Inserts
Sts Gun Drill Inserts Deliver Superior Results When Cutting Machinable Metals
Sts Gun Drill Inserts Deliver Superior Results When Cutting Machinable Metals
A key step in any production machining process is drilling. This is especially true for hard-to-machine materials like high-strength alloy steels and stainless steels, which can be difficult to cut even with a dedicated machine. A popular solution for these materials is sts gun drill inserts, which are specifically designed to deliver superior results when cutting machinable metals. These tools can increase hole quality and productivity while reducing cycle time and cost.
Unlike traditional spindle or twist drills, sts gun drills allow you to perform internal chip removal in the mold material. This helps to improve the overall quality of the finished product, resulting in a smoother finish. Additionally, the internal chip removal method of sts gun drill inserts also increases productivity and tool life by reducing downtime due to the need for constant changing of the tools.
The sts gun drill method works by passing an influx of lubricant-coolant through the internal passage, which is either full oil specific for deep hole drilling or emulsified water that is specific for sts single tube system drilling. This lubricant-coolant passes along the edge of the tool, dissipating heat and pushing chips away from the cutting surface as it passes through the cavity of the tool. This allows for a much smoother machining action, without the need for chip flutes or other external tools.
In addition to the improved machining action, the sts gun drill inserts are able to maintain consistent diameter over time. This is because they are not subject to the bending or wear that is often seen with traditional spindle-style inserts. This results in a more predictable hole for the operator, which is important when it comes to setting up the toolholder and calculating cycle times or cost per hole.
Another key advantage of sts gun drill inserts is that they are easier to regrind and replace than traditional inserts. A series of precautions borne out of experience and the rigidity of an IMSA machine enable us to drill traditional mold materials for 20-30 meters using a single sts gun drill before it needs to be regrinded or replaced. This translates to a much shorter tool life than the average for non-dedicated machines.
There are many geometries, sizes, configurations, substrates and coatings for sts gun drill inserts that can be chosen based on the needs of an application. For example, some are designed with a hook angle or rake angle for a particular type of application while others are made to work with specific ISO-specific materials.
To maximize the performance of sts gun drills, they can be combined with other inserts in holders for a variety of additional machining functions. For instance, you can use a combination of sts gun drills and indexable inserts to handle interruptions, cross holes and fly cutting. In addition, you can use a patterned chip breaker to help with difficult-to-break material applications. All of these options are available from the same manufacturers that provide sts gun drills, and the manufacturer will know how to advise you on what to choose for your specific application.
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