Problem- Looking for a CnC to Flowdrill and tap holes

[Millpremac]

I am currently using a standard drill press with a handmade sliding jig to flowdrill, depending on the part, anywhere from 10 to 30 holes in a rectangular pattern. I'm drilling these into sch 40 black steel pipe thats swedge to flatten the pipe in the areas I'm drilling.

These holes are then deburred then tapped all using seperate drill presses. I am looking to combine all of these steps into one tooling unit. I have used CnC machines about 15 years ago and figure that this is the step to take.

Can anybody help give me some information on what type of CnC I should look at? I used to work on a Haas VF1 and Loved it, but thats a ton of overkill for this job. This is for flowdrilling and tapping only. Tool change options would be wonderfull.

[ctate2000]

I have used Flowdrills in the past in a similar operation, you may trouble on the CNC mill as you cannot feel the tool. Haas would most likely let you try it brfore purchase to insure it works. They make a tool room mill that would work well for this if you can get the drilling process worked out.

[ARVADEST]

Hi
what is the holesize you want to flowdrill?
I can probable help you pick the right machine for the job
I ve been selling flowdrill tools for over 20 years now and have my own office in chicago.

best regards
arne

[Millpremac]

Arne,

I am using a 23/64 carbide bit that I sharpen by hand. It is used for a 1/8 - 17 npt tap at standard tap depth. Flowdrilling 3/4" sch 40 pipe that has been swedged flat on a punch press. If you can help, I would greatly appreciate it. The press used to have automated z axis action on the drilling part operated by a food pedal, but it no longer is functional. So now we just use the drill press using a long cheata pipe with a self rigged cam action. We drill alot of holes, then have to debur and tap all on seperate machines. I want to consolidate it if i can. Thanks for your time. Any help is very much appreciated.

I used to operated a Haas VF - 1, I kinda wondered if you selected the boring option if that would work to help find the correct feed rate?

[ARVADEST]

Millpremac,

You need to look for a cnc with at least 2.5hp motorpower and 2.200-2.400 rpm
Axial force is around 1.100 lbs

please look at this link with some technical info on your application:
Your Formdrill application

Tapping speed is +- 300 rpm


You can also get in touch with my sales guy Mr. David Claudio
( david.claudio@formdrill-usa.com ). Phone: (314) 249-9380

I hope this is helpfull

Arne

[Millpremac]

With this formdrill, I drill roughly 1000-2000 holes per week, about how long is the life expectancy of one formdrill? I see Flowdrill has a drill that deburrs and leaves a flat finish, does formdrill have he same application? One more quesiton, I have surface grinder and sharpen all of my carbid bits, can a formdrill be resharpened? Thanks so much for the information, you have been a great help.

[ARVADEST]

Hi

Normal tool life of a formdrill is 8.000 to 10.000 holes per bit.
They never need to be resharpened

We have also a tool with cutters integrated at the end to mill of the collar on top.
You just need to watch out with the feeds using a Flat Formdrill. You will need to accelarate the feedrate just before the cutting starts. Otherwise your cutters will burn and become dull after just a few 100 holes.
This is a link for the same application as i mentioned earlier but with cutters, you will see that the feedrates are changed: ( Your Formdrill application )

best regards