Choosing the Right Drill for the Job
When selecting the right manual drill tool for the job there are a series of considerations that need to be addressed to make the right investment decision. The power and speed of the drill as well as the attachments, power source and handle shape all make a difference. And with the number of models and concepts available, this decision process can be a challenge.
By following a few simple steps and guidelines that help support a well-informed decision, that perfect drill for that specific need is out there, so here we go!
Step 1. Power and Speed Read more
Step 2. Power typeRead more
Step 3. Handle typeRead more
Step 4. AttachmentsRead more
Step 5. Modularity optionsRead more
The material in which you will be drilling and the diameter of the hole you need to create matters when determining the power and free speed that the drill needs to deliver for a perfect result. For example, if you need to drill a hole up to 3mm in aluminum, you will need a drill with a free speed of approximately 6,000rpm. To avoid costly over-dimensioning, the drill should supply a power output of between 200W and 350W.
Using the wrong drill speed results generally in poor hole quality. If the speed is too high, excess heat caused by friction can harden the material which can change the characteristics of the material. This leads to longer process times but also, since the drill needs to drill in a harder material, that the lifetime of the drill motor is reduced.
Battery powered and pneumatic manual drills are the most used in aerospace manufacturing. Each offering specific advantages but also limitations. Selecting the right power source depends on a series of production considerations and variables.
Cordless battery powered drills are popular due to their flexibility and portability making them the ideal solution where mobility and convenience are required. Battery powered drills also provide a more consistent torque and can maintain a constant speed throughout the drilling process, leading to a more precise and accurate hole.
However, the batteries need to be recharged frequently, which can lead to downtime, and the power output can decrease over time. Being electric, these drills are also not suitable in production facilities where flammable gases and materials are present.
Pneumatic drills are powerful and reliable, making them the ideal choice for high-volume production environments. These drills are lighter than their battery powered counterparts and can deliver more power, resulting in faster drilling speeds. They are also highly durable and can withstand long hours of use without overheating or experiencing power loss.
But a pneumatic drill requires an air compressor. This limits their mobility and makes them unsuitable for remote work. The compressed air can also cause vibrations, making it difficult to maintain precision and accuracy while drilling.
Selecting the most appropriate drill handle shape involves taking in account for the specific operational needs for productivity, accessibility, and versatility.
Aerospace manufacturing applications often involve complex structures that require access to confined spaces. This is where the compact straight and angle drill shapes excel. The straight drill shape is renowned for its inline design whereas the angle drill shape is characterized by its right-angle or L-shaped design. Both designs effortlessly reach corners, tight compartments, and those hard-to-reach places.
Offering increased torque and power, straight and angle drills are also well-suited for aerospace applications that demand drilling through challenging materials. The stability and control they provide ensure precise drilling, even in situations involving tight clearances or unconventional drilling angles.
In aerospace manufacturing, versatility and power are crucial factors. Requirements that the pistol shaped drill delivers upon with honors. With characteristics such as ergonomic design and optimal control, pistol drills provide operators with a drilling tool capable of handling a wide range of drilling tasks and materials. Operator empowerment that drives productivity and process flexibility.
Straight
Angle
Pistol
Drills come with attachments such as chucks, collets and, modular options. Chucks allow for quick drill bit changes to address different tasks. Collets provide precise grip and stability characteristics, especially useful in cramped spaces. Modular attachments enhance drill capabilities for easier adaptation between multiple tasks.
Chucks
Modular
Internal threads
Collets
External threads
When selecting the right manual drilling tool for aerospace applications there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. And this takes time. What if there instead was a one-size-fits-all solution that enabled one single tool to meet all drilling needs?
That is the beauty of the modular drill attachment solution. Rather than investing in separate tools for each drilling application, it is now possible to maintain the same drilling unit and simply swap the head to transition between tasks.
Modularity allows for seamless switching between tasks in drilling applications with no need for multiple drilling tools, an advantage that drives increased productivity. It also eliminates the need for single purpose tools which simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs associated with multiple drill models.
One of the key advantages of the modular attachment system is its compatibility with different drill heads. For example, the Atlas Copco BHM-series angle heads feature freewheel mechanisms, ensuring easy engagement of the drill head to the motor unit.
This enables the use of one single motor with multiple drill heads, offering unmatched versatility without compromising performance.
Setting up the modular solution is simple and intuitive. The first step is selecting the angle modular head that best suits the specific application need. The extensive range of angle heads covers angles from 0° to 360° thereby ensuring a perfect application match for every drilling task.
The next step is choosing the right head attachment of which three are available – collet (threaded and non-threaded), internal thread and finally external thread.
The non-threaded collet, also known as MKII, provides superior clamping force, excellent runout control, and the added advantage of reverse drilling capability. The internal thread attachment ensures secure bit retention, eliminating any worries of bits falling out during operation. As for the external thread attachment, it provides the versatility to accommodate various compatible chucks, offering the flexibility to utilize any preferred accessory.
In addition, the system allows for the consideration of modular head length. Regardless of if the drilling application requires a short head length, standard length, or one with an extended length, the system can present a viable and flexible solution.
