Drilling and Tapping in CNC Machining

Precision and Efficiency, Also for Difficult Materials 

In the world of CNC machining drilling and tapping are crucial operations to ensure high-quality results. These techniques are used to create holes and threads in various metals and alloys. Using CNC machines, these processes are performed with unprecedented precision and repeatability, which is essential for modern manufacturing applications.

Our focus is on complexity and quality: we specialize in machining High-Strength, Resistant Alloys (HSRA) such as stainless steel, titanium, Hastelloy, Inconel and other challenging materials. These alloys require in-depth knowledge of cutting parameters and tool selection, and that is what we excel at.

Drilling in CNC Machining

Drilling in CNC Machining

Drilling is often the first step in a machining process that requires holes. CNC machines use dedicated toolpaths to deliver accurate results in even the most demanding materials. For applications in stainless steel, titanium or Inconel, custom drills with high heat and wear resistance are essential. Depending on the project, we use:

• Spiral drills: For standard applications with high precision.
• Core drilling: Efficient in removing material even at HSRA.
• Gun drills: For deep drilling in hard alloys with perfect chip removal.

With CNC technology, we optimize cutting speed, feed and cooling to minimize tool stress and ensure perfect hole quality.

Tapping: Creating threads

Thread cutting or rolling in HSRA materials requires specialized knowledge and top quality tools. Our CNC machines can:

• Cutting Tools: Precise wire creation in hard metals such as Hastelloy and Inconel.
• Roller or wire rod tapping: Ideal for strong threads without chip removal, even in resilient materials such as titanium.

Our expertise ensures that the tapping cycle is tailored to the unique properties of each material, resulting in consistent, high-quality threads.

MATERIAL

SMI Machining can drill holes in almost all types of metal such as steel, high strength steel, wear resistant steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Depending on the application and purpose of the finished product, SMI can provide the necessary advice on which materials are best to use and the size of the holes for maximum strength. For our offshore market, it is common to use high-strength steel as these products must handle heavy loads and structures.

Our in-house expertise ensures that the quality and properties of materials such as steel and aluminum are not lost during the drilling process.

Drilling is a machining technique in which the tool, the drill, makes a perfectly round hole in the material. The product is clamped in the lathe while the drill rotates. About 75% of all material processing movements worldwide is drilling.

Difference between boring and drilling

Boring is also a machining process that is often confused with drilling. Boring is a form of turning in which the chisel faces outward, whereas in drilling the chisel (the drill bit) faces inward. You do this after a relatively rough hole has been drilled; the boring technique is more precise in nature. The drilled hole is made "cleaner," so to speak, by taking bites out of the material.

CNC drilling in practice

Before one begins drilling, one determines the exact location of the hole. Once determined, the center drill (a type of awl) makes a well in the material. This is to create a start and guide the drill bit. Then the drill begins to rotate at high speed and enters the product. To prevent overheating and to remove the chips (waste), spray water on the drill bit and into the hole.
To drill a large-diameter hole, it must be drilled twice. This is called drilling up or turning out. This technique involves first drilling a small-diameter hole and then drilling a larger hole in that smaller hole.

Thread Tapping

Tapping or simply tapping is also a common term in CNC machining. Tapping is basically the same as drilling, but using a thread tap to create threads in the hole you are making at the same time. A thread tap is a screw forming tool that can cut threads in any material. The hole that is also drilled should be a slightly smaller diameter than the thread profile, but just slightly larger than the core of the tap.

CNC drilling

Drilling can be done manually, but that is labor intensive and ineffcient. The desired diameter of the chuck is entered into the computer by the CNC machine setter. Then the computer's CAM module controls all the movements of the lathe. The setter takes an observing and controlling position. The CNC machine realizes fast serial production and the human keeps an eye on the quality of the final product. Don't minimal deviations occur in the diameter of the drilled hole? Marvo's well-trained CNC machine setters know what they are doing. Please contact us for more information about our services.

Why choose us?

Machining HSRA materials is a profession in its own right. Our experience with challenging alloys and advanced CNC machines makes us the partner for drilling and tapping in even the most difficult conditions. Whether for prototypes or series production, we always deliver the highest quality.

Contact us to find out how we take your complex projects to the next level!

Questions? We are here for you

Do you have questions about CNC turning or want to know more about our services? Please contact with us for additional information or to request an immediate quote. We are ready to help you with all your projects and work together to find a solution that meets your needs.

CNC drilling & tapping

CONDITIONS

When there are specific requirements for the roughness and tolerance of the workpiece, metal drilling is the perfect solution. Once the holes are drilled, it is possible to further machine and process the drilled holes, for example, by reaming or tapping the holes. When reaming a hole after it has been drilled, a cleaner cut with higher precision can be delivered. Looking for a specific solution? contact one of our consultants.

DIMENSIONS

Our drilling machines can drill a diameter of up to 50 mm and a depth of up to 200 mm depending on the type of metal. When holes at a specific angle in the workpiece are required, our 5-axis milling machines can produce the holes with the highest precision. For all possibilities, contact one of our consultants.

When drilling is not an option due to size or angle, our 80P duobloc milling machine can provide the necessary drilling. This allows large and complex products to be made with the highest precision. Our new 60P duoblok can mill products up to 900 mm and is equipped with a wide variety of tools.

WIRE TAPPING

Thread tapping is the process of creating a thread in a workpiece. In general, two different methods can be used to create the desired thread in the workpiece: cutting or rolling. With roll tapping, the thread is created by rolling, this way no chips are created during the process. During the process, the material is compressed to ensure that there is no loss of strength.

Thread cutting is used when full thread depth or taper is required. When the material is too brittle, cutting is also a better method compared to rolling to prevent the material from losing strength. Contact SMI Machining for information on what is the best solution for you.