Smart Cut Carbide Micro Drills
SMART CUT® Tungsten Carbide Micro Drills are engineered for high-precision, small-diameter drilling in hard, dense, and brittle materials where accuracy, edge quality, and repeatability are critical. They are designed for prototype and production environments that require tight tolerances and consistent results.
SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills are manufactured from premium sub-micron grain tungsten carbide, providing high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and strong edge integrity. The material structure supports sharp cutting edges and clean hole formation while maintaining stability during high-speed drilling.
These drills are produced by combining tungsten particles, carbon, and cobalt under high pressure and high temperature. The cobalt acts as a metallic binder that holds the tungsten carbide particles together, creating a dense and rigid cutting tool. Unlike steel drills, carbide drills do not dull primarily from abrasive wear. Dulling occurs when excessive heat softens the cobalt binder, reducing its ability to retain the carbide particles at the cutting edge. Proper speeds, feeds, and coolant usage are therefore essential for maximum tool life.
SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills are available in a wide range of diameters, including micro-scale sizes, making them suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances and high surface finish quality. Common industries include electronics, medical device manufacturing, optics, aerospace, and precision engineering.
Multiple point geometries are available to match different materials and drilling conditions. Options include standard twist drill designs and specialized tip geometries that help minimize entry and exit burrs and improve hole quality. Drills can be customized in diameter, flute length, overall length, and geometry.
Optional advanced coatings such as Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN), and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) are available. These coatings are applied using PVD or CVD processes and help reduce friction, improve heat resistance, increase wear resistance, and extend tool life.
SMART CUT® Tungsten Carbide Micro Drills are compatible with CNC machining centers, PCB drilling machines, high-speed micro drilling systems, and precision bench drilling stations. They are commonly used for drilling printed circuit boards, fiberglass (FR-4), composites, graphite, technical plastics, and non-ferrous metals.
SMART CUT® Tungsten Carbide Micro Drills provide high dimensional accuracy, low runout, clean hole walls, reduced burr formation, and consistent performance. They are a cost-effective solution for applications where diamond drilling is not required and where precision and repeatability are essential.
Diameter tolerance is (+0/-0.0002″) Call for specific diameters
- Material: Carbide
- Overall Length: 1.50″
- Shank Diameter: .125″
Two Flute – Four Facet Point
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- High Precision: Allows for the creation of highly accurate and consistent micro-sized holes.
- Customizability: Available in various sizes and with optional specialized coatings to suit specific application needs.
- Innovative Design: Features unique flute designs for improved chip removal and coolant flow, reducing heat buildup.
- Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of drilling machines, including CNC systems and high-speed drilling stations.
- Reduced Tool Wear: Advanced geometries and materials reduce the frequency of tool replacements, lowering operational costs.
- High-Speed Performance: Capable of operating at high speeds without compromising precision or tool integrity.
- Minimized Drill Breakage: Robust construction significantly reduces the risk of breakage, even under intense operational conditions.
- Optimal Chip Evacuation: Efficient chip evacuation maintains clean cutting areas, improving the overall drilling process and outcome.
- Precision Cooling: Optimized coolant paths ensure effective heat dissipation, crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of both the drill and the workpiece.
- Low Maintenance: Designed for easy maintenance and cleaning, which is essential for maintaining performance in high-throughput environments.
