Generally, holes may have slight burrs after reaming. To ensure the smoothness and functionality of the hole, deburring is typically necessary. Deburring can be done using hand tools, deburring machines, or chemical methods to ensure the edges of the hole are smooth and burr-free.

Reaming operationon lathe machine

3. Higher requirements for equipment accuracy: Reaming requires higher accuracy of equipment, otherwise the size accuracy and roundness of the hole will not be able to meet the requirements.

Reamingprocess in drilling

The results of the test showed the new Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit emerged as the clear winner, surpassing all competitors in both the number of holes drilled and the time taken to drill each hole. Below is a table of the results.

Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit also outperformed all other metal drill bits in terms of drilling speed. With the same test as before, we also measured the time it took to drill each hole. We worked out the average of the first 10 holes and listed the results in the table below. The Adiseal Ultimate metal bit consistently drilled holes significantly faster than any other bit, demonstrating its exceptional efficiency and time-saving capabilities.

The reaming allowance significantly impacts the quality of the reamed hole. If the allowance is too large, the load on the reamer increases, the cutting edges dull quickly, and it becomes difficult to achieve a smooth surface finish and maintain dimensional tolerances. Conversely, if the allowance is too small, it cannot remove the tool marks left by the previous process, resulting in no improvement in hole quality. Generally, the rough reaming allowance is set between 0.35 to 0.15 mm, while the finish reaming allowance ranges from 0.15 to 0.05 mm.

For wear resistance testing purposes, the drilling was carried out without lubricants, coolants, or cutting oils, although these can help reduce the bit’s temperature and extend its lifespan. The drilling processes were video recorded and timed using video timestamps.

During the reaming operation, avoid stopping the reamer midway or pecking the hole wall with the reamer. Keep pushing the reamer from the top of the hole to the bottom of the hole until the reamer is completely out of the hole.

1. Higher cost: Compared to drilling, reaming requires specialized reamers and more complex machining equipment, making it more expensive.

Please note, these are our test results from internal testing. We have recorded a video of each hole being drilled. These videos are available on request for your test accuracy verification purposes.

Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit drilled 135 holes in total which was 9 times more holes than the best metal cobalt drill bit from Bosch (which only managed 15 holes in total). It also drilled more than 3 times the number of holes than the best DeWalt metal cobalt drill bit (which managed 39 holes in total). Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bits was easily the most durable metal drill bit.

2. Slower processing speed: Reaming's processing speed is generally slower than drilling because the reamer's cutting speed is lower.

During reaming, appropriate cutting fluids must be used for cooling, lubrication, and cleaning to prevent built-up edge formation and promptly remove chips. Compared to honing and boring, reaming offers higher productivity and can easily ensure hole precision. However, reaming cannot correct positional errors of the hole axis; positional accuracy must be ensured by the previous process. Reaming is not suitable for machining stepped holes and blind holes.

Drilling: The initial process of creating a hole in a workpiece using a drill bit. Drilling is typically faster but less precise than reaming and boring, often leaving rough surfaces and less accurate diameters.

The diameter of the reamer is usually 0.1 to 0.5 mm larger than the pre-drilled hole, depending on the required precision and hole size. Choose the appropriate reamer diameter based on the tolerance requirements of the hole to ensure the machined hole meets the dimensional specifications.

As can be seen in the calculation above, it is over 7 times more expensive to drill each hole with the best metal cobalt drill bit from Bosch compared to Adiseal Ultimate metal cobalt drill bit. Based on cost per hole, Adiseal is more value for money. We have not even included the extra savings that can be made on the energy required to drill each hole.

Product：Precision Machining Components. Material：Steel, Brass, Aluminum,etc.. Surface：Plating, Anodizing, etc.. Tolerance:±0.01mm. Craftsmanship: Turning, Milling. Services: OEM or ODM available.

Carbide Reamers: Made from carbide materials, these reamers are used for high-speed applications and for reaming harder materials like stainless steel and titanium. They offer superior wear resistance and longer tool life.

Machine Reamers: Designed for use with machine tools, these reamers offer higher precision and are suitable for high-volume production.

To find out what the best metal drill bit is, we carried out a series of tests with drill bits from several different brands such as Milwaukee Cobalt Red, DeWalt Extreme, Bosch Cobalt, and Makita along with the new Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit. Using a Scheppach DP60 drill press, the test was to drill as many 10mm holes as possible in 6mm thick stainless steel (SUS304). To conduct a fair and accurate test, the we set the drill press to maintain a consistent speed of 400 rpm. We also attached a 5kg weight to the drill press arm during each hole’s drilling, maintaining uniform force and RPM for fairness.

