Indexable Drill Bits

Indexable Drill Bits Range Explored

Definition: Indexable drill bits are special types of drill bits that use replaceable cutting tips, called inserts, instead of being a single solid piece. The main body of the drill bit holds these inserts, which are made from very hard materials like carbide. When the inserts then get dull or worn, they can be easily replaced with new ones, so there’s no need to change the entire drill bit. This then makes them more cost-effective and practical, especially for drilling into tough materials like metal. Consequently, Indexable drill bits are often used in industrial and manufacturing work where precision and durability are important.

What Makes Indexable Drill Bits Unique?

Indexable drills are a key cutting tool in the manufacturing and machining industries, as they are well known for their efficiency, suitability across various industries, and, most of all, precision.

Unlike traditional solid drills, indexable drills are equipped with interchangeable inserts that can be replaced when worn without discarding the entire drill - which can be better for the environment and cost-effective to you at the same time.

As a result, Indexable insert drills offer you an efficient and precise solution to drill holes in a wide range of materials.

This unique design then makes them very cost-effective and adaptable for a wide range of materials and applications, as a result.

For instance, their ability to perform multiple types of cutting operations, including drilling, reaming, spot drills, and spot-facing, really does set them up as essential drilling tools in high-production environments on the whole.

High Precision

High-quality Indexable drill bits, like centre drills, play a key role in the machining process by enhancing your precision and efficiency.

Centre drills, for instance, are typically used to create a small, accurate hole at the centre of a material, which serves as a guide for further drilling.

This then helps prevent misalignment and ensures the drill bit maintains its stability and accuracy during use.

Similarly, indexable drill bits offer you the advantage of interchangeable inserts, which allow for greater flexibility in materials while reducing the need for frequent tool changes, ultimately improving your productivity and precision in various drilling tasks as a result.

This is due to their design, which reduces the need for frequent tool changes while minimising downtime in production lines as well.

This, in turn, can not only boost productivity but also extend the lifespan of the cuttng tool, making it a favourite choice in sectors like automotive, aerospace, machine workshops, and heavy equipment manufacturing to name a few.

History of Indexable Drills

So how did indexable drills come about?
Indexable drills can be traced back to innovations in cutting tool technology from as far back as the 20th Century.

This is because early machining relied on solid, one-piece drills that required frequent resharpening and replacement.

Then, as manufacturing demands grew - particularly in industries like automotive and aerospace - the need for more efficient, durable, and adaptable tools became clear.

This is where Indexable drills started to emerge as a solution by offering a drill bit design where only the cutting edge — the insert — needed to be replaced.

How Do Indexable Drills Work?

Indexable Drills work using a system of replaceable inserts that are attached to an Indexable Drill Body.

These inserts are then made of hard, durable materials like Tungsten carbide or ceramic and are designed to withstand the high forces encountered during drilling.

The inserts can also be rotated - or indexed - to expose a fresh cutting edge when needed; hence the name "indexable."

During Cutting Operations

During operation, the cutting edge of the insert performs the actual drilling while the body of the drill supports and guides it through the material.

The cutting action then generates heat, which is dissipated through the inserts and the tool body.

In some designs, coolant capabilities and channels are also incorporated to help reduce temperature buildup and prevent premature tool wear as well.

Replacing Inserts

The ability to replace inserts without removing the drill from the machine - or disassembling the tool assembly - then greatly improves your overall productivity as a result.

This modularity then allows manufacturers to tailor your inserts to specific materials - or tasks - which in turn make indexable drills highly adaptable.

Benefits of Using Indexable Drills

One of the primary advantages of indexable drills is cost savings.

For instance, traditional drills require complete replacement - or resharpening when worn - whereas indexable drills only need new inserts.

Reduce Your Tooling Costs

This can then significantly reduce your tooling costs over time, particularly in high-volume production environments.

Additionally, the modular nature of these drills means they can also be adapted to different materials - or operations - by simply changing the insert and increasing their use cases.

Reduces Downtime

Another key benefit is the reduction in downtime.

This is because changing inserts can be done quickly, often without removing the drill from the machine at all.

This, in turn, minimises your production interruptions and improves your overall efficiency at the same time.

Provide Excellent Cutting Performance

Furthermore, indexable drills are designed to provide you with excellent cutting performance - leading to better hole quality, improved accuracy, drilling depth, hole diameter, and reduced scrap rates as well.

Different Types of Indexable Drills

There are also a number of different types of Indexable Drill Bits you can buy; for instance, you have:

Solid Carbide Indexable Drills

Solid Carbide Drills versions are known for their exceptional hardness and wear resistance, as these drill bits are ideal for more high-speed operations and for use on hard materials.

Modular Indexable Drills

These consist more of a steel body with a detachable drill head that then holds the inserts in place.

This design then allows for the easy replacement of the head, reducing your downtime and tool costs as a result.

Insert-based Indexable Drills

The most common type of Indexable Drill Bits, these drills use multiple inserts that are clamped via drill holders onto the drill body.

They then have different insert geometries that can be used depending on the material being machined.

Key Materials for Indexable Drills

The performance of indexable drills depends heavily on the materials used in their construction, so let's explore the options you have to consider here.

The drill body, for example, is typically made from steel or other strong, heat-resistant alloys - while the inserts are made from materials such as:

Carbide

Extremely hard and wear-resistant, carbide inserts are ideal for cutting tough materials such as stainless steel and hardened alloys.

Ceramics

These inserts are highly resistant to heat and wear, making them suitable for high-speed operations in harder materials.

Cermet

A composite of ceramic and metal, cermet inserts offer you a good balance of toughness and wear resistance, making them versatile for a range of applications.

As you can see, the choice of material you choose will depend on your specific machining requirements - including the hardness of the material being drilled, the desired speed, and the required surface finish, to name but a few.

Applications For Indexable Drills

So, what are Indexable Drill Bits used for?
Indexable drills are used across a variety of industries due to their adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and high performance.

Some of the most prominent sectors benefiting from these tools include, for instance:

Automotive Industry

Indexable drills are really indispensable for machining parts like engine blocks, transmission components, and brake systems, to name a few.

This is due to their precision and ability to handle a range of materials (such as aluminium, cast iron, and steel), which makes them essential in high-volume automotive production lines, especially - where speed and accuracy really are key.

Aerospace Industry

Aerospace components also often require materials that are difficult to machine, such as titanium alloys, Inconel, and other heat-resistant superalloys.

Indexable drills here, especially those with specialised coatings or inserts, really do excel in drilling these tough materials while maintaining tight tolerances as well.

This makes them ideal for manufacturing airframe components, landing gear, and engine parts as well.

Heavy Equipment and Machinery

In sectors like construction, mining, and agriculture, the manufacturing of heavy-duty equipment also demands tools that can withstand intense wear and tear.

Consequently, Indexable drills are commonly used to produce large, precise holes in components like hydraulic systems, gearboxes, and structural parts.

Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas sector involves drilling operations that require extremely high-strength tools capable of withstanding harsh environments and hard materials.

As a result, large indexable drills are often used in the production of drilling equipment, pipelines, and offshore platforms due to their ability to maintain performance even in challenging conditions.

General Manufacturing

Beyond specific industries, indexable drills are also used in general manufacturing for applications such as creating holes in large castings, steel plates, and machine parts as an example.

Their ability to perform under high-speed, high-load conditions really does makes them a go-to tool for mass production on the whole.

How to Choose the Right Indexable Drill Bit?

Selecting the right indexable drill really is important for optimising your machining performance and ensuring the longevity of your tool as a result.

However, when we look here, there are several factors that must be considered when choosing the appropriate drill for a given task:

Material of the Workpiece

The type of material being drilled also plays a significant role in determining the ideal drill to use.

For instance, hard materials like stainless steel or titanium require drills with carbide or ceramic inserts, while softer materials may perform well with cermet inserts.

