Friction drilling

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The basic steps in the friction drilling process:
A. Applying pressure.
B. Tool heats target and melts through it.
C. Screw thread tapping. Flowdrill.png
The basic steps in the friction drilling process:
A. Applying pressure.
B. Tool heats target and melts through it.
C. Screw thread tapping.

Friction drilling is a method of making holes in metal in which the material is pushed out of the way with the aid of heat from friction. The process is also called thermal drilling, flow drilling, form drilling, or friction stir drilling. [1]

Contents

Friction drilling is commonly used on bicycle frames, heat exchangers, and to create holes for mounting bearings.

History

In 1923, the Frenchman Jean Claude de Valière tried making a tool that could make holes in metal by friction heat, instead of by machining. It was only a moderate success, because at that time the right materials were not yet available. Moreover, he hadn't yet discovered the right shape for this kind of tool.

It was not until the 1980s that a useful tool could be produced.[ citation needed ]

Principle

Friction drilling uses a conical bit made of very heat-resistant material such as cemented carbide. This device is pressed against a target material with both high rotational speed and high pressure. That way, there is a high local production of heat which softens the object, making it plastic. The tool then "sinks" through the object, making a hole in it. Lubricants help prevent work-material from adhering to the bit. Unlike drilling, material that is flowed is not lost but it forms a sleeve around the hole. The length of that sleeve is up to 3 times the original thickness of the material. The presence of this metal lip around hole edges makes connections stronger.

Several options are available with this technology. Bits may include a cutting device that removes the typical "collar" of plastified material that flows upwards, so that an even top surface is the result. Drilled starter holes may be used to reduce the required axial force and to leave a smooth finish in the bushing’s lower edge. Internal screw threads may be cut with taps or rolled with dies.

Advantages

Disadvantages

References

  1. Scott F. Miller; Albert J. Shih; Peter J. Blau (October 2005). "Microstructural alterations associated with friction drilling of steel, aluminum, and titanium" (PDF). Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance . 14 (5): 647–653. Bibcode:2005JMEP...14..647M. doi:10.1361/105994905x64558. S2CID   53559794. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-04. Retrieved 2013-03-12.
  2. 1 2 "Thermal Drilling". Machine Design. 23 October 2008.
  3. "Materials - Centerdrill". Archived from the original on 2013-05-11. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
  4. Criste, Erin (February 2013). "Steel Interchange" (PDF). Modern Steel Construction. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-02. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  5. "Maximum Wall Thickness". Archived from the original on 2013-05-11. Retrieved 2013-07-12.