How Much Do You Know About Deep Hole Drilling Machines?

Deep drilling machines are designed to produce holes with a depth-to-diameter ratio of 10:1 or greater. These machines are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and medical device manufacturing. In this article, we will discuss the features of deep hole drilling machines and how they work.

Features

Deep hole drilling machines are built with several features that make them capable of drilling holes with high precision and accuracy. Some of these features include:

High-pressure coolant system: This feature allows the machine to use high-pressure coolant to reduce heat and improve chip evacuation during drilling. The coolant system is designed to provide a constant flow of coolant to the drill bit, reducing the risk of tool breakage and improving drilling performance.

BTA (Boring and Trepanning Association) drilling method: This drilling method involves drilling a pilot hole before enlarging it to the desired size. This method is ideal for drilling deep holes as it allows for better chip evacuation and reduced heat build-up.

Gun drilling method: This method involves using a long, thin drill bit that is guided by a bushing to produce a straight and accurate hole. The gun drilling method is ideal for drilling holes with a high length-to-diameter ratio.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) capabilities: Deep hole drilling machines are often equipped with CNC capabilities, allowing for automated drilling processes and high levels of accuracy.

How Deep Hole Drilling Machines Work

Deep hole drilling machines work by rotating a drill bit and moving it longitudinally through the workpiece. The drill bit is guided by a bushing to ensure that it remains centered and straight during drilling. The high-pressure coolant system is used to cool the drill bit and evacuate chips from the hole.

In BTA drilling, a pilot hole is drilled before enlarging it to the desired size. The drill bit used for BTA drilling is hollow, allowing for coolant to flow through the center of the drill bit and out of the cutting edge. The chips produced during drilling are evacuated through the center of the drill bit and out of the machine.

In gun drilling, a long, thin drill bit is used to produce a straight and accurate hole. The drill bit is guided by a bushing, which ensures that it remains centered and straight during drilling. The high-pressure coolant system is used to cool the drill bit and evacuate chips from the hole.

Applications

Deep hole drilling machines are used in a variety of applications, including:

Aerospace: Deep hole drilling machines are used to produce holes in aerospace components such as turbine blades and engine casings.

Defense: Deep hole drilling machines are used to produce holes in defense components such as gun barrels and missile bodies.

Oil and gas: Deep hole drilling machines are used to produce holes in oil and gas components such as drilling tools and casing.

Medical device manufacturing: Deep hole drilling machines are used to produce holes in medical device components such as bone screws and spinal implants.

Conclusion

Deep hole drilling machines are essential tools in many industries where precision and accuracy are critical. The features of deep hole drilling machines, such as high-pressure coolant systems and CNC capabilities, allow for high levels of accuracy and efficiency. With applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and medical device manufacturing, deep hole drilling machines play a vital role in modern manufacturing processes.