Recommended Machining Conditions for Solid Carbide Drills D=0.8-2.9 mm

TensileHardnessMaterialCuttingFeed(mm/rev)vs. Drill Diameter
ISO MaterialConditionStrength [N/mm2]HBNo.(1)Speed Vc (m/min)Ø0.8-1.4Ø1.5-1.9Ø2-2.4Ø2.5-2.9
< 0.25 %CAnnealed420125150-1000.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Non-alloy >= 0.25 %CAnnealed650190240-1000.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
steel and cast < 0.55 %CQuenched and tempered850250340-850.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
steel, free cutting steel >= 0.55 %CAnnealed750220440-850.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Quenched and tempered1000300540-850.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Annealed600200640-750.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
P Low alloy and cast steel (less930275740-600.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
than 5% of alloying elements)Quenched and td1000300840-600.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
empere1200350940-600.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
High alloyed steel, castAnnealed6802001030-500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
steel and tool steelQuenched and tempered11003251130-500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Stainless steel and cast steelFerritic/ martensitic6802001220-350.03-0.060.04-0.080.05-0.100.06-0.10
Martensitic8202401320-350.03-0.060.04-0.080.05-0.100.06-0.10
M Stainless steelAustenitic6001801420-350.03-0.060.04-0.080.05-0.100.06-0.10
Ferritic/pearlitic1801540-800.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Grey cast iron (GG)Pearlitic2601640-700.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
K Ndlr t irn (GGG)Ferritic1601740-950.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
oua cas oPearlitic2501850-950.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Mllbl t iFerritic1301940-800.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
aeae cas ronPearlitic2302040-800.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Not cureable602180-1500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Aluminum- wrought alloyCured1002280-1500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Not cureable752380-1500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Aluminum-Cured902480-1500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
cast, alloyed >12% SiHigh temperature1302580-1500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
N >1% PbFree cutting1102680-1500.03-0.100.05-0.150.07-0.170.08-0.20
Copper alloysBrass902750-1500.05-0.120.07-0.150.08-0.180.09-0.18
Electrolitic copper1002860-1600.05-0.150.07-0.180.08-0.200.09-0.22
Non-metallicDuroplastics, fiberplastics29
Hard rubber30
Fe basedAnnealed2003110-200.02-0.040.03-0.060.04-0.070.04-0.08
Cured2803210-200.02-0.040.03-0.060.04-0.070.04-0.08
High temp.Annealed2503310-200.02-0.040.03-0.060.04-0.070.04-0.08
alloys Ni or CoCured3503410-200.02-0.040.03-0.060.04-0.070.04-0.08
S basedCast3203510-200.02-0.040.03-0.060.04-0.070.04-0.08
RM 4003610-200.02-0.030.02-0.030.03-0.040.03-0.04
Titanium Ti alloysAlpha+beta alloys curedRM 10503710-200.02-0.030.02-0.030.03-0.040.03-0.04
Hardened55 HRC3810-200.01-0.020.01-0.020.02-0.030.02-0.03
Hardened steelHardened60 HRC3910-200.01-0.020.01-0.020.02-0.030.02-0.03
H Chilled cast ironCast4004010-200.01-0.020.01-0.020.02-0.030.02-0.03
Cast ironHardened55 HRC4110-200.01-0.020.01-0.020.02-0.030.02-0.03
  • For drill with lengh to diameter ratio larger than 6xD, reduce feed by 20%
  • If the RPM exceeds 10,000, a dynamic balance should be done to the system
  • Maximal radial and axial runout should not exceed 0.01 mm
  • As a starting value, the middle of the recommended machining range should be used, then (according to wear results),

conditions can be changed in order to optimize performance. (1) For workpiece materials list, see pages 495-524