Deep Hole Drilling by Material

Deep hole drilling by material: parameters and challenges for stainless steel, titanium, superalloys, hardened steel, aluminum, ceramics, and composites.

16 articles

Every material presents unique challenges in deep hole drilling. Stainless steel work-hardens and produces stringy chips requiring careful feed control. Titanium and its alloys concentrate heat at the cutting edge due to low thermal conductivity, demanding high coolant pressure and positive rake geometries. Nickel-based superalloys (Inconel 718, Hastelloy, Waspaloy) cause rapid tool wear through multiple wear mechanisms. Hardened steels up to HRC 60 require PCBN or specialized carbide with edge preparation. Aluminum produces built-up edge without polished flutes. Exotic materials — ceramics, CFRP composites, and plastics — need non-traditional approaches including diamond tooling and ultrasonic assistance.

For the most common chrome-moly alloy — 4140, in annealed and prehardened conditions — see gun drilling 4140.

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