An HSS annular cutter is faster than the regular spiral drill as it removes less material while drilling. This annular cutter is used to create holes in steel. It is more expensive than the spiral drill, The HSS annular cutter cuts the outside edge of a hole and then a chunk of steel from the core falls out. You can cut the hole about the inch you want as it comes in different dimensions. It is available from 12 mm diameter to 200 mm and larger. It is also available in different depths if you do not need to drill a hole.
An annular cutter is mainly of two types- The high-speed steel cutter and the tungsten carbide tipped cutter can be used with a drill press or even with a magnetic drilling machine. It also requires less force and time than the drill bit. An HSS annular cutter is preferable for regular drilling jobs as they are cheaper, can be easily resharpened which increases its life and needless RPM which reduces the load of the drilling machine thus increasing its life. The TCT annular cutters are used mainly while drilling very hard materials such as stainless steel or INOX.
How to select the correct HSS annular cutter?
There are many different types of annular cutter available for different materials. You need to select the correct annular cutter as it will provide better results, finish and also increased life of the cutter and the machine.
You need to know the material you are drilling before buying the drilling tools. Apart from the type of material used you also need to see that the cutter satisfies the diameter of the hole you want and also the depth of the cut. A wide range of annular cutters is available to cut the different materials such as carbon steel, aluminium, hard alloys like titanium and also stainless steel. It can drill even mild steel and also harder and flexible steel effectively.
After knowing the material you need to determine the cutter size as the different size cutter can destroy your hard work. Cutter size is measured by the depth and diameter. The actual depth of the cutter is usually longer than is mentioned to ensure the proper drilling of the material through the hole and also favours re-sharpening which will save you money in future.
For the mild steel, you can use the standard HSS cutter but while cutting a hard material you need a coated or carbide cutter. It will give you benefits such as increased life of the cutter and the tool, standard geometry. The companies manufacture SUPERCUT® HSS Annular Cutters in a variety of coatings to increase the life of the tool when used in harder materials.
The next precaution you need to take to know the perfect annular cutter is the geometry of its tooth. The angle of the teeth causes a difference in the way the tool will perform. The tool life will elongate with the use of precise teeth angles. It will also increase the accuracy of the cut. The companies manufacture different geometries annular cutters such as 2 angles, 2 & 3 angles, Stack- Cut and more to ensure the best success.
Cutting a single piece of steel is carried out through a standard geometry annular cutter. They produce a slug with the cleanest hole very quickly. But when you need to punch a hole in two or more plates at once you need the cutters with stack- cut geometry. It will produce around cylinder slug neatly.
You need to be careful while using the machine to save the cutter from breaking or getting prematurely dull. If the feed rates are slow it can reduce the life of the cutter. To maximize the tool life and its performance using a firm and steady feed pressure. The cutter will produce long stringy chips which would resemble a bird’s nest around the cutter.
Things you need to do after selecting the proper cutter:
Once you have selected the correct annular cutter, you need to take proper care of the tool to ensure the longevity of its life.
- Always use some type of lubricant when using an annular cutter. It will keep the cutting tool cooler, increase its working life and will also provide a better hole finishing. There are many lubricants available for use with annular cutters and also other cutting applications.
- Using a sharp HSS annular cutter will cut better.
- Make sure that the mounting system holding the tool is strong and secure else the cutter and fall and can break. Also, the arbour needs to be rigid.
- Using the pilot pin will ensure that the slugs are ejected.
- Apply steady feed pressure when using the tool so that you pull a good amount of chip.
- Always call your supplier or the manufacturer in case of any doubt as they are the best persons which can guide you through your hole cutting decisions.
HSS Annular cutters are one of the best tools to use on any material whether it is sheet metal or a thick plate. It makes the drilling process much easier and faster and also lasts longer than the regular spiral drills. You need to choose the correct annular drill and there will be no steel which you won’t be able to drill.
If you’re looking for any kind of HSS Annular cutter for your drilling usage, You can visit our website and order your best from our wide range of SUPERCUT® HSS Annular cutters for drilling.