Approximately 25% of all the drilled holes required when manufacturing an aircraft are drilled manually by an operator. When selecting the right tool for the job there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Let’s take a closer look at how power, speed, attachments, and a few other important factors, need to influence your choice of manual drill.
In the market for a manual drill that will meet and exceed the requirements for drilling applications in the aerospace industry? With the number of models and concepts available not to mention the number of variables to consider, this can be a challenge. But a challenge worth investing time on because holes and the manual drills creating them plays an important role in upholding the safety of an aircraft and the profitability when manufacturing it.
By following a few simple guidelines and considerations that help support a well-informed decision, that perfect drill for that specific need is out there, so here we go!
First, consider the material in which you will be drilling and the diameter of the hole you need to create. This will determine the power and free speed that the drill needs to deliver a perfect result. The calculation of the free speed is based on the cutting speed of the material, which varies depending on the type of material being drilled. For example, if you need to drill a hole up to 3mm in aluminum, you will need a drill with a free speed of 6,000rpm delivering a power below 300W.
Using the wrong drill speed results generally in poor hole quality. This can be exemplified in the case of using a drill with a speed that is too high, something that can present a series of problems. When the drill bit cuts the material, friction generates heat. Using a speed that is too high generates excess heat that can harden the material which can change the characteristics of the material. This leads to longer process times but also, since the drill needs to drill in a harder material, that the lifetime of the drill motor is reduced.
Once the power and free speed needed is determined, the variables needed to decide upon can be narrowed down to attachment type and ergonomics.
- Choose a chuck size that can accommodate the size of the drill bit needed
- Pneumatic or cordless electric powered drill, a decision based on power, mobility, portability, and accessibility needs
- It is important to choose the right material of the drill bit for the specific task in hand and material type that the drill will be used to drill in
- From its weight to its handle and sound levels, drilling is simply made easier for the operator when ergonomics is a prioritized selection criterion of the drill, it also reduces the risk of operator fatigue leading to human errors
Aerospace Drilling Pocket Guide
To get the whole story behind the art of drilling holes in the aerospace manufacturing industry check this pocket guide
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