Unlocking the benefits of multi-material drills
Versatile drilling offers a key to more productive manufacturing In January 2025, the World Economic Forum reported that facilities identified as part of its Global Lighthouse Network are achieving remarkable productivity gains of 70%, while simultaneously reducing energy costs by 40% and time to market by 40%. Lighthouses aside, how can all manufacturers raise their productivity, without increasing costs? Here, James Thorpe, Global Product Manager for Hole Making and Composite Machining at Sandvik Coromant, explains how a new drilling tool can enhance manufacturing production goals for multi-material applications. Beyond the Lighthouse facilities, manufacturers across the globe are increasingly tasked with producing parts from a diverse array of materials — from hardened steels and composites to softer metals and plastics — all while striving for uncompromising precision and efficiency. Addressing these challenges head-on requires tooling solutions that not only push the boundaries of traditional drilling capabilities but also streamline operations in an increasingly competitive market. Overcoming pain points Drilling is a fundamental yet technically demanding operation in modern manufacturing. One of the most persistent challenges involves material variability. Manufacturers often work with a wide range of materials, from tough hardened steels to lightweight but ductile metals. Each material presents unique difficulties —hardened steels can cause excessive tool wear, while softer metals may deform under drilling forces. Heat generation and tool wear are also significant concerns in drilling operations. High cutting speeds, prolonged machining cycles and demanding material compositions contribute to excessive heat buildup. This not only accelerates tool degradation but also impacts machining accuracy, leading to surface defects and deviations from required dimensions. Effective heat management solutions, both in tool design and machining strategies, are therefore critical for extending tool life and improving component quality. Another key challenge is chip evacuation. In deep-hole drilling or high-feed applications, inefficient removal of chips […]