A re-engineered drill range from Alcester-based Seco Tools (UK) Ltd (www.secotools.com) is said to increase tool life by 140%.

The company’s Perfomax indexable-insert drills feature a new flute design with special anti-friction surfaces and laser-hardened ‘fronts’ (60HRc) that provide added strength, stability and accuracy.

Furthermore, the flutes have larger helixes, centre chip areas and smoother chip-flute exits, while an ‘engineered wave pattern’ helps to minimise contact between chips and flute surfaces.

The new design also features a larger radius at the bottom of the drills’ insert pockets for extra rigidity.

DS2050 and DS4050 insert grades, which are recommended for use with the new Perfomax drills, are suited to drilling heat-resistant materials like titanium and titanium alloys.

These grades, with their recently developed free-cutting MP and MC geometries, help to increase productivity and extend insert life, says Seco.

Perfomax drill bodies are available in a range of diameters from 15 to 59mm, and in length-to-diameter ratios of 2xD, 3xD, 4xD and 5xD. They are compatible with most spindle interfaces.