Modular drills offer 100-plus per cent increase in productivity
1 min read
KSEM PLUSTM modular drills combine the high feed rates and length/diameter capabilities for which KSEM modular drills are known with the high speed and low consumable costs of indexable drills.
Customer productivity increases exceeding 100 per cent are claimed.
KSEM PLUS tools consist of a steel body coupled to a high-strength steel head. Mating the body and head is the proprietary Flexible Drilling System (FDS) coupling system, which uses radially activated locking screws to guarantee high repeatability and minimal runout. Assembly and tool change are fast and easy, and the FDS allows one head to fit several body length/diameter ratios.
The drill body features a central coolant hole that maintains rigidity while allowing maximum coolant flow through the tool. The head features four coolant holes for optimized tool life and chip flow. Produced from high-strength steel, the head uses a combination of KSEMP inserts in the centre and DFT D inserts on the periphery to balance cutting forces and reduce chip load per edge. The centre insert provides high feed rates and centring capability, while two DFT D inserts on the periphery each have three cutting edges and feature a pressed-in chipbreaker geometry. The result is excellent centring and chip control, higher speeds than modular drills, and feed rate capability equal to modular tools.
A margin and relieved clearance eliminate trapping of chips between the drill body and hole wall to increase tool body life and improve hole surface finish, while differential helix flutes smooth chip evacuation and maintain rigidity. A single tool body can handle a range of drill head sizes, and the tools are suited for holemaking in steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and nonferrous alloy workpieces.
At the spindle, standard WD or SSF shanks provide maximum toolholding security, stiffness, and accuracy with flanged face contact. The flexible shank configuration allows use on machining centers and in lathes with an inexpensive coupling system.
KSEM PLUSTM Modular Drills are available in standard lengths of 5, 8, and 10× diameter in metric and inch sizes from 1.250 in./31.75 mm to 2.756 in./70.00 mm. Custom tools with HSK, KM, FCM, or ISO tapers; length to 17× diameter; and intermediate diameters are also available.
