spade drill inserts

Spade drill inserts are specialized cutting tools used for drilling large, precise holes in various materials.

1. Replaceable Inserts: Spade drill inserts are designed to be replaceable, allowing a single holder to accommodate multiple insert sizes for different hole diameters (typically 13 to 65mm). This reduces inventory costs compared to stocking individual drills for each size.
2. Material and Coatings:
   • Made from materials like high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt (M48, T15), carbide, or polycrystalline diamond (PCD) for enhanced durability and wear resistance.
   • Common coatings include Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN), and Aluminum Chromium Nitride (AICrN), which improve heat resistance, lubricity, and chip resistance for high-temperature applications.
3. Point Geometry:
   • Available in various point angles (e.g., 130°, 132°, 144°, 180°) for different drilling needs, such as flat-bottom drilling or self-centering split-point inserts.
4. Design and Stability:
   • Feature a flat blade with a sharp-edged center point, two lips, and spurs for efficient cutting and precise hole creation.
   • Helical margins and chip breakers improve chip formation, stability, and smoother breakout on through-holes.
   • Compatible with straight or spiral flute holders for horizontal (lathes) or vertical (mills) drilling.
5. Versatility:
   • Suitable for a wide range of materials, including steels, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, and high-temperature alloys.
   • Universal spade drill inserts support multiple applications like spotting, chamfering, grooving, and corner rounding.
6. Efficiency and Cost Savings:
   • Offer faster cutting speeds, improved accuracy, and better surface finish compared to traditional drills.
   • Indexable inserts can be rotated to use a fresh edge without regrinding, reducing downtime and costs.
7. Performance Considerations:
   • Best used with through-spindle coolant to manage heat and chip evacuation, especially for deep holes.
   • Require appropriate feeds and speeds (e.g., lower RPM for pre-drilled holes, higher feed rates for chip breaking) to avoid issues like squealing or poor finishes.

Limitations:

• Spade drills may struggle with pre-drilled holes or breaking through solid material without proper setup, leading to vibration or poor hole quality.
• Performance depends on machine capability (e.g., horsepower, torque) and correct insert selection for the material.

For specific applications, selecting the right insert diameter, material, and coating is critical to achieving optimal results. Always match the insert to the holder series and material being drilled.