Metal Cutting

Selecting Substrates for Steel Cutting Tools and Drilling

Matching tool material to workpiece hardness determines tool life and cutting speed. Standard high-speed steel (HSS) handles general mild steel, iron, and aluminum. For hard alloys and stainless steel, upgrade to M35 cobalt high-speed steel (HSS-Co) or carbide.

M35 cobalt contains 5 percent cobalt, which preserves cutting edge hardness under high friction temperatures. Surface treatments further enhance performance across repetitive production cycles.

• Standard HSS: Economical option for aluminum, iron, and general mild steel cutting.
• M35 Cobalt HSS: Resists heat buildup when drilling stainless steel and work-hardening metals.
• Surface treatments: Titanium and nitrogen coatings reduce friction and prolong cutting life during dry or high-speed operations.

Shank Types and Sizing for Metal Drilling

Selecting the right shank geometry prevents tool slippage under high torque loads. Twist drill bits with round or straight shanks suit standard drill chucks, while 3-flat and triangle shanks seat firmly against chuck jaws during heavy drilling operations.

For sheet metal, step drill bits eliminate the need for pilot holes by cutting progressively larger diameters up to 32 mm in a single pass.

• 1/4-inch hex shanks: Enable rapid tool changes in impact drivers and quick-change chucks for bits from 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm.
• Straight and round shanks: Universal fit for keyed and keyless chucks across 1.0 mm to 16 mm size ranges.
• Machine shanks: C20, C25, and C32 straight shanks match industrial tool holders on milling and drilling machinery.

Choosing Saw Blades and Metal Fabrication Tools

Cutting structural shapes, tube, and plate requires saw blades matched to machine feed and workpiece cross-section. Metal cutting circular saw blades and chop saw blades deliver clean, low-burr cuts through bar stock and conduit. For production cutoff machines, band saw blades handle wide cross-sections with minimal kerf waste.

For thin sheet fabrication, manual sheet metal shears allow controlled profile cuts without heat distortion or burrs.

• M42 bi-metal blades: Withstand tooth shock when cutting structural channel, pipe, and mixed alloy profiles.
• Bandsaw blades: Maintain accurate tracking and straight cuts across heavy solid billets and thick-walled tubing.
• Sheet metal shears: Feature crane blades and bi-material handles for straight and multi-directional cuts in gauge steel.