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- Low carbon steel
- High carbon steel
- Stainless steels
- Nickel alloys
- Cast iron
- Aluminum
- Copper – brass alloys
- Plastics
Application:
- Low carbon steel
- Medium and high carbon steels
- Stainless steels
- Tools steels
- Nickel-based alloys
- Aluminum and aluminum alloys
- Copper, brass, and bronze alloys
- Plastics and engineering polymers
- Composites (GFRP, CFRP)
- PCB laminates and copper-clad boards
Industries Used In:
- Electronics and microelectronics (PCB vias, flexible circuits, substrates)
- Medical devices and life sciences
- Aerospace and defense components
- Automotive and electric vehicle components
- Micro-mold and tooling manufacturing
- Watchmaking and jewelry components
- Optics and precision instrumentation
- Industrial connectors and fasteners
Application
- Low carbon steel
- High carbon steel
- Stainless steels
- Nickel alloys
- Cast iron
- Aluminum
- Copper – brass alloys
- Plastics
Item No. | Outside Diameter | Flute Length | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
CBMD1 | 0.0015" | .020” | DRILL N/R.020"FL 90PT |
CBMD2 | 0.0020" | .015” | DRILL 015FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD3 | 0.0020" | .020” | DRILL 020FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD4 | 0.0020" | .045’ | DRILL 045FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD5 | 0.0021" | .032” | DRILL 032FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD6 | 0.0022" | .015” | DRILL N/S .015"FL 90PT |
CBMD7 | 0.0022" | .020” | DRILL N/R .020"FL 90PT |
CBMD8 | 0.0022" | .020” | DRILL 020FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD9 | 0.0022" | .025” | DRILL N/R .025"FL 90PT |
CBMD10 | 0.0022" | .025” | DRILL 025FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD11 | 0.0022" | .045” | DRILL 045FL 90PT (50) |
CBMD12 | 0.0025" | .017” | DRILL .017"FL 90PT N/S |
CBMD13 | 0.0025" | .017” | DRILL 017FL 90PT |
CBMD14 | 0.0025" | .030” | DRILL N/S .030"FL 90PT |
CBMD15 | 0.0026" | .020” | DRILL 020FL 130PT |
CBMD16 | 0.0029" | .035” | DRILL .035"FL 118PT |
CBMD17 | 0.0029" | .035” | DRILL .035"FL 90PT |
CBMD18 | 0.0031" | .015” | DRILL N/S .015"FL 90PT |
About Carbide Micro Drills
SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills, precision-engineered for optimal performance in demanding drilling applications. Produced from high-grade carbide, renowned for its exceptional hardness and resistance to wear. This ensures that SMART CUT®Carbide Micro Drills not only last longer but also perform consistently under rigorous conditions.
SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills are available in a variety of sizes, starting from micro-scale diameters, which are perfect for industries that require tight tolerances and superior finishes. These drills are especially useful in fields such as electronics, medical device manufacturing, and precision engineering, where minute and precise holes are crucial.
SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills are available with a variety of point geometries, each suited to different materials and drilling techniques. From standard twist drills to specialized tip geometries designed to minimize entry and exit burrs, each drill is a product of extensive research and development.
The drills can be customized to meet specific requirements, offering flexibility in length, diameter, and even specialized coatings. These coatings, which include options like Titanium Nitride and Diamond-like Carbon, further enhance the drill's performance by reducing friction and increasing efficiency when cutting through hard or abrasive materials.
SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills are compatible with a range of precision drilling machines, including CNC equipment and high-speed drilling stations. This versatility ensures that they can be integrated seamlessly into any production line, enhancing existing setups with minimal adjustment.
What are coatings?
Coatings are thin layers of materials applied to the surfaces of cutting tools, such as carbide micro drills, using techniques like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). These coatings, which are usually just a few microns thick, serve to enhance the performance, durability, and functionality of the tools.
Why use coatings?
One of the main advantages of applying coatings to carbide micro drills is the significant increase in hardness and wear resistance they provide. Coatings like Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN), and Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) enhance the surface hardness of the drills, making them more resistant to wear and abrasion. This allows the tools to last longer, maintain their sharpness, and require less frequent replacement, thus reducing downtime and the costs associated with tool changes.
Additionally, some coatings such as Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) can withstand high temperatures, which is crucial for high-speed drilling operations that generate significant heat. These coatings act as thermal barriers, protecting the carbide substrate from the heat that could lead to softening or structural failure, and allowing for faster drilling speeds and prolonged tool life.
Coatings also improve lubricity and reduce friction. For example, DLC coatings have low friction coefficients, which minimize the amount of heat generated due to friction and prevent material from sticking to the drill. This reduces galling and welding of the work material to the drill, leading to smoother operations, finer finishes, and more precise holes.
Furthermore, coatings like Chromium Nitride (CrN) and nickel-based options provide excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion. This is particularly important when drilling materials that are corrosive or when working in corrosive environments, thereby extending tool life and maintaining performance integrity.
Improved cutting efficiency is another benefit of using coatings. By reducing the energy and force required for cutting, some coatings enable more efficient material removal. This leads to better overall machining performance, including higher speeds, lower power consumption, and reduced wear on both the tool and the machine.
