Modular drill platform assists with composite drilling

Kennametal’s (Pittsburgh, Penn., U.S.) KenTip FS Modular Drill platform performs well on various applications, including when working with composite materials. The company says aerospace machinists seeking productivity, reliability and power in their tooling will find the KenTip FS useful for saving time and money on their operations.

The KenTIP FS portfolio includes straight fluted bodies, designed to improve chip evacuation in lathe applications and to be used with Kennametal countersinking combination tools. It covers a 0.236-1.024" diameter range and up to 12×D drilling depths and features large, ultrahigh polished chip flutes for a straightforward chip evacuation experience. The drill’s designed taper interface also promotes steady and strong cuts because of its high rigidity clamping. The included KenTip smart wrench can be used for a simplified insertion process. When combined with the tool’s broad application versatility, users can discover cost savings and process simplifications on the shop floor across industries.

The KenTIP FS drills also feature fully circumferential carbide inserts, maximizing wear resistance against chip flow and when in contact with the workpiece material. The platform includes an array of insert geometries to meet different drilling needs while still covering a variety of materials and applications.

When targeting carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) applications, the SPF and DAV insert geometries can help machinists improve their drilling applications. The SPF insert is intended for CFRP and CFRP stacks. It features double angle geometry with 128-degree and 90-degree point angles to combat delamination and a diamond coating to combat the highly abrasive carbon fiber. The DAV insert is intended for CFRP-metal stacks, aluminum and titanium alloys. The DAV is designed for vibration-assisted drilling applications. The insert is uncoated for more cost-efficient, effective drilling in these metals but comes with the option to add diamond coating for an extended tool life.