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Streamline Reaming & Chamfering with Combination Reamers

BAUCOR REAMERS: UNLEASH THE POWER OF PRECISION.

EXPERIENCE ENHANCED PERFORMANCE, SUPERIOR SURFACE FINISH, AND UNMATCHED DURABILITY.

What is a Combination Reamer? How does it work?

Combination drill and reamers, also known as combined drills and reamers or drill/reamers, are versatile cutting tools designed to perform both drilling and reaming operations in a single pass. This unique design eliminates the need to change tools, saving time and improving efficiency in machining processes.

How Combination Drill and Reamers Work

The cutting action of a combination drill and reamer is a two-step process:

  • Drilling: The front end of the tool features a standard twist drill design, typically with two cutting edges and flutes for chip evacuation. This section functions as a drill bit, creating the initial hole in the workpiece.
  • Reaming: The back end of the tool has a reamer section, which is slightly larger in diameter than the drill section. This section has multiple cutting edges and flutes designed for reaming, enlarging the drilled hole to a precise size and creating a smooth surface finish.

As the combination drill and reamer is fed into the workpiece, the drill section creates the initial hole, and the reamer section immediately follows, enlarging and finishing the hole in one continuous operation. This eliminates the need to stop the machine, change tools, and then resume the machining process, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of errors.

How are Combination Reamers manufactured?

The manufacturing of combination drill and reamers (also known as combined drills and reamers or drill/reamers) involves a precise multi-step process to ensure both drilling and reaming functions are performed accurately and efficiently:

Material Selection:

  • High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is a common choice due to its balance of hardness, toughness, and affordability. Suitable for general-purpose drilling and reaming in most materials.
  • Cobalt Steel (HSS-Co): Used for harder materials, offering improved heat and wear resistance compared to HSS.
  • Carbide: Provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance, ideal for high-volume production and demanding applications.

Blank Preparation:

  • The chosen material is cut into cylindrical blanks of the desired length.

Machining the Drill Section:

  • The front end of the blank is machined to create the drill section, which typically has two cutting edges and flutes for chip evacuation.
  • The drill point angle and flute geometry are carefully designed to optimize drilling performance and chip removal.

Machining the Reamer Section:

  • The back end of the blank is machined to create the reamer section, which has a slightly larger diameter than the drill section.
  • The reamer section typically has multiple cutting edges and flutes designed for precise sizing and smooth surface finish.

Heat Treatment:

  • The tool undergoes heat treatment processes like hardening and tempering to enhance its hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.

Grinding:

  • The tool is ground to achieve the final dimensions and surface finish.
  • The cutting edges of both the drill and reamer sections are sharpened to ensure efficient cutting action.

Coating (Optional):

  • Some combination drill and reamers may be coated with materials like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN) to further improve their hardness, reduce friction, and extend tool life.

Inspection and Quality Control:

  • Rigorous quality control measures are implemented throughout the manufacturing process to verify dimensional accuracy, cutting edge geometry, and overall tool performance.
  1. Marking and Packaging:
  • The finished combination drill and reamer is marked with relevant information, such as size, material, and coating, and then packaged for distribution to end-users.

By following these steps and employing precise manufacturing techniques, manufacturers can produce high-quality combination drill and reamers that deliver reliable and efficient performance in drilling and reaming operations. These tools offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for applications where both drilling and reaming are required in a single pass.

What sizes does Baucor manufacture Combination Reamers? 

As a leading manufacturer of cutting tools, Baucor likely offers a wide range of combination drill and reamer sizes to cater to the diverse needs of their customers across various industries. While their specific product catalog may vary, you can expect the following size ranges:

Fractional Sizes (Inch):

  • Standard: Commonly used sizes like 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", and so on, covering a wide spectrum of hole sizes required in various applications.
  • Number/Letter Sizes: Baucor may also offer combination drill and reamers in number or letter sizes (e.g., #1, #2, A, B), which are often used for specific applications or in certain industries.

Metric Sizes (Millimeter):

Standard: A broad selection of metric sizes, likely starting from 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, and progressing to larger diameters like 10mm, 12mm, or even higher, catering to users who prefer metric measurements.

Additional Considerations:

  • Sets: Baucor might offer combination drill and reamer sets containing a selection of commonly used sizes, providing convenience and value for users.
  • Material: Different materials may require specific types of combination drill and reamers. Baucor likely manufactures tools from high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt steel, or carbide for more demanding applications.

