The Role of Coolants and Lubricants in Drilling

How are coolants and lubricants in drilling used? Do you need to use them when you are drilling? The main goal of these aids is to ensure a better drilling result. When drilling metal, it is common for drills to overheat. Overheating is caused by friction, which occurs during the drilling process. Friction, in turn, can result in ragged edges or other issues in the material you are drilling. In some cases, it can also lead to damaged drill bits or even damaged tools. 

To prevent problems from happening, you will need to use coolants and lubricants during drilling. This will keep your workpiece tidy, prevent damage to your material or drill bits and prolong the lifespan of your power tools. 

Using Coolants and Lubricants When Drilling

There are a few reasons to keep coolants and lubricants in your workroom to improve your drilling performance. Here are some of the top benefits.

• Reduce friction between your drill bits and material
• Prevent wear and tear to improve your tool lifespan
• Avoid damage to your workpiece or drill bits
• Prevent your workpiece and tools from overheating
• Remove chips and other debris more easily
• Prevent corrosion and clean workpiece more easily
• Protect your workpiece more effectively
• Maintain the surface of your workpiece for smoother holes

How do you know which lubricant to use for your project? 

There are a few things to consider. These include the speed of the drilling, the workpiece and the type of lubricant that is best for the project. 

You’ll need to think about how fast you are drilling - for high-speed drilling, coolant is essential as the drill will be working overtime. 

The workpiece is another thing to consider, as different materials have different properties. Very hard metals will result in a much higher level of friction as drill bits have to work harder to cut through the metal. This means that there is an increased need to cool down the drill bit as you work. 

Coolants and lubricants come in different forms, including oils (the most commonly used form), sprays and cutting pastes. Choosing the right lubricant or coolant for your project is the best way to get quality results. 

How else can you prevent friction and overheating?

Besides the use of these products, there are other ways to prevent friction and overheating. 

Always make sure that you use high-quality drill bits. 

These should be designed for the material you are drilling as well as the application. For example, metal drill bits such as HSS bits (High-Speed Steel Bits) are used to drill a wide range of metals. However, standard bits are not quite the same as industrial bits. Depending on the thickness of the metal and the application, you may need to use a stronger bit that can withstand intensive drilling. 

Stop to remove excess debris and chips as you drill. 

A major challenge when drilling metal is debris and metal chips. These can damage your workpiece and your drill bits. If tiny particles get trapped in the holes you are drilling, your drill bit will start to overheat. There is also a risk of bits getting stuck, which can damage your power tool. Use a lubricant or a bit of water to remove excess particles. 

Looking for the very best range of drill bits? Ruwag offers a selection of bits for every project. Browse our metal drill bits that will help you get even better results when using lubricants for drilling projects.