Troubleshooting Indexable Drilling

Solution

On Lathes:

• Check machine alignment.
• Check clamping accuracy. If tool clamping cannot be improved and/or optimum machine stability is doubtful, reduce feed by 30%.
• Use tougher carbide grade.

TIP: Grades can be mixed to achieve optimum performance.

EXAMPLE: Use grade C7225 in the inside pocket with KC7140 in the outside pocket.

Solution

• Increase coolant pressure and volume (coolant helps support chip evacuation as well as cooling the cutting edges).
• Optimize chip control for a given application.
• Increase cutting speed by 20%.

Solution

• Increase coolant pressure and volume.
• Increase cutting speed by 20%.
• Check clamping accuracy (tool and workpiece) for possible improvement.

TIP: Use higher speed with lighter feed to produce better hole quality.

Solution

On Lathes:

• Verify that the tool is centered correctly. Readjsut machine, if necessary.
• Check clamping accuracy (tool and workpiece) for possible improvement.
• Use pilot drill B503 in HSS grade AS3.

Solution

• Use tougher carbide grade and/or stronger insert geometry.
• Reduce feed by 20%.
• When drilling through, reduce feed by 50%.
• Check clamping accuracy (tool and workpiece) for possible improvement.

Solution

• Use coated carbide pilot drill B504 in grade CS3.
• Increase coolant pressure and volume.
• Reduce cutting speed by 20%. 

Solution

On Lathes:

• Use a more wear-resistant carbide grade.
• Increase coolant pressure and volume.
• Reduce cutting speed by 20%. 

Solution

• Optimize chip control for given application.
• Increase cutting speed by 20%; reduce feed by 20%.