Obtaining Precise Information:

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the specific sizes of combination drill and reamers manufactured by Baucor, it is recommended to:

  1. Visit the Baucor Website: Their official website is likely to have a product catalog or section dedicated to combination drill and reamers, listing the available sizes and specifications.
  2. Contact Baucor Directly: Their customer service team can provide detailed information on their product offerings and help you choose the right tool size for your specific needs.

By utilizing these resources, you can ensure that you select the perfect Baucor combination drill and reamer size for your drilling and reaming applications.

GET A QUOTE

What materials are used to make Combination Reamers?

Combination drill and reamers are manufactured using various materials, each with its own advantages and ideal applications:

Common Materials:

  1. High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is the most common material for combination drill and reamers due to its balance of hardness, toughness, and affordability. HSS tools are suitable for general-purpose drilling and reaming in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
  2. Cobalt Steel (HSS-Co): This is a variation of HSS that contains cobalt, enhancing its heat resistance and wear resistance. Cobalt tools are often used for drilling and reaming harder materials, such as stainless steel and cast iron.
  3. Carbide (Solid Carbide or Carbide-Tipped): Carbide is a very hard material that is extremely wear-resistant. Solid carbide combination drill and reamers offer superior performance and longevity, while carbide-tipped tools provide a cost-effective option with good wear resistance. These are used for drilling and reaming abrasive materials, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber composites, as well as for high-speed machining applications.

Other Materials:

  1. Powdered Metal (PM): This is a type of HSS that is made from powdered metal, resulting in a finer grain structure and improved wear resistance compared to traditional HSS. PM tools are often used for high-performance drilling and reaming applications.

Additional Considerations:

  • Coating: Combination drill and reamers can be coated with various materials like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN) to further improve their hardness, reduce friction, and increase their lifespan.

Choosing the right material for a combination drill and reamer depends on the specific application, the workpiece material, the desired surface finish, and budget considerations. For most general-purpose applications, HSS is a suitable and cost-effective choice. However, for harder materials or demanding applications, cobalt or carbide tools may be more appropriate.

What coatings improve Combination Reamers? 

Combination drill and reamers, like other cutting tools, can be enhanced with various coatings to improve their performance, tool life, and versatility. Here are the common and specialized coatings used:

Common Coatings:

  1. Titanium Nitride (TiN): This gold-colored coating is widely used for its hardness, reduced friction, and improved heat resistance. TiN-coated combination drill and reamers offer increased tool life and better performance in a variety of materials.
  2. Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN): This hard, black coating provides superior wear resistance and lower friction compared to TiN. TiCN-coated tools are well-suited for machining abrasive materials and for high-performance applications.
  3. Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN): This violet-colored coating exhibits excellent heat resistance and hardness, making it ideal for high-speed machining of difficult-to-cut materials like stainless steel and cast iron.

Specialized Coatings:

  1. Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN): This hard, light grey coating boasts high oxidation temperature and wear resistance, making it suitable for high-speed machining of various materials, including steel, cast iron, and nickel-based alloys.
  2. Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC): This thin, hard coating provides exceptional wear resistance, low friction, and chemical inertness. DLC-coated tools are suitable for machining non-ferrous metals, plastics, and composites.
  3. Chromium Nitride (CrN): This coating offers good wear and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for drilling and reaming in corrosive environments or materials that tend to stick to the tool.
  4. HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering): This advanced coating technology produces extremely dense and smooth coatings with enhanced adhesion and wear resistance. HiPIMS-coated tools offer superior performance and longer tool life in demanding applications.

Choosing the Right Coating:

The ideal coating for a combination drill and reamer depends on several factors, including:

  • Material Being Machined: The hardness and abrasiveness of the material being drilled and reamed will influence the type of coating needed. Harder materials generally require more wear-resistant coatings.
  • Machining Conditions: High-speed or high-temperature machining may necessitate coatings with superior heat resistance.
  • Desired Tool Life: Coatings can significantly extend the lifespan of tools, so choosing the right coating can help reduce tool replacement costs.

Consulting with the tool manufacturer or a knowledgeable supplier can help you select the optimal coating for your specific needs. By considering the material, machining conditions, and desired tool life, you can ensure that your combination drill and reamer delivers the best possible performance and longevity.

GET A QUOTE

Where are Combination Reamers used?

Combination drill and reamers, also known as combined drills and reamers or drill/reamers, are versatile tools used in a variety of industries and applications where precise and smooth holes are required with efficiency. Their ability to perform both drilling and reaming in a single operation saves time and improves productivity.

