When drilling through hardened steel, you must ensure that your drill bit is made from tougher materials. Carbide bits are the strongest drill bits material and can cut through hardened steel. But if they are not available, titanium and cobalt drill bits can also be used. However, drilling with either of these bits will take longer than drilling with a carbide drill bit.

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Cobalt has a high melting point of 1495°C, making it ideal for high heat drilling applications like hardened steel. The most common are M35, a 5% alloy, and M42, a 7% alloy.

When it comes to drilling through stainless steel, not all drills are created equally. Stainless steel is a tough and durable material that requires specialized drill bits that can withstand high temperatures and maintain their cutting edges. Here, we will explore the different types of drill bits available for stainless steel and provide you with tips for selecting the right tool for your holemaking operations.

Best carbide drill bitsfor hardened steel

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SolidCarbide Drill Bits

Hardened steel is used in energy,  transportation, general mechanical engineering components, and many other applications. Axles, arbors, driving pinions, camshafts, and Cardan joints are examples of hardened steel components.

CarbideTippedDrill Bitsfor Steel

Hardened steel types include ATS34, CPM440V, Z60CDV14,  Sandvic, and 12C27. Carbon steel must go through a succession of heat treatments, quenching, and reheating to become hardened steel.

However, it would be best to exercise caution when using carbide-tipped drills since they can be brittle despite being the hardest. Because of their great strength, they are extensively employed in industrial applications. They can cut through concrete, masonry, tile, and hardened steel.

Titanium drill bits are high-speed steel bits with a titanium nitride covering. Titanium-coated drill bits provide many advantages over ordinary steel bits, including the ability to endure greater temperatures, increased wear resistance, and higher durability.

Rockwell hardness testing is a standard method for determining the  hardness of metals and polymers. Rockwell hardness is measured with a device known as a Rockwell hardness tester. The tougher the steel is, the higher the number on the RC scale. The higher the RC number, the slower the drill speed should be.

Make sure the piece of metal is in a flat and secure area. Holding the metal with one hand while running the drill with the other is not a good idea. It is better to secure the metal with a clamp.

In computing for the RPM, for example 1"-diameter tool must run at 30 sfm. Based on the equation above, at 30  sfm: (30 × 3.82) ÷ 1 = 114.6, this means you have to use 115 RPM to drill a 1 inch Rockwell C 40 to 45 steel.

If you've worked with hardened steel before, you'll know that a regular drill bit won't cut through. Your best bet is to use the carbide bits because they are the hardest drill bits available.

When comparing the carbide, both cobalt and titanium drill bits are better than regular steel drill bits due to their added components, as well as their resistance to heat and wear. However, in terms of hardness and longevity, the carbide drill bit is better than both of them.

Cobalt drill bits are not made of pure cobalt. Instead, they are made of steel combined with a small proportion of cobalt, often between 5 and 7 percent, and the remaining part steel.

For better protection, use safety glasses that wrap around the sides of your face. Eye protection is required to ensure that a tiny metal fragment does not cause significant eye injury.

Drilling stainless steel requires the right techniques and tools. Using lubricant, starting with a smaller bit, securing the material, using the right speed, and applying the right pressure will help you easily drill stainless steel. With these tips, you can achieve a smooth and accurate drilling experience for your machining operations.

Carbide DrillBit Set

Titanium nitride (TiN) is a very strong ceramic substance that protects the steel bit and allows it to last longer, especially when drilling hardened steel.

Carbide drill bits are the most durable and long-lasting type of drill bits available. They are extremely durable and can withstand the high-temperatures and pressures of drilling stainless steel.

Measure and mark the hole, then use a center punch and hammer to make a slight indentation. Drill bits tend to wander when they first start drilling. Therefore the dimple helps the drill bit become more steady. The dimple also serves as a reference for where to drill your hole.

There are many other things to consider when choosing the right drill bit for hardened steel. This post will cover what you need to know about drilling hardened steel and provide you with some suggestions on the best drill bits that will work well for your needs.

CobaltDrill bits

Best carbide drill bitsfor metal

Titanium drill bits are high-speed steel bits with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating, whereas cobalt drill bits do not have a coating; the entire bit is constructed of alloy steel that contains 5 to 8% cobalt.

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When it comes to drilling through stainless steel, there are a few key factors to consider. One of which is that the material is prone to hardening, which means that it becomes harder and more difficult to drill as you continue to work on it. Additionally, stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat, which means that it can quickly become hot during the drilling process.

If you are in the process of drilling hardened steel, maybe for one of the reasons mentioned above, or potentially something completely different, why not take a look at the drill bits we have available for metal. Our range is designed for high end performance and is suitable for those drilling hardened and normal stainless steel.

Now that we've covered some of the key factors to consider when selecting drill bits for stainless steel, let's take a closer look at some of the specific types of drill bits that are best suited for this material.

Carbide drill bits are used for drilling broken bolts, safes, studs, bearing races, taps, and knives made from hardened steel. They are designed to allow the quick dissipation of heat and prevent chipping.

TungstenCarbide Drill Bits

The drill speed is critical for drilling hardened steel. Drilling at high speeds causes high temperatures, which will damage your drill bit. Therefore, drilling hardened steel should be done at a low RPM and feed rate. Feed rates are typically at least 50% lower than for lesser hardness steel. Speeds generally are 30% of that of a non-hardened material.

Therefore, cobalt drill bits have a longer life and are more heat resistant than titanium drill bits. Which means cobalt drill bits are typically better since they are much more durable than titanium-coated bits and can drill holes through the hardest metals.

Drill through-hardened steel metal at the recommended speed using a drill bit, preferably carbide bits. Larger drill bits require even slower speeds.

Drilling through stainless steel can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be done with ease. Here are some tips to help you drill through stainless steel with ease:

Carbide drill bits are typically harder than cobalt drill bits, although both are suitable for drilling stainless steel and other hard metals. However, Carbide drill bits retain their sharpness for a longer period than cobalt drill bits. They can also be utilized at a faster cutting rate and withstand higher temperatures than cobalt drill bits.

Carbide drill bits are the toughest drill bits available and best for drilling hardened steel. Carbide is a  compound made from tungsten and carbon. Carbide drill bits are typically composed of steel that has a carbide tip.

If you are short on time, the best drill bits for hardened steel are carbide-tipped bits. They are the most suitable drill bits for hardened steel due to their robust and heat-resistant properties. However, there are other options such as titanium and cobalt.

Lubricant should be applied to both the drill bit and the drilling surface. To reduce the temperature, repeat this step between drillings.

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To overcome these challenges, it is essential to choose the right drill bit for the job. Here are some of the factors to consider when selecting drill bits for stainless steel: