Indexable Drill Bodies

Indexable Bodies Explored

Definition: Indexable drill bodies are special types of drill tools designed to hold replaceable cutting tips - called inserts. These inserts are usually made from strong materials like carbide and can be swapped out when they become dull or worn, instead of replacing the whole drill. As a result, the drill body itself holds the shape and structure while the inserts do the cutting. This then makes it more cost-effective and efficient, especially for drilling through hard materials like metal for example. Indexable drill bodies are also often used in industrial and manufacturing settings where precision and durability are important die to the above.

How Do You Know The Correct Indexable Body For Your Application?

If you are looking for Indexable Drill Bit Bodies, then explore our extensive range of indexable bodies, which have been engineered for maximum efficiency in your machining processes.

As a result, our selection includes more premium-quality holders designed to house indexable inserts, giving you the precision and strength you need across various applications.

So, whether you are working in milling, turning, or threading operations, these indexable tool bodies will provide you with strong support for interchangeable inserts, which in turn will enable fast and cost-effective tool changes while keeping your accuracy as high as possible in the process.

But how do you pick the right one for your application?
That is why we have put this handy guide to Indexable Bodies together to help you know which one to pick, and if you are still unsure, our friendly customer service team is here to help you.

What Are Indexable Drill Bodies?

Indexable drill bodies are specialised cutting tools designed for easy replacement - or interchangeability - of cutting inserts or parts of the drill bit easily.

As a result, these indexable drill bodies are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, mining, construction, and precision manufacturing.

Design

Their design, for instance, allows for efficient, cost-effective drilling operations, as only the worn-out cutting edge - or inserts - need to be replaced, rather than the entire drill bit when you use them.

Modular Approach

Consequently, this modular approach reduces your downtime while improving your performance and contributing to a longer tool life - especially when compared to solid drill bits.

Only Replace Specific Components

Unlike traditional drill bits, where the entire tool may need to be replaced when worn out, indexable drill bodies offer you a more sustainable option by giving you the ability to replace specific components, such as the cutting inserts, or the Head drill bodies for example.

Ideal for Environments That Require Prolonged Drilling

This makes these bodies ideal for environments that require prolonged drilling operations and face high cutting forces, for instance.

Larger-diameter Drilling

With indexable bodies, you can also enjoy larger-diameter drilling capabilities all while maintaining consistent performance while doing so.

Materials Indexable Bodies Are Suitable For

So, whether you are drilling stainless steel, cast iron, or non-ferrous materials, the indexable drill body is an adaptable tool for different materials and applications.

In fact, they are suitable for use on many materials, such as:

• Carbon Steel
• Alloy Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Tool Steel
• Cast Iron
• Ductile Iron
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Bronze
• Titanium
• Nickel Alloys
• Cobalt Chrome Alloys
• Inconel
• Hastelloy
• Plastics (e.g., Nylon, ABS, Polycarbonate)
• Fiberglass
• Graphite
• Composites
• Zinc

What Is The Role of Drill Bodies in the Drilling Process?

Drill bodies play a key part in the drilling process by acting as the structural framework for holding your cutting tools - such as carbide drill bits and indexable drill inserts for instance.

So, whether in oil extraction, mining, or construction projects, the indexable drill body must withstand extreme pressure, heat, and friction while maintaining its integrity, which is one of the strengths that it is known for.

Shank Length and Connection Diameter

You need to make sure that the shank length and connection diameter on the machine side align and ensure that you get the stability of the tool during high-speed drilling operations that you desire - such as with U drills and deep hole applications for instance.

Drill Structure

The main structure of the drill body has also been engineered to handle substantial forces, wear, and torque during drilling as well.

Here, the cutting diameter plays a key role in the precision you get, while the coolant capabilities, thread size, and chip evacuation design of the body then ensure that you get better chip control and extended life out. Dr of your cutting tool as well.

As a result, Drill bodies are designed for varying body lengths and diameter ranges which is to suit different applications - including larger diameter and deep hole drilling tasks as well.

Functionality and Design

The functionality of indexable drill bodies also revolves around their ability to hold multiple types of cutting inserts securely as well, such as with indexable U-drill inserts or solid carbide inserts.

This design then not only ensures that the cutting edge remains sharp and effective but also enhances the coolant flow and chip control during drilling as well.

Here, the addition of more advanced coolant holders can also improve your drilling depth capabilities as well - especially in high-performance applications that involve materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous materials for example.

Additionally, features like insert size and drilling depth will also further improve the ability of the indexable drilling system by supporting various drilling applications as well - which is true from general-purpose drilling to spot drills for instance.

Types of Indexable Drill Bodies

When it comes to the types of Indexable Bodies available, there are several types designed for specific applications and materials that you can choose from, making them suitable for a wide range of drilling operations.

For instance, these can include:

Fixed Cutter Drill Bodies

Fixed cutter drill bodies use non-replaceable cutting edges and are often employed in softer formations where precision and stability are more key.

These cutting tools then give you durability but may require more frequent tool changes and replacements compared to other more adaptable indexable systems, for instance.

Roller Cone Drill Bodies

Roller cone drill bodies then feature rotating cones that crush and grind through tough materials, making them ideal for large-diameter drilling in harsh environments such as oil and mining operations.

Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) Drill Bodies

PDC drill bodies then feature cutting edges made from a Polycrystalline Diamond material - which is well known for its hardness and wear resistance.

These are also highly effective in deep-hole drilling applications, such as in oil and gas extraction, where high speeds and extreme durability are required.

Their solid carbide construction also enhances their performance, and their longer tool life makes them a lot more cost-effective over time as well.

Indexable Drill Bodies Features

As you can see, Indexable drill bodies are characterised by their ability to swap out cutting inserts, allowing for easy tool changes.

To accomplish this, they bring several key features that make them suitable for a wide range of applications, such as for instance:

Change Cutting Elements

The primary advantage of an indexable drill body is the ability to change cutting elements, which enhances their maintenance efficiency while also reducing your downtime as well.

This modularity is also especially beneficial in high-speed drilling operations where quick adjustments are necessary to maintain performance for instance.

Wide Diameter Range of Inserts

Indexable drill bodies can also easily accommodate a wide-diameter range of inserts - from smaller sizes for precision work to larger-diameter drilling for heavy-duty applications.

This, in turn, makes them very adaptable to handle different materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and various non-ferrous materials.

With an indexable insert drill, for instance, you can easily switch between inserts for different cutting diameters and tasks, so whether you are performing general-purpose drilling or specialised applications, these can be ideal for you as a result.

Durable

Constructed from high-strength steel alloys and featuring carbide drill inserts, indexable drill bodies are built to withstand harsh environments - even those encountered in mining and oil extraction.

This ability to handle high cutting forces and resist wear really does show their longevity, making them a preferred choice for companies looking to extend their tool holder life and reduce overall tool costs.

Materials Used in Indexable Drill Bodies Construction

The materials used in constructing indexable drill bodies are also key to consider in order to get the ideal performance in your various drilling applications.

For instance, these can commonly consist of:

Tungsten Carbide

Widely used for inserts in indexable drill bodies, tungsten carbide offers you excellent hardness and heat resistance - making it ideal for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel and cast iron, for example.

Carbide drills are also known for their durability and ability to operate at high speeds without losing their cutting-edge sharpness as well.

Polycrystalline Diamond Materials

PDC inserts, made from synthetic diamond material, are used in high-performance drilling for deep holes especially.

These inserts really do offer you unmatched wear resistance and are capable of cutting through the hardest and most abrasive materials.

Steel Alloys

The main body of most indexable drills is typically made from high-strength steel alloys, which really give you good structural support as they resist deformation under heavy drilling forces and pressures.

The steel also ensures that the tool holder maintains precision and stability throughout its use as well.

Applications of Indexable Drill Bodies in Various Industries

Indexable drill bodies find applications in a lot of industries, including, for instance:

Oil and Gas Industry

These tools are essential in oil extraction, where deep and prolonged drilling operations are required.

Indexable U-drills and solid carbide inserts then ensure reliable performance even under extreme conditions here.

Mining Industry

The mining sector also relies on the durability and adaptability of indexable drill bodies for extracting valuable resources from tough materials like hard rock.

Construction and Civil Engineering

In construction, where a variety of materials, including concrete, soil, and rock, are encountered, indexable drill bodies provide you with the flexibility and precision needed for efficient and reliable drilling operations as a result.

Boring

Used in enlarging or finishing holes in materials like steel or aluminium, indexable bodies allow you the precise cutting you need for accurate hole dimensions in boring applications.

Facing

Indexable bodies are also utilised in facing operations to remove material from the surface of a workpiece - producing a smooth and flat finish as a result.

Threading

Indexable threading tools also allow for cutting external and internal threads with high precision, as they offer you flexibility with interchangeable inserts for different thread profiles.

Grooving

Indexable tools can also be used for grooving operations, such as cutting slots or grooves in materials such as steel or titanium.

Parting (Cut-off)

In parting-off processes, indexable tools are employed to cut through material, separating it into two parts with clean, accurate cuts.

Milling

Indexable milling tools, such as end mills and face mills, are used for roughing and finishing operations, providing efficiency and precision in cutting and shaping metal components.

Turning

Indexable turning tools are used in lathe operations to remove material from the exterior or interior of cylindrical parts, offering flexibility in roughing and finishing.

Chamfering

Chamfering involves creating bevelled edges on a workpiece.

As a result, Indexable tools allow quick and easy insert changes for different chamfer angles.

Counterboring

Counterboring creates a larger diameter at the opening of a hole, and indexable tools provide high precision and flexibility for handling various materials.

Reaming

Reaming operations use indexable reamers to enlarge or smooth out pre-drilled holes to precise tolerances, providing better surface finishes and dimension accuracy.

Slotting

Indexable slotting tools are perfect for machining keyways, grooves, or T-slots in various materials, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

Profiling

Complex shapes or contours on workpieces can be machined with indexable profiling tools, used in industries like aerospace and automotive.

Broaching

Although typically done with solid tools, broaching can sometimes utilise indexable inserts for certain operations, especially where variable insert changes offer economic advantages.

Tapping

Used for threading holes, indexable tapping tools can be applied to materials like aluminium or steel for clean, high-quality threads.

Deep Hole Drilling

Indexable tools are used in deep hole drilling applications in materials like steel and cast iron, where traditional tools may wear out more quickly.

Deburring

Indexable deburring tools remove sharp edges or burrs after machining, ensuring smooth finishes and safe handling of the parts.

Finishing Passes

After a rough machining operation, indexable bodies can be used for final passes to achieve a smooth surface finish with high dimensional accuracy.

Hard Turning

For applications involving hardened materials, indexable turning inserts are designed to cut through extremely hard materials like hardened steel and ceramics.

Forming

Indexable forming tools are used to create specific shapes or profiles in the material, making them suitable for high-precision applications such as gear cutting.

Trepanning

Indexable trepanning tools are used for making large-diameter holes or circular cuts in thick materials like metal plates, often in aerospace or construction industries.

Contact us

If you are still not sure which Indexable body is right for you or need help, then please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Delivery

We’ve extended our ordering hours to offer you 'next working day' delivery, making your shipping experience easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery option that suits you best to ensure the timely, hassle-free arrival of your products.

Standard next day delivery is available for all products ordered within the specified time, with FREE delivery for certain items.

About MSC Direct

At MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom.

We offer a vast selection of products, including cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.

Consequently, our outstanding customer service and expert technical team, fast delivery times, and technical support make us a trusted partner for all your business needs as a result.