Modular Drills Combine Benefits Of Indexable Tools

Kennametal says its KSEM Plus modular drills combine the high feed rates and length/diameter capabilities of modular drills with the high speed and low consumable costs of indexable drills. The drills offer increased metal removal rates and productivity in various applications, including the energy market. The drill bodies accept a range of head diameters, and inserts or heads can be replaced without removing the body from the spindle.

The tools consist of a steel body coupled to a high-strength steel head. The drill body features a central coolant hole that maintains rigidity while allowing maximum coolant flow through the tool. A margin and relieved clearance eliminate trapping of chips between the drill body and hole wall to increase tool life and improve surface finish, while differential helix flutes smooth chip evacuation and maintain rigidity. A single tool body can accommodate a range of drill head sizes. The tools are suited for steel, stainless steel, cast iron and nonferrous alloy workpieces.

The drill head features four coolant holes for increased tool life and chip flow. Produced from high-strength steel, the head uses a combination of KSEMP inserts in the center to provide high feed rates and centering capability and DFT D inserts on the periphery to balance cutting forces and reduce chip load per edge.

The modular drills are available in standard lengths of 5 × D, 8 × D and 10 × D in metric and inch sizes from 1.250" (31.75 mm) to 2.756" (70 mm).