Coatings Available – Table of Comparison
Coating Type | Hardness (HV) | Heat Resistance (°C) | Key Properties | Typical Applications | Materials Used On | Features of Coating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) | 2000 - 5000 | Up to 400 | Low friction, high hardness | Precision tools, automotive parts | Steel, alloys, ceramics | Reduces adhesive wear, minimal friction, enhances durability |
Titanium Nitride (TiN) | 1800 - 2300 | Up to 500 | Reduces wear, thermal stability | General machining, cutting tools | Steel, titanium, aluminum | Increases surface hardness, extends tool life |
Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) | 2800 - 3500 | Up to 800 | High hardness, thermal resistance | High-speed and high-temperature applications | High-alloy steels, titanium | Excellent for high-temperature applications, resists oxidation |
Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) | 3000 - 4000 | Up to 400 | Higher toughness, abrasive wear resistance | Hard material cutting, milling tools | Steel, hard metals | Greater hardness than TiN, superior wear resistance |
Chromium Nitride (CrN) | 1600 - 2000 | Up to 700 | Corrosion resistance, hardness | Corrosive environments, food processing | Stainless steel, aluminum | Good toughness, excellent against corrosion and oxidation |
Nickel-based Coatings | 400 - 700 | Variable | Corrosion and wear resistance | Marine, oil and gas, chemical processing | Copper, brass, marine metals | Enhances bonding, protects against harsh environments |
Ceramic Coatings | 2500 - 4500 | Over 1000 | Chemical stability, heat resistance | Aerospace, high-performance cutting | Composites, hard superalloys | High thermal barrier, reduces thermal stresses |
CVD Diamond Coating | 8000 - 10000 | Up to 600 | Extreme hardness, wear resistance | Abrasive material cutting, advanced machining | Graphite, ceramics, metals | Superior abrasion resistance, suitable for very hard materials |
Recommended RPM’s for SMART CUT® Carbide Micro Drills
Recommended RMP’s based on material type, hardness, drill diameter, cutting speed (Vc), and chip load per tooth:
Material Type | Hardness | Drill Diameter (mm) | Cutting Speed (Vc) m/min | Chip Load Per Tooth (Microns) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Low Carbon Steel, Magnetic Soft Steel, Leaded Steels | ≤ 120 | Ø < 1.0 | 50 | 80 |
Ø < 1.5 | 30 | 45 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 35 | 52 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 40 | 60 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 46 | 68 | ||
Plain Carbon Steel Low, Medium Carbon | < 250 | Ø < 1.0 | 25 | 60 |
Ø < 1.5 | 25 | 40 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 29 | 46 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 33 | 53 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 38 | 61 | ||
Structural Steel, Case Carburizing Steel | < 200 | Ø < 1.0 | 25 | 60 |
Ø < 1.5 | 25 | 40 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 29 | 46 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 33 | 53 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 38 | 61 | ||
Alloyed Steel, Medium Carbon, Tool Steel, Wrought | < 250 | Ø < 1.0 | 20 | 50 |
Ø < 1.5 | 12 | 35 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 14 | 40 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 16 | 46 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 18 | 53 | ||
Alloyed Steel, Hardened and Tempered Steel, Tool Steel | > 250 ≤ 350 | Ø < 1.0 | 15 | 35 |
Ø < 1.5 | 10 | 25 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 12 | 29 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 13 | 33 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 15 | 38 | ||
Stainless Steel (Ferritic + Austenitic, Ferritic, Martensitic) | < 300 | Ø < 1.0 | 23 | 53 |
Ø < 1.5 | 5 | 25 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 6 | 29 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 7 | 33 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 8 | 38 | ||
Nickel Alloys (Nickel, Unalloyed, Nickel Alloys Nimonic 75, Monel 400) | < 150 | Ø < 1.0 | 15 | 40 |
Ø < 1.5 | 10 | 15 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 12 | 17 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 13 | 20 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 15 | 23 | ||
Titanium (Titanium Alloy, Cast) | < 270 | Ø < 1.0 | 25 | 56 |
Ø < 1.5 | 7 | 25 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 8 | 29 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 9 | 33 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 11 | 38 | ||
Cast Iron (Soft Gray Cast, Ferritic) | < 150 | Ø < 1.0 | 30 | 80 |
Ø < 1.5 | 20 | 50 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 23 | 58 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 26 | 66 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 30 | 76 | ||
Aluminum (Al Alloys, Si>5%) | - | Ø < 1.0 | 200 | 350 |
Ø < 1.5 | 150 | 300 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 100 | 200 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 45 | 60 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 52 | 69 | ||
Copper - Brass Alloys (Copper Alloys, Wrought) | - | Ø < 1.0 | 100 | 225 |
Ø < 1.5 | 25 | 40 | ||
Ø < 2.0 | 29 | 46 | ||
Ø < 2.5 | 33 | 53 | ||
Ø < 3.0 | 38 | 61 |
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