The type of bit you should be using with your CNC machine will depend on several factors. It will vary both on your CNC Machine and material. This blog post and infographic will help you decide what drill bit is right for your specific CNC Machine so you can get the job done efficiently.
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In this article, we will go through the following types of bits:
One of the first factors to consider when deciding what drill bit to choose is the material. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy pick or a long-lasting solid choice, the material of your bit is essential. Here is a breakdown of the different options.
High-speed steel
- Great for general purpose and can do well with most drillings
- Works great with wood, soft metals, fiberglass, and PVC
- Will wear out faster than the more durable drill bit materials
Cobalt steel
- More heat and wear-resistant than high-speed steel bits
- They have a longer tool life and can run potentially 25% faster
- Can work great for harder metals and softer materials as well
Carbide-tipped
- Even more heat and wear-resistant than the two prior bits
- They maintain their sharp edges significantly longer on abrasive materials
- Not as brittle as solid carbide bits and can handle great with a handheld drill
Carbide bits
- The hardest, strongest, and most wear-resistant bit material out there.
- Best performing on hard and very abrasive materials
- To protect the construction of the bit, it is required that you use a rigid tool holding machine and not be used with a handheld drill
Uncoated CNC drill bits
- Works well with general-purpose drilling of most plastic and metal
Black-oxide and black-and-gold-oxide bits
- Produce less friction than uncoated drill bits
- Longer lasting while drilling at higher speeds
Titanium-nitride (TiN) coated bits
- Added heat and wear resistance
- Can run at higher speeds than above options
Titanium-aluminum-nitride (TiAlN) and aluminum-titanium-nitride (AlTiN) coated bit
- Most heat and wear resistance
- Long-lasting drill bit life, even with highly abrasive materials
Jobbers'-length bits
- The best choice for a bit length that will work well with many applications
- Has the length and strength to handle most materials
Maintenance-length bits
- More rigid and shorter than jobbers'-length
- Longer than short-length bits
- Better than Jobbers' when drilling more rigid materials
- Known as "the mechanics' bit"
Short-length bits
- Due to the shorter length, this bit will allow for more rigid drilling
- The rigid nature of short-length bits enable it to drill straighter holes than other bits
- Know as "screw-machine" and "stub-length" bits
Extended-length bits
- Ability to drill deep holes that many other bits aren't able to achieve
- Extended-length have less rigid construction and should be used with a stable tool holder
Reduced-shank length bits
- Larger tip than the shank
- This bit allows users to drill large holes
Taper-shank length bits
- Excellent bit for working with drill presses and lathes
- The all-purpose bit that can deal with various materials
Spiral-flute bits
- An excellent pick for general purpose drilling
- The spiral flute bit provides stable finishing cuts with either handheld or table routing
Parabolic spiral-flute bits
- Contain wider flutes than other styles
- Wide flutes allow for more coolant efficiency and improve chip flow
The Final Product
Despite the ever-changing roles of computer controls, CNC production is still widely dependent on machinery. This makes choosing the accurate machine tools and parts an essential step of the process. For drilling machines, like routers and mills, the drill bit choice has a significant influence on the product's production. Whether it is material, finish, length, or style, choosing the right tool is pivotal.
Make sure to use our quick guide infographic to understand better how bits stack up against one another. FactoryFix is proud to offer resources for manufacturing workers, whether it’s information about the CNC Machine Operator career path or a job board with new opportunities.
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