The CoroDrill DS20 from cutting-tool and tooling-system specialist Sandvik Coromant is said to be the first indexable drill concept capable of producing hole depths up to 7xD.

Featuring completely new designs for both the body and inserts, this drill provides reliable and predictable chip control, plus “outstanding penetration rates in all 4-7xD applications”.

To complement this new drill, Sandvik is introducing a new Modular Drilling Interface (MDI) that acts as a coupling between the drill and adaptor.

Available in Coromant Capto and HSK shank types, the MDI provides high precision, ‘excellent centring capabilities’ and reduced tool inventory.

Furthermore, the CoroDrill DS20 indexable drill is both versatile and cost-efficient, increasing tool life and productivity in nearly all workpiece materials compared with ‘current best-in-class concepts’ — and no pilot drilling is needed.

Håkan Carlberg, senior R&D engineer at Sandvik Coromant, said: “Among the most important factors when drilling to depths of more than 5¥D is controlled cutting forces, secure chip evacuation and high centring capabilities.

"Going from a 5¥D to a 7xD drill, the theoretical difficulty increases approximately three-fold due, to an increased inclination to bend. Designing a CoroDrill DS20 7¥D drill requires careful consideration of around 50 parameters that all depend on each other.

"The outcome is improved process security through lower forces and lighter cutting, particularly at entry. In turn, users achieve lower cost per hole, the ability to drill deeper and reduced sound levels.

“The drill body is strong and fatigue-resistant, with higher levels of stiffness than ever achieved before, while chip flute shapes are individually designed for each drill size and insert.

"This combination of factors leads to less vibration, predictable wear patterns and increased tool life.

In addition, next-generation ‘double-step’ technology reduces entry cutting forces by up to 75% — compared with CoroDrill 880 tools — to improve centring capabilities.

"Strong insert design and bulk strength provide extra toughness, with four true cutting edges provided on both centre and peripheral inserts.”

CoroDrill DS20 indexable drills are available in diameters from 15 to 65mm, with a selection of shank types, insert sizes, grades and geometries to suit all material types and applications, including those found in the general engineering, automotive, oil and gas, pump and valve, and aerospace sectors.

Further information can be found at the Web site (www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-gb/products/corodrill_ds20).