Indexable Drill Inserts

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Indexable Drill Inserts Explored

Definition: Indexable drill inserts are small, replaceable cutting tips used with indexable drill bodies. They are usually made from tough materials like carbide and are designed to fit into the drill body securely. As a result, when these inserts become dull or worn out, they can be easily swapped for new ones, so you do not have to replace the entire drill. Consequently, this makes them cost-effective and efficient, especially for drilling hard materials like metal, for example. Indexable drill inserts are also commonly used in factories and workshops where precision and high performance are needed.

How to Choose The Correct Indexable Drill Insert for Your Application?

Indexable insert drills really have moved industrial drilling along. For instance, these cutting tools are designed for very efficient material removal during drilling, which in turn offers you a lot of flexibility and cost-efficiency through the use of replaceable inserts.

Unlike traditional drill bits, such as Solid Carbide Drills, these inserts can be changed without replacing the entire drilling tool, making them a preferred choice in industries where precision and longevity are more key.

But how do you pick the right one for your application? That is why we have put this handy guide to Indexable Drill Inserts together to help you know which one to pick, and if you are still unsure, our friendly customer service team is here to help you.

Kennametal SPPX15T512MD KCPK10 DRILL-FIX Insert

Industries Suitable For

Indexable drill inserts are also employed across a variety of industries, from automotive manufacturing to aerospace, where the demands for accuracy, efficiency, and reduced downtime are vital for the finished product.

As a result, the importance of indexable drill inserts in modern machining cannot be understated, as they enable you to do faster, more precise drilling with fewer tool changes.

So, let us explore Indexable Drill Inserts further to help you understand which ones are right for your holemaking applications.

How Do Indexable Drill Inserts Work?

The basic concept behind indexable drill inserts is the use of replaceable cutting edges - known as inserts - which fit into a tool holder or drill body.

These inserts then have multiple cutting edges, allowing you or your operators to rotate them when one edge becomes worn - extending the tool’s life in the process.

Seco SCGX150512-P2 DP2000 SECO Perfomax Insert

How Do They Differ from Traditional Drill Bits?

Traditional drill bits are made from a single piece of material, typically steel, with the entire tool being discarded once the cutting edge dulls.

In contrast, here indexable drill inserts feature more replaceable cutting tips that can be swapped out - reducing waste and your overall tool costs while doing so.

They also allow for quicker tool changes as well, minimising your downtime in production in doing so.

What Are Some Advantages of Indexable Inserts?

Indexable drill inserts provide you with a number of advantages, such as for instance:

Efficient

Reduced downtime due to quicker tool changes.

Cost-Effective

The inserts are replaceable, which eliminates the need for purchasing an entirely new tool each time.

Precision and Accuracy

These improved cutting tools give you both performance and accuracy, especially for large-scale production runs as well.

What Materials Are Used in Indexable Drill Inserts?

The most commonly used materials for indexable drill inserts consist of:

  • Tungsten Carbide
  • Cermet
  • Ceramics

This is because these materials are known for their hardness and resistance to wear giving you a longer lasting insert as a result.

Carbide inserts, in particular, are also prized for their durability and ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge - even in challenging drilling environments as well.

Why Are The Different Types Of Coating Technologies Important?

Coating technologies, like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), for instance further improve the performance of indexable inserts by reducing friction and increasing wear resistance at the same time.

Consequently, these coatings allow the inserts to operate at higher speeds and temperatures, making them ideal for use in tough materials like titanium or stainless steel, to aluminium and non-ferrous materials as well.

Kenametal 16.1mm KTFSS16100HPGM KCP15A KenTip Insert

Key Drilling Applications of Indexable Drill Inserts

Indexable Drill Inserts have many general-purpose drilling applications and use, thanks to them being able to be used from solid, with no pilot required, or can even open an existing hole while ignoring core shifts. As a result, some of these applications can consist of, for instance:

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace sector always demands high precision in metal drilling, especially for materials like titanium and Inconel.

Consequently, indexable drill inserts are commonly used to create precise holes in aircraft components.

Automotive Manufacturing

Automotive manufacturers also rely on indexable inserts to drill holes in engine blocks, gear components, and other critical parts, where repeatability and durability in the tool used are key.

Oil and Gas Drilling

In the oil and gas industry, indexable drill inserts play a vital role in drilling rigs, where they are used for drilling into extremely hard materials like shale and sandstone.

Metalworking and Fabrication

Metalworking shops commonly use indexable drill inserts for general metal fabrication, as these can provide you with fast and efficient material removal in steel, aluminium, and other metals for example.

Why Does The Corner Radius Matter on an Indexable Drill Insert?

The corner radius on indexable drill inserts affects the tool strength, chip flow, and surface finish primarily.

For instance, a larger radius increases its strength and smooths cutting, which is ideal for tougher materials, while a smaller radius offers you greater precision but may wear faster, particularly in harder materials for instance.

Indexable Drill Insert Design Features

Indexable Drill Inserts also come with many design features that you need to be aware of when choosing the right one for your application.

For instance, these can consist of:

Multi-Point Cutting Edges

One of the standout features of indexable drill inserts is their multi-point cutting-edge design, which enhances their performance by allowing the tool to engage with the workpiece from multiple angles.

Chip Control and Evacuation

Efficient chip control and evacuation are also essential for maintaining optimal cutting conditions.

