When processing high-hardness materials (such as stainless steel and alloy steel), using spot drills can reduce the wear on carbide drill bits during the drilling process, thereby extending the lifespan of carbide drill bits:
Cutting Force: Compared to softer materials, high-hardness materials generate greater cutting forces during the drilling process. Spot drills can create a small pilot hole that helps guide the carbide drill bit, reducing lateral forces and lowering the risk of drill deflection, chipping, or breaking.
Tool Rigidity: Spot drills generally have higher rigidity than standard carbide drills because they are shorter in length and larger in diameter. This rigidity allows them to more effectively withstand the cutting forces generated by high-hardness materials, thereby reducing wear on the carbide drill bit.
Heat Generation: Drilling high-hardness materials generates significant heat due to increased friction between the drill bit and the workpiece. Using spot drills can help dissipate heat by guiding the carbide drill bit and reducing the contact area, lowering drill bit wear.
Material Adhesion: Some high-hardness materials, such as stainless steel, are prone to material adhesion, which can cause workpiece material to stick to the cutting edges of the drill bit. The pilot hole created by the spot drill helps reduce the contact area between the carbide drill bit and the workpiece, lowering the risk of material adhesion and subsequent drill bit wear.
Tool Life Extension: By reducing cutting forces, heat generation, and material adhesion, spot drills can achieve the effect of extending the lifespan of carbide drill bits. This saves on tool costs, reduces tool change downtime, and improves production efficiency.