Seco’s CX1 and CX2 polycrystalline diamond (PCD) drills for composite holemaking help eliminate issues with uncut fibers or delamination in composite machining, claims the company.
The diamond tip technology has allowed the company to develop what it says is the first PCD three-flute geometry for composite drilling. The solid PCD tips can be sharper than PCD-coated drills, as the coating, when applied, wraps around the cutting edge and creates a dulling effect, according to Seco. The company says these new drills offer high cutting speeds, long tool life, low friction, superior thermal conductivity, multiple re-sharpening capacity and process reliability.
Seco developed the CX2’s flat geometry drill point for the machining of stacked composite materials that incorporate layers of aluminum, titanium or stainless steel. With a PCD cap and drill point angle of 180°, the CX2 provides efficient chip breaking and evacuation. This reduces the chance of metal chips damaging the hole when transitioning between layers of metal and composites and, as a result, keeps the surface finish of the composite intact.