Consequently, each material has different hardness, heat resistance, and wear characteristics, so selecting the right insert is essential for avoiding premature tool wear.

Drill Size and Diameter

Indexable drills also come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from small drill diameters for precision work to larger diameters for heavy-duty applications.

As a result, the diameter of the hole to be drilled will determine the size of the drill needed.

Hole Depth

Depending on the application, the depth of the hole you need may also influence the choice of drill you choose.

For instance, longer drills may be needed for deep holes, especially in carbide drilling, where rigidity and accuracy are higher, but this can increase the likelihood of issues such as chip evacuation, material removal, and drill deflection occurring.

As a result, choosing a drill with an optimised geometry for deep drilling can help mitigate these problems here.

Coolant and Lubrication Needs

Certain materials and applications may also require coolant to manage the heat generated during drilling.

For instance, indexable drills with internal coolant channels help deliver coolant directly to the cutting edge, enhancing performance and extending the service life of your tool process.

As a result, understanding the coolant requirements of both the drill and the material is also another key thing for you to factor in here.

Drilling Speed and Feed Rate

For instance, different drills are optimised for varying cutting speeds and feed rates.

High-speed production environments may require drills with specific geometries or coatings to handle the heat and friction generated during rapid drilling.

Insert Geometry and Coating

Inserts also come in a variety of shapes and are often coated with materials like Titanium Nitride (TiN) or Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) to improve their overall performance.

The geometry and coating of the insert then affect factors such as chip formation, heat resistance, and wear.

Consequently, choosing the correct combination can significantly enhance your drilling process, especially when working with more challenging materials.

Indexable Drill Design Features

Another area to factor in is the design of indexable drills, which is what sets them apart from traditional solid drills.

Several key features here contribute to their high performance, strength, and flexibility in various machining tasks, such as:

Drill Body

The body of an indexable drill is typically made of hardened steel or another durable material that can withstand the forces generated during drilling.

The body then provides you with the structure and support for the replaceable inserts, and its design can vary a lot depending on the intended application (e.g., short, long, modular).

Insert Pocket

One of the key design elements is also the pocket where the cutting inserts are clamped.

This is because the pocket must be precisely engineered to ensure the insert is securely held in place during operation.

Here a well-designed pocket then allows for quick and easy insert changes, minimising your downtime as a result.

Cutting Inserts

The cutting edge of an indexable drill is also formed by replaceable inserts made from hard materials like carbide, cermet, or ceramic, as stated above.

These inserts are often available in various geometries (such as square, triangular, or round) to optimise your cutting performance based on the material being drilled.

As a result, the ability to rotate or replace the insert when worn provides you with longer tool life and more consistent performance as a result.

Coolant Channels

Many indexable drills can also feature internal coolant channels that deliver coolant directly to the cutting edge.

This is especially important in high-speed or deep-hole drilling applications, where excessive heat can reduce your tool life and affect the quality of the hole that is created.

Chip Evacuation

Effective chip evacuation is also essential in any drilling process to avoid clogging and to ensure that you get a smooth cut overall.

The design of indexable drills, for instance, typically includes flute design, overall length, or other mechanisms to channel chips away from the cutting area - thereby preventing re-cutting of the chips and reducing the risk of tool damage as a result.

Coatings

The cutting inserts often feature coatings such as Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAlN), or diamond-like coatings to improve hardness, heat resistance, and wear properties.

These coatings then help extend the life of the inserts, reduce friction that builds up, and allow for higher cutting speeds as an end result.

How to Maintain Indexable Drills

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of indexable drills.

This is because regular upkeep not only extends the life of the tool but also improves its machining quality while reducing your downtime as well.

To do this well, some things to consider, for instance, should be:

Regular Inspection

After each use, you also want to inspect the drill body and inserts for signs of wear or damage.

Any chips, cracks, or worn edges on the inserts can then lead to poor performance and must be replaced immediately to prevent further issues from occuring.

