CNC Drilling: Types and Applications
Creating holes in a component is an essential consideration, as it may be needed for either functional or aesthetic purposes. Different industries widely use CNC drilling to drill components.
If you want to know more about CNC drilling, its types, and applications, you can read the guide below.
What is CNC Drilling?
CNC drilling removes material from the workpiece. It has a drill bit that rotates and creates a hole in the workpiece, which is kept stationary. The workpiece can be made of any material.
Creating a hole using CNC drilling is to serve various purposes, which include assembling as well as inserting screws or bolts. The entire process of CNC drilling is computer-controlled and automated, hence offering accuracy.
Advantages of CNC Drilling
CNC drilling is opted by many industries to cater to their applications, and some advantages associated with the process make it considerable. These advantages are as follows:
High Accuracy and Precision
CNC machines have computer-controlled programming, which allows them to manufacture components with accuracy and precision. The holes drilled have tight tolerances and can be used for many applications.
Enhanced Productivity
CNC drilling is automated and efficient compared to traditional drilling processes. Human intervention is very low, and the chances of errors are reduced. The speed of the process is also much better than that of the manual one, which ensures quick production.
Creates Complex Components
CNC machines are versatile enough to handle complex shapes of components. Similarly, complex drills can be created when opting for CNC drilling, which is not possible manually. It can drill holes of different depths and sizes with uniformity and accuracy.
How CNC Drilling Works?
The step-by-step workflow of CNC drilling is discussed below:
- The first stage is designing and planning, where you have to create the digital design of the components to be drilled using CAD software. It is the foundation of the process, and the entire process follows this design till the end.
- The second step is where material is selected for the component. It should be compatible with the process as well as the application in which it will be used.
- The CAD model is then converted into a CAM file, which develops the instructions that are understandable by the CNC machine.
- The machine is set up, and a drill bit is installed, followed by a workpiece.
- Finally, the process of drilling starts, and then there are different drill cycles that are followed based on the G-code.
- After the drilling process has taken place, the component may require some additional processes, which include deburring and other surface finishing operations to finish the component.
- The final stage is where the drilled part is inspected thoroughly so that it can be checked to ensure it meets the required dimensions, quality, and finish.
Types of CNC Drilling Machine
There are different types of CNC drilling machines that have unique features and can create different types of drills. Some of these types are as follows:
Multiple Spindle Drilling Machine
This drilling machine has multiple spindles. These spindles can have different drilling heads attached at the same time and can create multiple holes in the workpiece. It is commonly opted for mass production.
Micro Drill Press
Micro-drill press is a highly accurate process. It has chunks of small size that help with precision drilling. It is highly suitable for applications that require tight tolerance, such as medical components.
Upright CNC Drill
The upright CNC drill is suitable for components that are heavy and larger. It has a spindle with a geared drive and can drill holes even if the material is extremely thick.
Radial Arm CNC Drill Press
The radial arm drill press has a spindle that moves over the stationary workpiece. The drill head moves so that the machine can manufacture components of different shapes and sizes and even ensure precision.
Turret Type Drilling Machine
The turret is a rotating tool holder. This CNC drilling machine has a turret with different tools and is suitable for machining components that need tool changes.
6 Main Types of CNC Drilling Operations
The CNC drilling operations are of different types, and the six main types are given below:
Spot Drilling
Spot drilling is the basic step of CNC drilling in which a spot is established so that further drilling operations can follow it. The process creates a small spot on the surface of the workpiece.
Perforazione
Drilling is the main process of CNC drilling operation and it creates holes in cylindrical shapes in the workpiece using a drill bit that rotates. It is suitable for an extensive range of materials with high speed and seamless precision.
Alesatura
Reaming is a finishing operation that enhances the smoothness of the holes that are drilled. It is a tool specifically designed for this purpose and helps the drills achieve tight tolerance and improved surface finish.
Noioso
Boring enhances the drilling capabilities and helps with enlarging the existing hole. The CNC drilling operation is suitable for such applications which need precision-oriented diameters.
Tapping
Tapping is a CNC drilling process that can create threads in the hole that is drilled beforehand. The tapping process allows the creation of these holes, which helps with inserting screws and bolts. It is used in such applications where the components must be fastened.
Countersinking
Countersinking helps to create conical holes so that the screw head can be flushed on the surface of the workpiece. It is used in applications that require flat and smooth surfaces.
Applications of CNC Drilling
There are different industries that use CNC drilling operations, and some of these are discussed below:
Industria aerospaziale
CNC drilling is used in aerospace components to create holes in aircraft components. These holes help fasten the components together and even for cable routing. Precision is a key consideration in aerospace, so CNC drilling is opted for.
Industria automobilistica
CNC drilling helps to manufacture automobile components that have holes, like some engine parts, chassis, etc, so that accurate insertion of screws and bolts can be achieved.
Industria elettronica
The electronics industry manufactures circuit boards, semiconductors, and enclosures that require holes. These holes can be drilled accurately with the help of CNC drilling and support mounting components and creating electrical connections.
Industria medica
CNC drilling is selected in the medical industry so that surgical instruments, equipment, and implants with holes can be created. The medical industry, being highly sensitive, requires creating components that have complex shapes and tight tolerance.
Considerations and Tips for Drilling a Hole
When drilling a hole using CNC drilling, some of the tips you can follow are as follows:
- Select the material that is suitable for your applications and can offer accuracy with the drilling process.
- Always select the right drill bit and cutting tool so that precision is achieved. The selection of a drill bit is based on the depth, hardness of the material, and diameter of the hole needed.
- Choose a suitable feed rate and spindle speed to attain accuracy and prevent tool wear.
- Lubricants and coolants should be used so that heat is reduced during the process and helps prevent deformation.
- During the process, use an efficient chip removal so that the quality of the hole is maintained and damage on the drill bit is also prevented.
CNC Drilling vs. Thread Tapping
CNC drilling and thread tapping are both CNC machining operations, but they differ to a certain extent. CNC drilling uses a drill bit to make holes in the part.
Meanwhile, the thread tapping cuts the internal threads within the holes already drilled. These threads allow inserting the bolts and screws.
Conclusione
CNC drilling is used in many industries to create holes in the components and allow fastening.
The guide features a detailed insight into the entire process of drilling and related operations that you must have learned. Hence, making decisions regarding the CNC drilling process would have been easier for you.
Start Your CNC Drilling Project with DEK
If you are starting a new project and looking for CNC drilling services, DEK is a good choice. We offer the finest quality holes drilled with perfection to cater to your components.
We have a team of expert machinists who set the CNC drilling machine properly, ensuring the accuracy of holes in the components.
Domande frequenti
Is CNC drilling cost-effective?
Yes, the precision of the process reduces wastage while drilling holes and offers cost-effectiveness.
Does CNC drilling have any limitations?
Yes, the upfront investment cost can be a limitation if you have to produce a low volume of components.
How can I drill a straight hole?
To drill a straight hole, keep the drill on the center of the workpiece and ensure that the workpiece is rigid. Start drilling with precision and keep the peck depth lesser than the diameter of the drill bit.
How deep can a CNC drill?
The depth of the CNC drill is dependent on the drill bit and the machine's specifications. The CNC drills can usually handle a depth of 5 times the diameter.
How long does CNC drilling typically take?
The time taken by CNC drilling depends on the complexity of the drill. If it is simple, it can be done in a few minutes, but if it is complex, it will take a few hours.
