Indexable drills feature a tool steel body, and typically two inserts: a center insert that cuts the center of the hole, and a periphery insert that cuts the outside hole diameter. Inserts are usually secured to the tool body using screws, and when the cutting edge becomes dull, the insert is indexed to expose a new cutting edge.

 

NOTE: Indexable drill bodies require both periphery and center inserts. The styles are not interchangeable. Remember to order both periphery and center inserts.

 

Features:

• High penetration rates and lower chip friction
• Less accurate than solid carbide
• Higher initial cost, but lower long-term costs
• Available in larger diameters than solid drills
• Inserts can be changed without removing the tool from the holder
• Can use the same drill for different materials by changing inserts
• Less susceptible to breakage than solid carbide
• Can also be used for boring, and facing operations

 

Applications:

• Medium- and large-diameter holes
• Medium tolerance demands
• Blind holes requiring a “flat” bottom
• Plunge drilling operations