Insert Replacement

One of the main advantages of indexable drills is the ability to replace the cutting inserts without discarding the entire tool.

Here, for instance, inserts should be replaced as soon as they show signs of wear to maintain their cutting efficiency moving forward.

You also want to ensure that the new inserts are properly seated in the insert pocket and securely tightened as well.

Cleaning

You also want to keep the drill body and insert pocket free from debris, dust, and coolant residue.

This is because a buildup in these areas can really interfere with the proper seating of the inserts and may cause premature wear to then occur.

Here, instead, you want to use a brush or compressed air to clean the drill after each use, ideally.

Sharpening Inserts

In some cases, inserts can also be sharpened to extend their life.

This should only be done with inserts designed for resharpening, as improper sharpening can damage the tool and reduce its effectiveness we should note.

Coolant Management

If the drill is also equipped with coolant channels, you also want to ensure they remain clear and unobstructed.

This is because proper coolant flow really is essential for maintaining the right temperature control and preventing tool overheating from occurring - which can lead to early CNC machine / tool failure as a result and is something you want to avoid.

Storage

Store indexable drills in a dry, clean environment to protect them from corrosion and damage, which is also advisable.

Here you want to avoid placing them in areas where they could be accidentally dropped or knocked over as well.

Indexable Drills vs. Traditional Drills

When comparing indexable drills to traditional drills, there are several key differences that highlight why insert drilling are often the preferred choice in many modern manufacturing environments.

For instance, these can consist of:

Size

Here, more traditional solid drills are generally used for machining diameters up to 12mm. For larger sizes, it is recommended that you switch to indexable drills, as they become significantly more cost-effective beyond this size.

Cost Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of indexable drills is their cost-effectiveness.

Here, traditional drills require full replacement or resharpening when they become dull, while indexable drills only need the inserts to be replaced, as you can see above.

This, in turn, reduces your long-term tooling costs, especially in high-volume production settings.

Tool Life

Indexable drills typically have longer tool life compared to traditional drills.

For instance, here, the body of the drill is not subject to the same wear as the cutting edges, which can be replaced easily.

This contrasts with traditional drills, where the entire tool may need to be discarded once it wears out, for example.

Flexibility

Indexable drills are also more adaptable than traditional drill bits because the inserts can be swapped out to accommodate different materials and applications.

This then allows manufacturers to use one drill body for a variety of tasks simply by changing the insert - whereas traditional drill bits may require different tools for each material type.

Productivity

In high-production environments, the ability to change inserts quickly without removing the drill from the machine minimises your downtime.

Traditional drills, on the other hand, often require tool changes or regrinding, which can drastically slow down your production as a result.

Precision

Indexable drills are also known for their precision, especially in challenging materials.

The geometry of the inserts can be optimised more for specific cutting conditions, leading to cleaner cuts and better surface finishes than many traditional drill designs can achieve.

Application Range

Traditional drills are also very limited in their ability to handle different materials and cutting conditions without requiring a full tool change.

Indexable drills here, for instance, can easily adapt to various operations (such as deep hole drilling or working with hard metals) by using the appropriate inserts, making them a better overall solution as a result.

Chip Removal

Indexable drills also generally offer you better chip evacuation due to their design, which incorporates flutes and advanced insert geometries.

This helps to prevent chips from clogging the tool and reduces the risk of tool failure as a result - a problem more common with traditional drills.

How often should indexable drill inserts be replaced?

The frequency of insert replacement depends entirely on the material being drilled, the cutting conditions, and the specific application.

Inserts, for instance, should be inspected regularly, and any signs of wear, such as chipping or dulling, should prompt you to replace them to keep their performance as high as possible.

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure which indexable drill is right for you or you 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 have also extended our ordering hours to offer you next working day delivery, making your shipping experience even 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 also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with Free delivery for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Direct?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom and can also offer you trade accounts.

As a result, we can offer you a vast selection of similar products, including indexable drill bodies, cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We also 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.