Chesterfield-based Dormer Pramet (www.dormerpramet.com) has expanded its hole-making portfolio with several new additions.

The company has extended its range of Hydra replaceable-head drills, launched a solid-carbide drill for aluminium and added a new spotting drill.

Providing a ‘particularly cost-effective option’ for large-diameter drilling, the Hydra programme supports structural and general engineering applications, its range of solid-carbide heads — for steel, stainless steel and cast iron
— being ‘married together’ with a hardened steel body.

Existing body options — 3xD, 5xD and 8xD — have been expanded with a 12xD drill for deep-hole applications and a 1.5xD drill for improved rigidity in shallow-hole and plate-drilling applications.

Furthermore, the range of bodies incorporates coolant holes to improve cutting efficiency and swarf evacuation, while the precise fit between the head and the body maximises tool rigidity for ‘superior hole accuracy and precise tolerances’.

Moreover, one body can fit multiple solid-carbide head sizes, reducing inventory requirements — and heads can be easily changed without removing the body from the spindle, minimising machine down-time.

Meanwhile, Dormer Pramet has extended its Force hole-making assortment with a solid-carbide drill for all types of aluminium, from soft to abrasive grades.

The geometry of the new Force N range features a 32deg helix angle that is designed to help break swarf into small manageable chips and reduce the exit burr that can occur when drilling soft materials.

Offering high rates of metal removal and reduced thrust forces to improve hole quality and productivity, Force N drills are available in 5xD and 8xD lengths with through coolant (Dormer Pramet’s existing assortment of solid-carbide drills includes Force X for use with a variety of materials and Force M for stainless steel).

Dormer Pramet has also launched a new solid-carbide drill for fast and accurate spotting.

The R125 has a 150deg self-centring point geometry, allowing it to be used with high-performance drills having point angles of about 140deg.

Furthermore, a multi-layer TiAlN coating ensures good tool-life and wear protection, along with improved cutting-edge stability.