Go-To Process For Micro Drills
Small hole drilling can be easy!
Here are the steps I like to use for the most successful micro-hole drilling process. It can feel a bit tedious at times to ensure each tool is cutting correctly. These results have been proven many times. This has been a real “art" in the past even for experienced machinists. Perfect Zero alignment makes the process much easier. It also scales your employees abilities and allows for less experienced operators to make this technical process work.
Swiss and CNC Alignment
Perfect Zero is a camera and software system that simplifies tool alignment and gives us abilities that we have never had before. Tool position exactly where the tool is mounted is key. We have cameras to fit even the smallest 4mm swiss machines.
Positionally Align Tools
Tooling must be within 1% for successful hole drilling. As the tool gets smaller it becomes even more important. Perfect Zero gives you the ability to look at the tool mounted in your machine exactly where it will cut on your part.
Facing Amount
The amount you face is very critical to making this work. It will also ensure that the setup stays capable into production.
Face Off Quality
Run the face-off in your program. Cut off at least a 1/4” of material and check with magnification. This must be smooth with as little surface interruption as possible.
First ID Tool
There are many successful ways to start the ID work. I prefer a pilot drill that is 1.5xD. These cost a bit more than most tools yet are well worth it. More economical is a ball end mill with a very small peck cycle. I generally find in most materials .001 works well. Too must will certainly chip the tool out. Different depths of the spot can be applied. .005-.015” works the best.
First ID Tool
The pilot drill or spot must be exactly on the center to work properly. Check and re-check. If using a pilot, run only the first .005 depth of cut to check for free machining indicators such as chatter and material getting pushed around versus sheared. And burs at this stage is a sign that you have problems. Most likely misalignment which in turn means the tool is not shearing the material.
Start To Drill
Only run each tool .005” deeper than the last tool. Then cut off the part and check under magnification. This is the easiest way to be sure there are no issues. If there is any chatter, tool wobble, or anything that does not look right. Start the process over.
Longer Tool Life
Ran this process many times and most recently have over 1000 parts in 303 stainless and still going strong. As the tools start to wear the hole feature will start to drift. Change the tools and reset by going through the face-off and check the spot over again. Also, look closely at the tooling to see wear trends. Keep in mind tools chipping out may happen after the first time it machines the part. If so, there is too much pressure. Back off pecks and or feed rates. Typically I like to use .0003” IPR or less for the feed and 25% of the diameter for the peck.