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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Great in Heavy Radial Efficiency Milling (HREM) applications of Titanium 6Al4V and other titanium alloys, these fully stocked, square profile Variable Helix End Mills decrease chatter and harmonics.

Harvey Tool is committed to designing unique geometries that optimize cutting performance for a variety of materials and applications. We introduce hundreds of new tools to the market every 6 months, offering our customers the solutions they need most.

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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.

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.

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.

Our fully stocked inventory is ready to ship the day of its purchase. We offer second day delivery at ground pricing, and any overnight orders ship until 7 p.m., EST.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Harvey Tool is committed to designing unique geometries that optimize cutting performance for a variety of materials and applications. We introduce hundreds of new tools to the market every 6 months, offering our customers the solutions they need most.

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.

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Great in Heavy Radial Efficiency Milling (HREM) applications of Titanium 6Al4V and other titanium alloys, these fully stocked, square profile Variable Helix End Mills decrease chatter and harmonics.

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

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.

New to Harvey Tool, Machining Advisor Pro (MAP) is a cutting edge resource for generating customized running parameters for Harvey Tool end mills.

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We offer a comprehensive selection of more than 28,000 miniature and specialty cutting tools that are all fully stocked. The breadth and depth of our products help solve the industry’s toughest machining challenges.

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.

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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.

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.

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New to Harvey Tool, Machining Advisor Pro (MAP) is a cutting edge resource for generating customized running parameters for Harvey Tool end mills.

Add products to your Harveytool.com shopping cart and then submit the cart to a participating distributor to place your order

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.

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.

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.

We offer a comprehensive selection of more than 28,000 miniature and specialty cutting tools that are all fully stocked. The breadth and depth of our products help solve the industry’s toughest machining challenges.

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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.

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

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.