Consequently, Indexable inserts often feature very specialised geometry that helps direct chips away from the cutting zone as a result.

Insert Geometry and Edge Preparation

The geometry of the insert, including rake angles and clearance angles, also has a significant impact on its cutting performance.

As a result, inserts are engineered with different geometries to optimise the cut in various materials and applications.

Nine9 14mm Spot Drill Holder & N9MT11T3CT2T-H-NC40 Insert

Types of Indexable Drill Inserts

Next up, you need to understand if you need a single-edge or double-edge insert. For instance:

Single-Edge vs. Double-Edge Inserts

Indexable drill inserts here can be classified based on the number of cutting edges they offer you.

For instance, single-edge inserts feature one cutting edge per side, which can then be rotated once it becomes worn.

These inserts are also often used for smaller holes and provide you with very high precision.

Whereas double-edge inserts, on the other hand, feature two cutting edges per side, allowing for even greater efficiency and longer tool life - as they offer you more usable cutting surfaces as a result.

Consequently, on the whole single-edge inserts are commonly used in high-precision tasks where the focus is on achieving a flawless surface finish, while double-edge inserts are ideal for high-volume production environments and tasks that prioritise more efficiency.

Replaceable vs. Permanent Inserts

The difference between replaceable and permanent inserts is also another key consideration to factor in.

For instance, replaceable inserts allow users to change the cutting tips without having to replace the entire tool, significantly reducing the costs of the process.

They are also typically attached to the drill body via a clamping mechanism.

Whereas permanent inserts, by contrast, are integrated into the tool itself and must be replaced along with the entire tool once they wear out.

How to Choose the Right Indexable Drill Insert?

Now that you know about some of the parts that make up indexable drill inserts lets put it together to help you choose the correct indexable drill insert for you?

Matching the Insert to Material

Firstly, you want to select an indexable drill insert, which will ideally match the insert material and geometry to the type of material being drilled.

For example, here carbide inserts are ideal for drilling steel and stainless steel due to their hardness and wear resistance.

Steel drill inserts, on the other hand, are much better in high-torque applications, as these can offer you more strength, durability and toughness here when drilling through tough materials like stainless steel and cast iron, for instance. Others may also have purpose-built coolant capabilities, with coolant supply options, built in to help to dissipate heat caused by the friction of drilling.

Kennametal 17mm KTIP1700HPM KCP15 KenTip Insert

Considerations for Hole Drill Depth and Diameter

Another factor to consider is the hole / drilling depth and diameter, as these are key factors in selecting the right insert.

For instance, a standard insert will be fine for shallow holes, but for deeper holes, a more specialised design for deep-hole drilling may be required.

These inserts then also often feature enhanced chip evacuation capabilities to prevent clogging and to ensure that you get overall smooth drilling as well.

The diameter range of the hole also determines the size and geometry of the insert that you will need.

For instance, larger holes may require inserts with reinforced cutting edges to handle the increased load, while smaller holes need finer and more precise geometries instead for example.

Importance of Speed and Feed Rates

Another thing you need to factor in is matching the right speed and feed rate to the insert, as this is key to achieving perfect drilling performance as well.

For example, cutting too slowly can easily cause premature wear while drilling too fast can lead to overheating and insert failure on the whole.

Installation and Maintenance

The proper installation of indexable drill inserts is another key area to ensure that you get the best performance.

For instance inserts must be secured firmly in the drill holder to avoid shifting during operation - which could easily cause uneven cutting or machine / tool failure as a result.

Proper clamping mechanisms should also be used, and it’s essential to check that the insert is seated correctly before starting any drilling operation as well.

Maintenance Tips for Longer Lifespan

Regular maintenance is ideal for extending the lifespan of your indexable drill inserts.

For instance, this includes routine inspection of the insert and tool holder for wear, ensuring proper lubrication during drilling to reduce friction and heat, and also following recommended speed and feed rates as well.

Consequently, keeping inserts clean and properly stored when not in use can also prevent premature wear or damage on them as well.

What Are Some Signs of Insert Deterioration?

Visible signs that an insert needs replacing include chipping on the cutting edges, dulling of the edge, or a decline in surface finish on the workpiece as well.

Inserts that produce excessive heat, noise, or vibration during drilling are also more likely nearing the end of their useful life as well.

Can Indexable Drill Inserts be Used for High-speed Machining?

Indexable drill inserts, especially those made from carbide or steel, are designed for high-speed machining.

These, for instance, are coated with advanced materials like PVD or CVD coatings that allow them to withstand the heat and friction generated at high speeds.

Are Indexable Inserts Compatible with all CNC Machines?

Most indexable drill inserts are compatible with a wide range of CNC machines, but it's important to ensure that the insert matches your tool holder and machine specifications.

This is because compatibility issues can lead to poor performance or even tool failure as well.

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure which indexable drill insert is right for you or you need help, then please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

MSC Direct's team

Delivery

We have also extended our ordering hours to offer you next working day delivery, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery option that suits you best to ensure the timely, hassle-free arrival of your products.

Standard next day delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with Free delivery for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Direct?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom and can also offer you trade accounts.

As a result, we can offer you a vast selection of similar products, including indexable drill bodies, cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We also serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.

Consequently, our outstanding customer service and expert technical team, fast delivery times, and technical support make us a trusted partner for all your business needs as a result.