was formally assigned to Habit Diamond Ltd., London, a subsidiary of ATI. Michael Thompson, Habit’s new-business development director, invented the process.
The primary design feature, according to Thompson, is that the PCD section is fully integrated into a carbide drill, as opposed to merely occupying the tip of the tool. "It’s synthesized in the carbide, so it’s all part and parcel of the drill," he said. "It’s not a fabrication."
By integrating the PCD, Thompson continued, the toolmaker has far more flexibility when making specials. "We can do exactly what we want with the tip of the drill, which has not been possible before. If someone wants to change the configuration slightly, we can accommodate them."
The integrated design also reduces costly failures during tool assembly. "By having |
(the PCD) as an integral section of the carbide tip, we completely avoid any brazing-failure mode," said Steve Swords, CEO of Habit.
Thompson said there’s a growing need for high-performance tools, especially in the automotive industry, where automakers increasingly machine engine parts made of high-silicon aluminum. "The more silica there is in there, the more abrasive the material," he said. "Standard carbide does not like that abrasive material; PCD cuts it much better."
The helical- and straight-flute drills are available as specials, in diameters from 5mm to 13mm and lengths up to 8".
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THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS PATENTED DRILL ARE:
- Vastly improved drill life
- Improved drill hole surface finish
- Greater tolerance control
- Greatly reduced downtime due to fewer drill changeovers and quality checks
- Rugged construction enables the Everlast® drill to handle difficult conditions that damage other drills beyond use
- Increased drill speeds and feeds
- Designed for very high silica aluminum
- Designed for many current composite materials - Kevlar®, etc.
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AVAILABLE WITH THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS:
- Available in 3 - 13mm diameters
- Standard lengths up to 8", others by application
- Helical flute
- Straight flute
- Made to customer's specification
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