It’s easier to hit your target when you have good tool life and an efficient machining process. Our customer who machines AR15 upper receivers was previously running a competitor drill that required an extra operation to maintain straightness—a feature that is key when machining firearms—causing a longer cycle time than desired.
Looking to improve their process, our customer tested the T-A Pro drill with the “N” ISO-specific nonferrous insert geometry, designed to improve chip formation in softer materials like aluminum. Not only did this yield excellent chip formation, but they were also able to run at a faster penetration rate.
In addition to these successes, the T-A Pro tracked extremely straight allowing the customer to remove an operation that was needed for straightness. Removing this operation from the machining process decreased their cycle time on the part beyond just the drilling process.
Don’t take a shot in the dark; set your sights on the best solutions.
| Product: |
T-A Pro drill |
| Objective: |
Increase tool life and efficiency |
| Industry: |
Firearms |
| Part: |
AR15 upper receiver |
| Material: |
7075 aluminum |
| Hole Ø: |
0.9843" (25.00 mm) |
| Hole Depth: |
7.4000" (187.96 mm) |
T-A Pro High Penetration Replaceable Insert Drill
- Holder, 7xD length: HTA2A07-125C
- Insert, N geometry (nonferrous): TAN2-25.00
| Measure |
Competitor Drill |
T-A Pro Drill |
| RPM |
2200 |
2523 |
| Speed |
567 SFM (172.80 m/min) |
650 SFM (198.12 m/min) |
| Feed Rate |
0.0068 IPR (0.17 mm/rev) |
0.0130 IPR (0.33 mm/rev) |
| Penetration Rate |
15.00 IPM (381.0 mm/min) |
32.80 IPM (833.1 mm/min) |
| Total Part Cycle Time |
30 sec |
14 sec |
The TiCN coated T-A Pro insert for use in nonferrous materials provided:
- Eliminated extra operation
- Decreased cycle time
- Increased penetration rate