The Critical Nature of Holemaking

The Critical Nature of Holemaking

Holemaking is sometimes underappreciated.  Still, drilling takes place on workpieces that already hold an investment of equipment, material, and labor.  If the drilling is done with precision and speed, the investment is rewarded.  If the drilling is off, all of the work done on that piece was wasted. This article is focused on how the critical nature of holemaking can be enhanced.

That makes holemaking a critical factor in manufacturing and in the bottom line.  Zagar has built its whole business on holemaking.  Since opening in 1937, the company has spent every moment perfecting hydraulic/pneumatic high-production drilling & tapping machines and related equipment.  Generations of Zagars passionate about quality, engineered the finest holemaking machines and accessories to enhance the process.

The Right Tool Set Up Correctly

The right tool, when set up correctly can be the difference between profit or loss. Choosing the right tool for the job can result in reduced cycle time.  It is not enough to just put a hole in the material; precision, speed, power, productivity and profitability are key.  The right Drilling and Tapping machine for your application will have longer life span. The right machine will deliver less down time and less repair time.  Incorrect setup can undo all of those benefits.  Here are some guidelines from Zagar on selecting the correct tool and setting it up correctly for better results. 

Anytime you would like more information on Zagar drilling and tapping machines, visit Zagar.com, email sales@zagarinc.com, or call (216) 731-0500.

Selecting the Spindle Series

The largest hole in the spindle pattern should not exceed capacity of the basic spindle of series selected.  There is an exception to this guideline.  Larger drill sizes are permissible if lesser than normal feed rates are used due to smaller drills on other spindles.  For heavy-duty production, Zagar recommends using a series one size larger if the required spindle sizes are available in that series. 

Select the Spindle Sizes

Use the basic spindle whenever center distance between holes is not limited. If limited, select spindle size to suit. When tool sizes vary, proportion spindle sizes accordingly. If tool size exceeds capacity of small spindles, analysis of the problem is necessary (consult factory).

Select the Correct Head Size

The outside of extreme spindles in the hole pattern must be within the maximum spindle area of head. See Pages 9 thru 12. Select head with style of drive suitable for speed and torque requirements of operation.

Selecting the Right Spindle Accessories

When drilling and reaming etc., using tang collets can protect against slippage.  When using large numbers of one drill size and/or in applications requiring rapid, use threaded noses and Z-lock drill holders.  Spindle sizes .187 and .218 need soldered type drill holders.  This drill holder can also be used on .250 and .312 spindle sizes for tool shank diameters exceeding available collets.

Tap collets add convenience of change-over from drilling to tapping with the same spindle. You can also use tap collets when float on tap is undesirable.

Tap holders are available in all spindle sizes, accommodating greater tap capacity than tap collets for the same spindle size. Quick-release tap holders are necessary on tapping operation where return stroke is not positive (No lead screw or cam). Slip lock or Z-lock tap holders are ideal to use with lead screw tapping.

There are operators who control the drilling & tapping process.  There are also operators today who have little control over it.  The multi-spindle drillheads and tapping machines Zagar produces must be engineered for adaptability and integration into either application.  To resolve the range of needs, Zagar either matches existing equipment, or develops specialty equipment for customer specific needs.  Visit https://www.zagar.com/ today or call (216) 731-0500 for information from a company who understands the critical nature of holemaking.