Dormer Tools’ new CDX-Al drills are the first from the company designed specifically for high-speed machining in all types of aluminium. The range further broadens the material-specific applications covered by Dormer’s solid carbide drilling programme and follows a growing demand for tools for aluminium, which is the second most widely used metal after steel.
David Goulbourne, development manager for drilling products at Dormer, said: “There are more than 300 aluminium wrought alloys, with 50 in common use. At present most manufacturers offer two separate drills to machine different grades of aluminium.
“However, Dormer’s CDX-Al can perform over the whole aluminium material group, from softer grades to the most abrasive with higher silicon content. As such, it will reduce tooling costs, breakage and machine downtime.”
The CDX-Al’s versatility is achieved through a combination of design features, the foremost of which is its unique point geometry. Patented in the UK, with a worldwide patent pending, the design reduces the thrust forces required to drive the drill through the work-piece, significantly reducing entry and exit burr.
The flute profile of CDX-Al stretches and breaks the swarf into small, manageable chips, whilst the slow spiral and optimised flute volume further enhances chip evacuation at high cutting conditions.
Internal coolant holes reduce temperatures generated when using high speeds and feeds, promoting a trouble-free machining operation and excellent chip management.
CDX-Al is available in two standard lengths, 3 x diameter (R587) and 5 x diameter (R583).  A 7 x diameter version is available by special order.
The range is one of six products launched by Dormer in February 2009 as part of the company’s latest D.Pack.
The additional items include Hydra, a high-performance drill with replaceable solid carbide heads, CDX-DH solid carbide drill for deep hole drilling, J102 solid carbide thread milling cutter for hardened steel, red-ring Shark taps for efficient threading in steels and TotalGrip power chucks for milling applications.
Product training will be available on all new products via Dormer’s sales engineers at the group’s new UK site within the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), located between Rotherham and Sheffield, Dormer said.
Dormer is part of the Sandvik Group and has its history dating back to 1889.