CNC flow drilling
Flow drilling makes a hole in sheet or tube without removing material. The material is displaced and forms a collar, which can then be threaded.
How it works
A conical tool spins at high speed against the material; friction heat makes it locally formable and the tool presses through. The displaced material stays as a collar around the hole.
Where it fits
That collar makes the wall around the hole thicker than the sheet itself, so it can carry a thread without adding a nut or insert. That saves a line on the bill of materials and an assembly step.
Which materials
Flow drilling is done in steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass. The collar it forms reaches roughly three times the wall thickness of the material, and it is that collar which gives the thread enough length to carry a load.
Request
What we need to quote
If something is missing we will ask. If you are not sure yet yourself, we will look at it with you.
- material and thickness
- the quantities involved
- a drawing: DXF, STEP or a dimensioned PDF
- whether the part still needs finishing or assembly