Another Recent Application - And more ON TOPIC metalworking content

Joe AutoDrill · 2013-08-20T11:57:07+00:00

So I promised to post some of our challenges here... We do simple drilling in most cases. No CNC, no feed calculations, just an air stroked automatic drilling machine with a supplemental hydraulic feed control that is manually adjustable. You look at the chips and determine whether you need to go faster or slower, etc. RPM rates are usually conservative but slightly adjustable. It's a purpose built machine for most people. So... I've got a return customer who loves our product. We were initially nervous about selling to this guy because of the difficulty of this projects, but it turns out he implemented drill bushings and all other types of stabilization that made it a huge success. ...And we were transparent with him about our concerns from day #1 but he admitted that after many calls, we were the people who would actually work with him and provide a custom solution for an affordable cost. Anyhow... He calls me a few days ago with a new challenge. He needs to drill six holes in one stroke. 7/8" diameter in ductile cast iron. Nothing fancy, just needs thru holes for mounting a flange-type part. Problem is, the largest machine I have is a 3 HP unit (sometimes 5 HP on special jobs). It can only create 1000 lbs. of thrust at 100 psi shop air and we really don't like pushing it with more air because the components inside have not been tested under heaver loads in a production atmosphere. We've run as high as 1600 lbs. of thrust for a number of tests, but tests are different than real life, day in and day out use... So, after the standard "Well, you know we need to really think this through because it's once again a uniquely challenging application." statements, we dig into it. His cycle time isn't critical but being able to press a button and walk away is. We came up with a staggered length head design that we believe will work for him. In essence, the machine will only see the load of two holes at a time as the "bits" will pass thru...

Aug 20, 2013 23 Replies

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Tom Gardner 12 years ago

A man after my own heart! I still use my Commander where the volume justifies it though parts are expensive and getting scarce. I see the time where we will have to make our own U-joints and such.

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Tom Gardner 12 years ago

Yep, they make a fortune on extended warranties and push them hard...except when it's obvious the extended warranty will cost them.

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Joe AutoDrill 12 years ago

Try Midwest Multi-Drill. 630-832-3907. Tell them we said hello after you leave a message on their machine and they call you back. :)

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Tom Gardner 12 years ago

Salute!

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