When it comes to hole production, there is no doubt that combination tools featuring drilling, chamfering and counterboring offer distinct productivity benefits, with shorter in-cut times and the elimination of tool changes — plus better concentricity.

However, the perception is that these tools are both expensive and on long lead times, making them unsuitable for the low- to medium-volume environments found in sub-contract businesses.

Ceratizit UK & Ireland Ltd (www.ceratizit.com) has therefore launched a programme of semi-standard indexable-insert drilling tools that are based around the company’s KUB, KUB Quatron, and KUB Trigon drilling systems.

Customers can now specify combination tools with a guaranteed three-week delivery — all at standard drill price levels.

Moreover, the company is so confident of achieving this that it will supply the tools free of charge if they do not arrive within 15 working days (plus one day for delivery) from receipt of confirmed order.

The entire design and manufacturing process has been streamlined.

An initial quotation to suit the customer’s application is created within four days; and when that quotation is accepted by the customer and an official order has been placed, the tool is immediately put into production.

Tools are available in many configurations and diameter ranges — and they can be supplied on a diverse range of shanks, including ABS and HSK systems.

Tony Pennington, managing director of Ceratizit UK & Ireland, said: “Everyone machining components is looking to save cycle time where possible, and combination tools are one of the most effective ways of achieving this.

"While the associated cost and lead times have been a significant barrier to their uptake for small to medium-size businesses, this programme of tools — introduced since the creation of Team Cutting Tools by the Ceratizit Group — eliminates both those issues.

"Moreover, the guarantee of delivery within three working weeks or a free tool is a win-win situation — and a wager where the customer cannot lose.”