Key Industries:

  1. Manufacturing and Metalworking: Combination drill and reamers are extensively used in machine shops, fabrication facilities, and manufacturing plants for creating precise holes in metal components. They are commonly used in the production of machinery, automotive parts, aerospace components, and various other manufactured goods.
  2. Construction: In the construction industry, these tools are used for drilling and reaming holes in metal structures, beams, pipes, and other components. Their ability to quickly create accurate and smooth holes is valuable for on-site assembly and installation work.
  3. Automotive: Combination drill and reamers are used in automotive manufacturing for creating holes in engine blocks, transmission housings, and other parts. The precise sizing and smooth finish achieved by these tools are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function of automotive components.
  4. Aerospace: The aerospace industry utilizes combination drill and reamers for drilling and reaming precision holes in aircraft components, where tight tolerances and smooth finishes are critical for safety and performance.

Specific Applications:

  • Screw Machines and Second-Operation Lathes: Combination reamers are commonly used in these machines to efficiently drill and ream holes in a single operation, reducing cycle time and improving productivity.
  • Drilling and Reaming Pilot Holes: These tools can be used to create pilot holes for bolts or screws and then ream them to the final size in a single pass.
  • Enlarging Existing Holes: Combination drill and reamers are useful for enlarging existing holes to a precise diameter, providing a better fit for components like bushings or bearings.
  • Improving Hole Accuracy: They can help correct minor inaccuracies in hole size or alignment, ensuring a more precise fit for mating parts.
  • Creating Smooth Surfaces: These tools produce smooth, polished surfaces inside holes, reducing friction and improving the performance of moving parts.

In summary, combination drill and reamers are valuable tools that find applications in various industries and tasks where efficient and precise hole creation is essential. Their ability to combine drilling and reaming operations into a single step makes them a valuable asset for improving productivity and reducing costs in machining processes.

Which industries use Combination Reamers?

Combination drill and reamers are versatile tools used in a variety of industries where efficient and precise hole creation is essential. Their ability to drill and ream in a single operation makes them valuable for streamlining production processes and reducing tooling costs. Here are some of the key industries that utilize combination drill and reamers:

  1. Manufacturing and Metalworking: These tools are extensively used in machine shops, fabrication facilities, and manufacturing plants for creating precise holes in metal components. They are commonly used in the production of machinery, tools, equipment, and consumer goods.
  2. Automotive: In the automotive industry, combination drill and reamers are used to create accurate holes in engine blocks, transmission housings, and other parts. The precise sizing and smooth finish achieved by these tools are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function of automotive components, contributing to overall performance and reliability.
  3. Aerospace: The aerospace industry relies on combination drill and reamers for drilling and reaming precision holes in aircraft components, where tight tolerances and smooth finishes are critical for safety and performance. These tools are used for creating holes in wing spars, fuselage sections, landing gear parts, and engine components.
  4. Construction: Combination drill and reamers find applications in the construction industry for drilling and reaming holes in metal structures, beams, pipes, and other components. Their ability to quickly create accurate and smooth holes is valuable for on-site assembly and installation work.
  5. Energy: The energy sector utilizes combination drill and reamers for drilling and reaming holes in components used in oil and gas production, power generation, and other energy-related applications.
  6. Medical Devices: In some cases, combination drill and reamers may be used in the production of medical devices where precise and smooth holes are required in components such as implants or surgical instruments.
  7. Tool and Die Making: These tools are also used in the tool and die industry for creating accurate holes in dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures. This ensures the precision and quality of manufactured parts.

In addition to these industries, combination drill and reamers are also used in various maintenance and repair applications, where worn or damaged holes need to be drilled out and reamed to the correct size. Their versatility and efficiency make them valuable tools in any industry where precise and smooth holes are required in a single operation.

What machines use Combination Reamers?

Combination drill and reamers are versatile tools used in a variety of machines where both drilling and reaming are required in a single operation. These tools are particularly useful in applications where efficiency and precision are paramount.

Here are the main types of machines that utilize combination drill and reamers:

  1. Screw Machines: These automated machines are specifically designed for mass-producing small, turned parts. Combination drill and reamers are commonly used in screw machines to drill and ream holes in a single pass, reducing cycle time and increasing productivity.
  2. Second-Operation Lathes: Similar to screw machines, second-operation lathes perform secondary machining operations on turned parts. Combination drill and reamers can be used in these lathes to drill and ream holes efficiently without the need for tool changes.
  3. Turret Lathes: These lathes have multiple tool holders on a turret, allowing for quick tool changes and versatile machining operations. Combination drill and reamers can be included in the turret, enabling drilling and reaming to be performed in a single setup.
  4. Drill Presses: While primarily designed for drilling, drill presses can also be used with combination drill and reamers for smaller-scale or less demanding applications. However, care must be taken to ensure proper alignment and feed rates to avoid tool breakage.
  5. CNC Machining Centers: While less common due to the ease of programming separate drilling and reaming operations, CNC machining centers can also utilize combination drill and reamers for specific applications where tool changes are undesirable.

