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Common Drilling Processes

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By jbc-admin

The drilling operation is an integral part of the manufacturing process. Machines, usually mills or drill presses, are used to drill holes of varying sizes and depths. Common functions in a drilling operation include tapping, countersinking, reaming, counterboring, and spot facing just to name a few examples.

  • Tapping
     
    This is the process of cutting threads in a drilled hole. There are many types of threads for various applications, such as standard 60° threads for off the shelf screws and bolts or tapered pipe threads for things like grease and pipe fittings to name a few.
  • Spot facing
     
    Another drilling operation is spot facing which is the process of providing a finished, circular surface around the top portion of a hole that has been drilled. This helps seat a washer or a bolt head properly. Spot facing is useful for using on irregular surfaces.
  • Countersinking and Counterboring
     
    Countersinking is a process which creates the symmetrical, sloped edge to hold a screw or bolt head below the surface of a drilled material. Counterboring is the process of enlarging a hole that has already been drilled to allow room for the screw head. The two terms are often used interchangeably but there are some slight differences. The primary difference is at the bottom of the drilled hole. The drilling operation of countersinking creates a conical shaped hole which will match the angle of a flathead screw. The hole can be deep or shallow and allow for the screw to rest flush on the surface of the workpiece. It can also be deep enough to allow for a plug to be installed over the screw once it is set. Counterboring has a flat-bottomed hole. A screw or bolt head can rest solidly atop a washer in the counterbore. The hole created is usually larger than the screw or bolt head and allows for the use of a socket wrench or other driving tool.

Visit the JBC Machine website to discuss your project with a representative who can help you find the right size drill for the job. You may also reach a representative by phone at (920) 779-4075.

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