Drilling and chamfering in one operation is possible with the Xtra.tec D4580 from Bromsgrove-based Walter GB Ltd (www.walter-tools.com).

This new chamfering tool can be easily fitted to solid-carbide drills in the diameter range 4-16mm, allowing users to easily switch drills for different hole sizes and depth, as well as accommodate a variety of materials.

This tool cuts overall tooling costs and the number of tool changes required, and it is said to compare favourably with the ‘traditional’ route of using dedicated pilot-hole chamfer drills and solid-carbide chamfer drills.

The Xtra-tec D4580 cuts chamfers using a pair of double-edged universal indexable inserts; these feature a multi-layer coating that not only ensures long tool life but also allows the tool to be used with or without internal coolant.