Choosing the right machine for using combination drill and reamers depends on several factors, including the desired hole size, depth, material, required precision, and production volume. Screw machines and second-operation lathes are typically used for high-volume production, while drill presses and CNC machining centers offer more flexibility for smaller-scale or custom applications.

What design and engineering support does Baucor provide for Combination Reamers? 

At Baucor, we pride ourselves on being more than just a cutting tool manufacturer. We are your dedicated partners in achieving machining excellence. Our comprehensive suite of design and engineering support services for combination drill and reamers exemplifies our commitment to optimizing your productivity and results.

Our experienced engineers will collaborate closely with you to design custom combination tools tailored precisely to your unique requirements. We meticulously optimize tool geometries, considering factors like drill point angle, reamer flute design, and overall dimensions, ensuring the perfect fit for your specific material and desired hole characteristics.

We understand that choosing the right material is crucial. Our expert guidance takes into account your workpiece material, desired hole tolerance, and production volume to recommend the ideal material, whether it be high-speed steel, cobalt steel, carbide, or other specialized options.

We further enhance tool performance and longevity by assisting you in selecting the optimal coating. Our recommendations for coatings like titanium nitride (TiN), titanium carbonitride (TiCN), or other specialized options are tailored to your specific material and cutting conditions.

We don't stop at design and material selection. Our engineers will analyze your existing machining processes, identifying opportunities for optimization to boost efficiency, reduce tool wear, and maximize your productivity.

We believe in empowering our customers with knowledge. That's why we offer training programs and workshops to educate your team on the proper use and maintenance of these tools, maximizing their lifespan and effectiveness.

Our expertise extends to specific industries and applications. We leverage this knowledge to offer tailored solutions that address the unique challenges you face, optimizing tool designs for your specific materials or processes.

At Baucor, we are more than just a supplier; we are your partner in precision machining. By choosing us, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of design and engineering support services that ensure your combination drill and reamers deliver unparalleled performance, increased productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality.

UNMATCHED ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Your Solution, Your Scale

Whether you need a single prototype or full-scale production, BAUCOR''s engineers are ready to collaborate with you. Contact us to discuss how we can bring your concept to life.

Tailored Solutions for BAUCOR Customers

BAUCOR specializes in providing unique manufacturing and engineering solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each client. Our expertise covers a wide range of industries and applications.

What are the design guides for Combination Reamers?

Combination drill and reamers, also known as combined drills and reamers or drill/reamers, are designed with specific guidelines to ensure optimal performance in both drilling and reaming operations. Here's a breakdown of the key design considerations:

Drill Section:

  1. Point Angle: The drill point angle is typically 118 degrees, which is standard for general-purpose drilling. This angle provides a good balance between self-centering, chip evacuation, and cutting speed.
  2. Flute Design: The drill section typically has two or three flutes with a helical design to efficiently remove chips and facilitate coolant flow. The flute geometry is optimized for the material being drilled.
  3. Web Thickness: The web, the central portion between the flutes, is progressively thinned towards the tip to enhance chip evacuation and reduce cutting forces, especially in deeper holes.

Reamer Section:

  1. Number of Flutes: The reamer section typically has more flutes than the drill section, usually ranging from 4 to 8. This increases the number of cutting edges, resulting in a smoother surface finish.
  2. Reamer Diameter: The reamer diameter is slightly larger than the drill diameter, allowing for the removal of a small amount of material to achieve the desired final hole size and tolerance.
  3. Chamfer Angle: The lead angle of the reamer is often smaller than the drill point angle to provide a smoother transition from drilling to reaming.

Additional Design Considerations:

  • Material Selection: The choice of material significantly impacts the tool's performance and durability. Common materials include high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt steel, and carbide, each with varying levels of hardness and wear resistance depending on the application.
  • Coating: Coatings like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN) can be applied to enhance the tool's hardness, reduce friction, and improve overall performance and tool life.
  • Shank Design: Combination drill and reamers typically have straight shanks for use in drill chucks. The shank diameter should be appropriate for the tool size and the machine being used.
  • Overall Length: The overall length of the tool should be sufficient for the desired drilling and reaming depth.

By adhering to these design guidelines, manufacturers can produce high-quality combination drill and reamers that deliver efficient and precise drilling and reaming performance in a single tool.