Understanding the distinctions between reaming, drilling, and boring is essential for selecting the right process for specific applications

Reaming operationPDF

Reaming typically achieves a dimensional accuracy of IT9 to IT7 grades and a surface roughness Ra of 3.2 to 0.8 μm. For medium-sized holes requiring high precision (such as IT7 grade holes), the drill-expand-ream process is a commonly used typical machining method in production.

The selection of reamer material should be based on the material being machined and the processing requirements. Common reamer materials include High-Speed Steel (HSS) and carbide. HSS reamers are suitable for general purposes and soft materials, while carbide reamers are ideal for high-hardness materials and high-precision machining.

Tappingoperation

After reaming, the hole is inspected for dimensional accuracy and surface quality. Tolerances for reamed holes can be as tight as ±0.005 mm, depending on the application.

Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bits and masonry drill bits were found to be the best drill bits in our tests. They were found to be the most durable in our tests, drilling more holes than the competitor drill bits. They also drilled faster than any other drill bit in the drilling speed tests.

Reaming: The final finishing process that ensures the hole has precise dimensions and a smooth surface. Reaming is used after drilling and/or boring to achieve the highest level of accuracy and surface quality.

A more durable drill bit with longer life can be more value for money as they can drill more holes, overall costing less per hole. Cheaper drill bits may end up costing more money over time if they wear out quickly and drill fewer holes than longer lasting bits. Calculate the cost per hole by dividing the drill bit’s price by the total number of holes drilled. Cheaper bits might actually have a higher cost per hole than more durable ones. In our test, Bosch PointTeQ’s non-cobalt bit failed to drill any holes, while the Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit successfully drilled 135 holes in total.

Choosing the appropriate reamer is crucial. Factors to consider include the material of the workpiece, the hole size, and the desired surface finish. For example, high-speed steel (HSS) reamers are common for general purposes, while carbide reamers are used for harder materials.

Shell Reamers: Used for larger holes, these reamers have replaceable cutting edges, reducing tool replacement costs. They are typically used with arbors and are suitable for operations requiring larger diameters and higher cutting forces.

Reaming is an indispensable process in the metalworking industry, offering precision, consistency, and excellent surface finishes. By understanding the reaming process, selecting the right tools, and adhering to best practices, manufacturers can achieve high-quality results and meet the demanding requirements of modern engineering applications.

Hand Reamers: Used for manual operations, hand reamers have a long, tapered lead for easy entry into the hole. They are typically adjustable and used for small-scale projects or repairs.

Reaming is an important machining process to enlarge and finish previously drilled holes. It can achieve precise hole diameters, improve surface finish, and ensure concentricity. It is precious in applications requiring tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes, such as automotive and aerospace. If you are interested in reaming, let's continue reading.

To ensure the accuracy of reaming, the workpiece must first be firmly fixed on the fixture to keep it stationary to avoid sliding or shaking during processing.

Suhail Matadar has extensive experience in the construction industry as an electrician, involved in installing, inspecting, and testing electrical systems in various projects. He excelled in sales, working for a major UK wholesaler, selling construction products to professionals and the DIY market. Suhail's background includes working at a leading home emergency repair company dealing with trades people. With a BEng (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering, Suhail has worked with PLCs in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry. During his studies, he gained practical experience at a chemical manufacturing company known for producing award-winning cleaning, hygiene, and livestock protection products for over a century. Currently, Suhail runs a global business specialising in supplying, researching, testing, and distributing chemical construction products like adhesives and sealants.

Several non-cobalt metal drill bits like the Milwaukee Thunderweb, were also tested but excluded from the chart for fairness purposes. The non-cobalt Bosch PointTeq metal drill bit did not manage to drill any holes in the 6mm thick stainless steel SUS304 in our tests.

The Adiseal Ultimate range also includes the fastest no-hammer masonry drill bit and multi-material drill bit. It was found to be the best masonry drill bit in our tests. It had the fastest drilling speed when drilling without hammer function on the drill. Drilling without hammer function provides numerous advantages over hammer drilling including:

4. Limited processing materials: Not all materials are suitable for reaming. For example, very hard or very brittle materials may not be suitable for reaming.

Boringoperation

To compare costs, let’s consider drilling 10 holes in 6mm stainless steel with the Adiseal Ultimate and the best Bosch cobalt drill bits.

Adjustable Reamers: These reamers have an adjustable cutting diameter, making them versatile for different hole sizes. They are ideal for low-volume production or custom work, requiring different hole sizes without needing multiple reamers.

The reamer is fed into the hole at a controlled speed and feed rate. Typically, reaming speeds range from 15 to 60 meters per minute (m/min), and feed rates can be between 0.05 to 0.20 mm per revolution (mm/rev). Lubrication is often used to reduce friction and heat generation, with common coolants being soluble oils or cutting oils.

Adiseal Ultimate at an average of 31.7 seconds per hole, was over 4 times faster than the best cobalt metal drill bit from Bosch which took on average 132.4 seconds per hole.

