Powerful Drills for Tough Metals: What You Need to Know?

Drilling a hole in the metal is no easy feat. It can render the metal useless if proper tools aren’t used. It requires precision, power, and adequate tools to achieve perfection. While drilling softer metals is still easier, tough metals pose certain challenges. These challenges must be overcome in industrial settings where there is no room for errors.

Whether you’re working on metal drilling in Albuquerque on a personal project or in heavy industrial applications, choosing the right powerful drill is essential.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of choosing the right powerful drill for multiple applications and which drill types are best for which applications.

Types of Drills for Metal Cutting

Different drill operations require distinct drill types. Using the wrong one can result in broken bits, inefficient drilling, or damaged workpieces. Thus, knowledge of different drill types is crucial for metal drilling in Albuquerque.

Read on for details:

Drill Press

A drill press is the most popular choice for precision in production work. These are available in floor or bench models that suit your needs. A drill press provides consistent drilling depth and accuracy with a stable base, making it ideal for workshops and manufacturing. It allows you to control speed and pressure, which is crucial when working with tough metals. It is ideal for stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and mild steel.

Cordless and Corded Drills

If you are a DIYer, looking for a lightweight option for metal drilling in Albuquerque, you should opt for the cordless and corded drills. These are portable and ideal for smaller operations. Since they are portable, they are used for drilling softer metals, such as aluminum, copper, and thin steel sheets, as they are easier to drill.

While they work well with metal drill bits, they may struggle with extremely hard metals.

Magnetic Drills

Magnetic drills are not for smaller operations or repair shops. It is useful for heavy-duty operations such as shipbuilding, metalworking, and structural steel industries. What makes magnetic drill stand apart from other machines is how it works. It attaches to the metal surface and thus offers a precise drill without deviating from the designated mark. This drill type is widely popular in industrial operations where errors are unacceptable.

CNC Drilling Machines

CNC or Computer Numeric Control machines use a computer program to designate the drill points based on the project requirements. The machine follows the instructions and thus drills thousands of consistent drills without a miss. They are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and precision metal manufacturing.

If you are part of an industry where consistency and speed are crucial, you should rely on CNC drilling machines.

Choosing The Correct Metal Drill Bits

Before choosing the drill bit type, one must consider certain factors, such as thickness, material, hole size, shape, etc. Once you understand the project needs, the choices can be narrowed down to a few drill types.

However, if you need a simple guide for DIY operations, you can rely on the following metal and drill bit type duos:

  • High-Speed Steel Drill Bits for Aluminum and Copper
  • Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel
  • Titanium Coated Bits for Iron and Carbon Steel
  • Carbide Drill Bits for Hardened Steel and Titanium

Industries That Require the Most Powerful Drill Bits

As we are discussing the powerful drill bits, you should learn which industries require the most powerful ones. Especially if you are a beginner in the metalworking industry, do check this out:

Metal Fabrication & Manufacturing

Large-scale metal shops and fabrication businesses rely on powerful drills for metal cutting, hole drilling, and precision work.

Aerospace & Automotive Industry

These industries use CNC, magnetic, and titanium-coated drill bits to handle lightweight but tough metals like aluminum, titanium, and hardened steel.

Construction & Structural Engineering

A drill press and magnetic drills are commonly used to drill holes in steel beams, heavy plates, and industrial-grade structures.

Shipbuilding & Heavy Equipment Manufacturing

Because of the thickness of materials used in these industries, powerful drills with carbide drill bits are necessary for drilling through hardened steel and reinforced alloys.

Final Words

Metalworking is an art, and drilling is one of the processes that one must excel at, especially if they are a part of the metalworking industry. Whether you need a drill press, a small drill for detailed work, or powerful drill tools for industrial applications, selecting the right equipment is crucial for success. Also, the choice depends on many factors but that is a discussion for another time.

Let’s talk about why you should choose New Mexico Metals LLC for metal drilling in Albuquerque.

We have been operating in the city for many years and possess state-of-the-art equipment and machines. Our machines and trained staff allow us to deliver guaranteed service. In addition, we offer wholesale and retail line items for various needs.

Our metal drilling services are exceptional, thanks to the ¾ HP 17” Dayton drill press that we own.

For more details, contact us today!