MODULAR DRILLS COMBINE BENEFITS OF MODULAR AND INDEXABLE TOOLS

Kennametal (Latrobe, PA) KSEM PLUS modular drills combine the high feed rates and length/diameter capabilities KSEM modular drills are known for with the high speed and low consumable costs of indexable drills.

“KSEM PLUS drills offer increased metal removal rates and productivity in many applications,” says Allen Poponick, manager, global machining technology. “Drill bodies accept a range of head diameters, and users can easily replace inserts or heads without removing the body from their spindle to further improve hole-making efficiency.”

“Outstanding field test results, especially within the energy market, have been achieved with KSEM PLUS drills,” adds global product manager, Frank Richter. “Customer productivity increases exceeding 100 percent have convinced our field test candidates that KSEM PLUS drills are the drills to use.”

KSEM PLUS tools consist of a steel body coupled to a high-strength steel head. The drill body features a central coolant hole that maintains rigidity while allowing maximum coolant flow through the tool. A margin and relieved clearance eliminate trapping of chips between the drill body and hole wall to increase tool body life and improve hole surface finish, while differential helix flutes smooth chip evacuation and maintain rigidity. A single tool body can handle a range of drill head sizes, and the tools are suited for holemaking in steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and nonferrous alloy workpieces.

At the spindle, standard WD or SSF shanks provide maximum toolholding security, stiffness, and accuracy with flanged face contact. The flexible shank configuration allows use on machining centers and in lathes with an inexpensive coupling system.

The KSEM PLUS head features four coolant holes for optimized tool life and chip flow. Produced from high-strength steel, the head uses a combination of KSEMP inserts in the center and DFT D inserts on the periphery to balance cutting forces and reduce chip load per edge. The center insert provides high feed rates and centering capability, while two DFT D inserts on the periphery each have three cutting edges and feature a pressed-in chipbreaker geometry. The result is excellent centering and chip control, higher speeds than modular drills, and feed rate capability equal to modular tools.

Mating the body and head is the proprietary Flexible Drilling System (FDS) coupling system, which uses radially activated locking screws to guarantee high repeatability and minimal runout. Assembly and tool change are fast and easy, and the FDS allows one head to fit several body length/diameter ratios.

KSEM PLUS Modular Drills are available in standard lengths of 5, 8, and 10× diameter in metric and inch sizes from 1.250 in/31.75 mm to 2.756 in/70.00 mm. Custom tools with HSK, KM, FCM, or ISO tapers; length to 17× diameter; and intermediate diameters are also available.

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