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What Are Micro Drill Bits Used For: Complete Guide
Micro drill bits help make tiny holes. These small tools help you create precise openings in various materials. Many people use them for hobby work and professional tasks. The bits can drill holes smaller than a human hair. You can work with different materials using these specialized tools.
Micro Drill Bits and Their Sizes
Micro drill bits are tiny cutting tools that are used to make very small holes with high precision. The bits have diameters ranging from 0.1mm to 3mm. You will see how thin the little ones are. Certain bits are only 0.05mm in diameter. These are tools that are sharp in nature and which have special grooves known as flutes. The flutes assist in the elimination of material when drilling.
The bits follow a number system for sizing. Higher numbers mean smaller diameters. For example, a #80 bit measures 0.0135 inches while a #60 bit measures larger.
Micro Drill Bits Applications
PCB Circuit Board Drilling
You will use micro drill bits extensively for printed circuit board work. Electronics projects require tiny holes for component leads and connections. The bits drill through copper-clad boards and fibreglass materials. PCB drilling needs sizes between 0.3mm and 1.2mm most often.
Circuit board manufacturers rely on carbide micro drill bits for production. These bits can handle thousands of holes without dulling. You must use high speeds when drilling PCBs. The spindle speed should reach 80,000 to 150,000 RPM for the best results. Lower speeds cause overheating and bit breakage.
Jewelry Making and Metal Craft
You will use micro drill bits to a large extent on printed circuit boards. Electromagnetic projects demand minute holes in which the leads of the components and connections connect. The bits are cut in copper-clad boards and fiberglass. Most commonly, PCB drilling requires 0.3mm-1.2mm in size.
The manufacturers of circuit boards also use carbide micro drill bits. Thousands of holes can be used in these bits before they become dull. High speeds should be used when drilling PCBs. Ideally, the spindle beat is 80000-150000 RPM. Reduced speeds result in overheating and bit breakage.
Aerospace and Industrial Manufacturing
Micro drill bits are applied to turbine blades to create cooling holes for aerospace companies. These bits will prove to be crucial towards making fuel line passages. Sensors and other monitoring devices require an array of holes of specific sizes in aircraft parts. The holes should be precise since the safety is based on the correct air flow and fuel supply.
Small holes are drilled in medical equipment and scientific instruments by industrial manufacturers. You require micro drill bits for making precise openings in the surgical tools. Miniature holes are needed in the laboratory equipment to carry fluids.
Watchmaking and Clock Repair
Watchmakers rely on micro drill bits in fixing and making timepieces. You will pierce holes in pivots and gear shafts. The job is very delicate due to the minute sizes of watch parts. The bits of 0.5mm to 1.5mm are commonly used in watch repair shops.
Clock repair frequently requires holes of small holes. Drilling by hand with pin vises will provide the greatest amount of control. The bits assist you in practising on fine machines without breaking them. Watch work micro drills were the specialized work of many professionals who have a full set of micro drill bits.
Carbide vs HSS Micro Drill Bit Materials
Carbide micro drill bits offer superior hardness and durability. You will find them made from tungsten carbide material. These bits last much longer than other types. Carbide handles hard materials like fiberglass, stainless steel, and ceramics. The bits maintain sharp edges even after thousands of holes.
High-speed steel bits cost less but dull faster. You should use HSS bits for softer materials like wood and plastic. They work fine for occasional hobby use.
PCD Micro Drills
When you need to drill through very hard materials carbide drills are not enough. In this situation, you will use PCD micro drill.
These tools are the toughest you can buy. They are almost as hard as real diamond! They are extremely hard and can last a very, very long time.
Different Kinds of PCD Drills
You will see two main types of these special diamond drills. They are made differently to handle different cutting jobs:
Solid Diamond Tip Drills
This diamond tip is glued very strongly onto a regular metal stick. These solid tip drills are usually for the smallest holes. Solid diamond tip drills give you the most strength and diamond at the right place. You use them for special aluminum and very hard ceramics.
Diamond-Tipped Drills
The second type of PCD drill is the Diamond Tipped Drill. With these, the diamond material is only added to the cutting edges. This is often used for bigger drills, but it’s also used for small drills to save money. Because you will require less diamond. You can use diamond tipped drills for materials made of different layers stuck together.
Proper Speed Settings for Micro Drilling Work
You must use high speeds when working with micro drill bits. Small diameters require faster rotation to cut efficiently. Speeds between 65,000 and 350,000 RPM work best, depending on bit size. Slower speeds cause excessive heat and premature failure.
Standard power drills spin too slowly for micro drill bits. You need specialized high-speed rotary tools or CNC machines.
After that, you should adjust your feed rate carefully. Pushing too hard breaks the bit instantly. Light pressure with steady motion produces the best holes.
Tool Holding Options and Equipment Needed
Pin vises provide excellent control for hand drilling with micro bits. You grip the vise like a pencil and rotate it manually. This method works perfectly for hobby projects and delicate work. Pin vises accept bits from 0.1mm to 3mm, typically.
Collet chucks hold micro drill bits securely in rotary tools. You need the correct collet size to match your bit shank. Most micro bits have 3mm or 1/8 inch shanks.
Common Materials You Can Drill With Micro Bits
Wood and plywood drill easily with micro bits. You will get clean holes in both hard and soft woods. Particle board and MDF also work well. Use lower speeds for wood to prevent burning and bit grabbing.
Plastics, including acrylic, PVC, and polycarbonate, drill nicely. You should use sharp bits and steady pressure. Melted plastic can clog the flutes, so work slowly. Some plastics need cooling to prevent melting around the hole.
Proper Storage and Organization Methods
You need to store micro drill bits carefully to prevent damage. Small plastic cases with labeled compartments work well. You can see each size at a glance. Index card systems help you track which sizes you have.
Keep bits away from moisture to prevent rust. You should store them in a dry location. Some people use silica gel packets in storage cases. Oil coating protects bits during long-term storage.
Safety Precautions When Using Micro Drill Bits
Wearing safety glasses should be observed during drilling. Flying chips may cause your eyes to get seriously damaged. The small particles will fracture without warning, and the fragments will be flying at a very high speed. Face masks will offer additional coverage to your skin.
Before drilling, ensure your piece of work is fixed. You can not keep the small parts in your hand the small parts. Apply clamps, vises or dedicated holders. The material that is in motion breaks bits and causes injuries.
Extending Micro Drill Bit Service Life
You will get more use from bits by following proper techniques. Starting with light pressure helps bits last longer. Letting the tool reach full speed before touching the material reduces stress. Withdrawing the bit periodically clears chips and prevents clogging.
Using appropriate cutting fluids extends bit life significantly. You can apply lubricant to the cutting area. Some materials drill dry, but most benefit from lubrication. Water works for some applications while oil suits others better.
Choosing the Right Bit Size for Your Project
You need to match the drill bit diameter to your specific requirements. Component leads determine the hole size for electronics work. Jewelry findings require holes slightly larger than the wire diameter. Model details need sizes that maintain proper scale.
Measuring existing holes helps you select replacement bits. You can use precision calipers or hole gauges. Many projects provide specifications for required hole sizes. Following the plans ensures parts fit correctly.
Where to Buy Quality Micro Drill Bits
Speciality tool suppliers carry extensive micro bit selections. You can contact us to make a purchase. We offer both carbide micro drill bits and PCD micro drill bits.
You can read reviews before purchasing. Sets offer better value than individual bits for beginners. Professional users often buy bits in bulk for production work.
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