Reaming operationexample

Cobalt drill bits excel in drilling hard materials, offering durability and wear resistance. On the other hand, HSS drill bits are versatile and cost-effective, making them suitable for a broader range of drilling tasks.

Reaming involves the use of a multi-cutting edge tool called a reamer. The reamer is rotated and fed into the hole, removing a small amount of material from the interior surface. This action results in a hole with precise dimensions and a fine finish.

Boring: A machining process that enlarges and refines an existing hole using a single-point cutting tool. Boring improves the accuracy of the hole diameter and can correct alignment issues but may not achieve the fine surface finish that reaming provides.

To find out what are the best drill bits, we carried out several tests including drill bit durability tests and drilling speed tests. There are many different types of drill bits available. We tested the new Adiseal Ultimate drill bits against the best metal drill bits and best masonry drill bits from top brands including products from DeWalt, Bosch, Makita and Milwaukee.

ReamingTool

4. Extended Tool Life: Reamers offer longer tool life and lower maintenance costs, especially those with replaceable cutting edges.

In the UK to buy the best metal drill bits or to buy the best masonry drill bits, please contact us for details of your local stockist. For other countries, please visit www.guglue.com

2. Smooth Surface Finish: The multi-edge design of reamers results in a superior surface finish, reducing the need for additional finishing processes.

To avoid built-up edge formation, reaming typically employs lower cutting speeds (for high-speed steel reamers processing steel and cast iron, the speed should be less than 8 m/min). The feed rate depends on the diameter of the hole being processed; larger diameters require higher feed rates. The feed rate commonly ranges from 0.3 to 1 mm/r for high-speed steel reamers processing steel and cast iron.

Taper Reamers: Used for creating tapered holes, commonly found in applications requiring a precise fit for tapered pins or plugs.

Adiseal Ultimate carbide masonry drill bit can drill into brick, concrete, wood, cinder block, plaster and many other building materials. Adiseal Ultimate carbide drill bit has been demonstrated to be the best heavy duty masonry drill bit with a hex shank.

Adiseal Ultimate drill bits surpass Makita drill bits in various tests. The Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit drilled 135 holes in stainless steel, while the Makita metal drill bit managed only 12 holes. Moreover, the Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit exhibited more than double the speed of the Makita drill bit when drilling into 6mm thick stainless steel (SUS304).

Reaming operationsteps

The reamer is mounted on the machine, ensuring proper alignment and stability. The setup often involves checking the runout, which should be within 0.02 mm to avoid inaccuracies.

Carbide drill bits are known for their outstanding strength and durability, ideal for heavy-duty drilling. Crafted from a blend of tungsten and carbon, they offer remarkable hardness and wear resistance, making them perfect for drilling into tough materials such as metal, concrete, and stone.

Bosch cobalt metal drill bit price: £8.31Cost per hole (£8.31 / 15 holes): £0.554Cost to drill 10 holes Bosch metal cobalt: £5.54

Drilling into abrasive materials like concrete can wear out drill bits, especially if they are not durable. It can also take some time and energy to drill into.

For thick steel drilling, the best option is a cobalt drill bit. Made from a durable alloy of cobalt, tungsten, and chromium, cobalt drill bits excel in hard material drilling such as steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. Their high heat tolerance is essential for thick steel drilling, as the process generates considerable friction and heat.

The toughest drill bits are crafted from carbide, a highly durable and wear-resistant material. Typically employed for drilling into tough materials like metal, concrete, and stone, carbide drill bits also excel in precision drilling due to their ability to maintain a sharp edge over prolonged use.

Other advantages of the Adiseal Ultimate metal drill bit include bigger chip removal and cleaner cut holes compared to the competitor bits.

Adiseal Ultimate 10mm metal drill bit price: £10.14Cost per hole (£10.14 / 135 holes): £0.076666Cost to drill 10 holes with Adiseal Ultimate metal cobalt: £0.77

The hardest masonry drill bits are typically crafted from tungsten carbide, renowned for its extreme hardness and durability. Tungsten carbide surpasses the materials it drills into, like concrete, brick, and stone, making it ideal for prolonged use without premature wear or breakage.

Reaming is a machining process used to enlarge and finish holes that have already been drilled or bored. The primary purpose of reaming is to improve the accuracy of the hole diameter and enhance the surface finish. This process is particularly important when tight tolerances and smooth surfaces are required.

Before reaming, a hole is first created using a drill bit or boring tool. The initial hole is typically slightly smaller than the final desired diameter. For instance, if the final hole diameter needs to be 10.00 mm, the pre-drilled hole might be 9.80 mm.

Yes, coolant is typically needed during reaming. Coolant helps reduce friction and heat buildup, extend the reamer's lifespan, and improve the surface finish and dimensional accuracy of the hole.