F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers to some common queries about our product.

Which materials are suited?

- Steel upto 1100N/mm²

- Stainless Steel

- Copper

- Brass (max. 40% Zinc)

- Aluminium with less then 0.5%Si

- Most "exotic" alloys

What do I need for M8 in 2.0mm. wall thickness?

Required tools:

- FDMC2-TOOLHOLDER

- FD430E8-COLLET

- FD0730S-FORMDRILL

- FTM8-FTAP M8

- FDKSO-LUBRICANT FDRILL

- FTOIL-LUBRICANT FTAP

- REMARK: FOR A FLAT SURFACE USE A FD0730SF FLAT STYLE FDRILL

Machine parameters:

- Spindle speed: 2500 Rpm.

- Motor power: 1.5 Kw.

What is the tool life of a Fdrill?

Tool life of a Fdrill is between 8.000 to 10.000 cycles in mild steel.

Tool life of a Fdrill is between 3.000 to 5.000 cycles in stainless steel.

Do I need special machinery?

No, Fdrill will work on any drill press with the appropriate spindle speed and motor power. See our manual section. CNC-machines, milling machines or drill heads are suitable for the process.

Is there any lubrication necessary?

Yes, lubrication prevents the metal from welding to the tool. It increases signifantly the tool life of both Fdrill and Ftap. Lubricating every 4 to 5 holes is sufficient in steel. In stainless steel we recommend strongly to lubricate every hole. Important: Never use conventional lubricants or cooling fluids for drilling or tapping.

Can Fdrill be used in a hand drill?

Our advise is no. The problem with a hand drill is lack of stability and axial force. It can only work for small diameters in very thin work pieces.

What about galvanized material?

It depends the thickness and quality of the zinc layer. When very thin (3-5 micron) Fdrill will work. We advise a test in our lab.

Can I get a hole without the top collar?

The top collar is the result of material being drawn upward during the initial stage of the process. A Flat-style Fdrill is available which will remove the top collar at the same time the bushing is formed.

Can I drill into solid material?

No, We need clearance on the back side of the work piece. As we are displacing the parent material we need room for the material to flow.

Where does the insert come from?

The bushing (insert) is formed from the parent material. There are no additional components required or no material is added.

How strong are the formed threads?

Independent studies have showed that in most applications, thread strenght exceeds industry standards both in pull out and torque.

Can I use a normal machine tap (cutting tap)?

Yes but we advise not to. The Fdrill system is preserves the parent material. Using a machine tap would remove part of the formed bushing. If a machine tap is used we advise to use a Long or Long/Flat Fdrill.

Does not the material get work hardened?

This depends on the material and carbon content. In steel alloys there is almost never a problem. Stainless steel may harden about 10-15%, this causes no problem for the tapping afterwards.

Where does the heat come from?

All heat is generated through friction. There is no additional heat source.

What is the maximum material thickness?

This depends on the Fdrill diameter and style. For the larger diameters the wall thickness can go upto 10-12mm.