how to drill through tungsten carbide

Title: Master the Art of Drilling Through Tungsten Carbide with Cutting Tools

Introduction:

When it comes to drilling through tough materials like tungsten carbide, ordinary drilling techniques often fall short. Tungsten carbide, renowned for its extreme hardness and durability, requires specific knowledge and tools to carve through it effectively. In this article, we will explore the best practices and techniques to successfully drill through tungsten carbide. By optimizing the use of cutting tools, you can make this seemingly challenging task a breeze.

Understanding Tungsten Carbide:

Tungsten carbide is a composite material widely used in various industrial applications due to its exceptional hardness and resistance to wear. Made by combining tungsten and carbon atoms, this material boasts a Rockwell hardness level of 90 or higher, exceeding the capabilities of most traditional drill bits.

Selecting the Right Cutting Tools:

To tackle tungsten carbide, selecting the right cutting tools is crucial. Diamond-based tools are ideal for these hard materials due to their exceptional hardness and ability to withstand extreme heat. Here are some popular cutting tools suitable for drilling through tungsten carbide:

1. Solid Carbide Drill Bits:
– Solid carbide drill bits are designed specifically for hard materials and have excellent toughness and durability.
– Available in various sizes and geometries, they provide optimal performance and extended tool life.
– Ensure your solid carbide drill bits feature a 140° – 150° drill point angle, ideal for drilling through tungsten carbide.

2. Diamond Drill Bits:
– Diamond drill bits are specifically engineered for drilling through extremely hard materials like tungsten carbide.
– Featuring diamond-coated or tipped edges, these bits utilize the superior hardness and abrasion resistance of diamonds.
– Select a diamond drill bit diameter that matches your desired hole size.

Drilling Techniques and Best Practices:

Now that you have the right cutting tools in hand, here are some tried and tested drilling techniques to effectively drill through tungsten carbide:

1. Use Lubrication:
– Apply a lubricating agent such as cutting oil or water-based lubricant while drilling. This helps in cooling down the cutting edge, reducing friction, and extending the tool’s life.

2. Steady Drilling Pressure:
– Apply moderate and consistent drilling pressure to avoid unnecessary stress on the cutting tool. Too much pressure may damage the carbide drill bit, while too little might result in ineffective drilling.

3. Slow and Steady Speed:
– Drill at a slow and controlled speed. This allows the drill bit to maintain its cutting efficiency without overheating.
– Avoid high-speed settings, as they generate excessive heat, potentially damaging the drill bit and the workpiece.

4. Gradual Drilling:
– Initiate the drilling process with a smaller-sized pilot hole, usually around 1/8th of the desired hole diameter. Gradually increase the size by using larger drill bits.
– This stepwise drilling approach helps reduce stress on the drill bit, minimizes chipping, and ensures more precise holes.

5. Rotate and Clear Chips:
– Regularly rotate the drill bit clockwise and counterclockwise while drilling to clear away chips and prevent clogging.
– Clearing chips will prolong the drill bit’s lifespan and ensure consistent drilling performance.

Conclusion:

Drilling through tungsten carbide can be a successful endeavor by following the right techniques and utilizing the appropriate cutting tools. Remember to choose solid carbide or diamond drill bits, and adopt efficient drilling practices such as using lubrication, maintaining steady pressure, and drilling at slower speeds. By mastering these methods, you can effortlessly conquer the challenges presented by tungsten carbide, unlocking new possibilities in your projects and applications.

So go ahead, equip yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge, and confidently drill through tungsten carbide like a pro!