Application note
Drilling problems in stainless steel often extend beyond the drill itself
Heat build-up, chip evacuation, workholding rigidity and coolant conditions are as important as tool selection when drilling stainless steel. In ductile materials prone to work hardening, such as SUS 304, an incorrect feed rate or inadequate chip evacuation can quickly cause edge wear, diameter variation and surface defects.
For these applications, Balkanlar Mühendislik assesses hole diameter, depth, hole count, current tool life, machine type and coolant conditions together. The aim is to establish a sustainable balance between cycle time, hole quality and tool life, rather than simply recommend a new drill.
Information required for a quotation
- Material: SUS 304, 316 or another stainless steel grade
- Hole diameter, hole depth and required tolerance
- Hole count, current tool life and the problem encountered
- Machine, clamping, internal/external coolant supply and current cutting parameters